Some interesting facts about Greece

What do we know about Greece ? Probably not very much. For example, we all taught Greek history in school, all familiar Greek salad. But this sunny and unusual country constantly attracts tourists from all over the world. A few interesting facts about Greece will help us to better know it.

Greece - the most interesting facts about the country

1. Greece is located in the south of Europe on the Balkan Peninsula and numerous adjacent islands, the largest of which is the legendary Crete . In the capital, Athens, more than 40% of the total population of Greece lives. Every year more than 16.5 million tourists visit the country - this is even more than the entire population of Greece. In general, tourism is the leading branch of the country's economy.
2. The mountains occupy about 80% of the entire territory of Greece. Because of this, there is not a single navigable river.
3. Almost the whole population of Greece is the Greeks, Turks, Macedonians, Albanians, Gypsies, Armenians live here.
4. All Greek men must serve in the army for 1-1,5 years. At the same time, the state spends 6% of GDP on the needs of the army.
5. Today, the average life expectancy of Greek women is 82 years, and men - 77 years. In terms of life expectancy, Greece ranks 26th in the world.
6. Getting a higher education in Greece is quite difficult because of its high cost. Therefore, most often Greeks leave for other countries - it costs less.
7. Petrol in Greece is very expensive. In cities there are no gas stations at all, they can be found only on highways. In cities, there are private gas stations located on the first floors of residential buildings. Traffic regulations are almost never observed by pedestrians or drivers.
8. An unusual fact about Greece is that there are no old people's homes in the country: all elderly people live in the families of their children and grandchildren, and children live with their parents before they marry. ZAGS in Greece, too, no. Young people are married, this is the official procedure for marriage. And only people who are baptized can get married. After marriage, a woman can not take her husband's surname, but she must certainly leave her husband. Children can be given a surname or father or mother. There are practically no divorces in Greece.
9. Curious fact about Greece: its inhabitants are very hospitable, they will certainly feed the guest. However, it is not customary to come here empty-handed: you need to bring watermelon or other sweets. But for the New Year the Greeks always give to relatives and friends an old stone, symbolizing wealth. And at the same time they want the money of the gifted person to be as heavy as this stone.
10. "Hot" Greeks are desperately gesticulating at a conversation, and when they meet, they necessarily kiss on both cheeks, even men.
11. Interesting fact about Greece: going to a cafe and ordering any drink, you will get free sweets, and while you are waiting for your order, you will be offered a free glass of water, and it's not in vain: they do not serve here very quickly.

A few facts about the nature of Greece

1. The entire territory of the country is washed by five seas: the Mediterranean, Ionian, Cretan, Thrace and Aegean.
2. From any place in Greece to the shore of the sea will be no more than 137 km.
3. In the famous Butterfly Valley, located on the island of Rhodes, you can admire the many amazing creatures that fly here in the summer.
4. In the sea through the purest layer of water you can see the crab crawling on the bottom. A lot of migratory birds from Europe and Asia hibernate here in marshy areas.