Things you might not have known about Greece - fun facts

Greece is a fascinating country with a rich history and culture. 

Here are some fun facts about Greece that you might not know:

1. - Greece enjoys more than 250 days of sunshine -or 3,000 sunny hours- a year.
2. - No point in Greece is more than 85 miles or 137 kilometers from water.
3. - The Acropolis of Athens was a runner-up for the New 7 Wonders of the World.
4. - Greece is made up of thousands of islands, with only around 200 of them being inhabited.
5. - Greece has 18 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including world-famous sites like the Acropolis of Athens, the Temple of Apollo, Meteora, and the Old Town of Corfu                                   
   
   
6. - 80% of Greece is made up of mountains, making it one of the most mountainous countries in Europe.
7. - Greece has an impressive coastline of 16,000 kilometers (9,942 miles), making it the 10th longest coastline in the world.
8. - The official name of Greece is not actually Greece, but Hellas or Hellada and the complete official name is the Hellenic Republic.
9. - In certain spots in Greece, you can’t wear high heels because they might damage the ancient stone floors.
   
   
   
10. - Democracy was born in Greece. The idea dates back to the fifth century BC and has influenced many of the modern democratic nations of today.
11. - Greek is the oldest language in the world that’s still used. Greek was founded over 5000 years ago, which makes the Greek language older than any other European language.
12. - Greece inspired the Olympic Games. The first Olympic Games were held in Olympia, Greece in 776 BC and were dedicated to Zeus, the king of the gods.
13. - The yo-yo was invented in Greece in 500 BC. It was made of wood, metal or terracotta and was used as a toy or a weapon.
    
    
    
14. - Name days are almost as big as birthdays in Greece. Many Greek names come from religious saints and each of these saints is celebrated by the church on a specific day. On that day, people with the same name as the saint are wished a happy name day and throw a party with family, friends and even neighbors.
15. - The “evil eye” is the most common superstition among Greeks. It is believed that it can protect you from any curses an angry person might throw your way. Many Greeks carry a token with an eye symbol around for security.
16. Greece is one of the oldest civilizations in the world, with a history that dates back thousands of years. It is known as the cradle of Western civilization, as many of the ideas and concepts that we take for granted today, such as democracy, philosophy, and literature, originated in ancient Greece.
    
    
    
17. The Greek flag is one of the most recognizable flags in the world. It consists of nine horizontal stripes of blue and white, with a white cross on a blue background in the upper left corner. The stripes represent the nine syllables of the Greek phrase "Eleftheria i thanatos," which means "freedom or death.
18. Greece is home to over 6,000 islands, although only about 227 of them are inhabited. The largest island is Crete, which has a population of over 600,000 people.
19. The Greek language has been spoken for over 3,000 years and is one of the oldest languages in the world. It is the official language of Greece and Cyprus and is also spoken by millions of people around the world.
    
    
    
20. The Olympic Games originated in ancient Greece and were held every four years in Olympia from 776 BC to 393 AD. The modern Olympic Games were revived in Athens in 1896 and have been held every four years ever since.
21. Greece is known for its delicious cuisine, which includes dishes like moussaka, souvlaki, and tzatziki. Greek cuisine is based on fresh, seasonal ingredients and is known for its use of olive oil, herbs, and spices.
    
    
    
22. The Greek Orthodox Church is the dominant religion in Greece and has played a major role in the country's history and culture. Greece is also home to a significant Muslim minority, particularly in the northeastern region of Thrace.
23. Greek mythology is full of fascinating stories and characters, such as Zeus, Athena, and Hercules. These myths have inspired countless works of art and literature over the centuries and continue to captivate people around the world.
24. The Parthenon, located on the Acropolis in Athens, is one of the most famous landmarks in the world. It was built in the 5th century BC as a temple to the goddess Athena and is considered one of the greatest achievements of ancient Greek architecture.
    
    
    
25. Greece is a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors each year. Some of the most popular tourist attractions include the Acropolis, the island of Santorini, and the ancient city of Delphi.
26. The Greek alphabet has 24 letters, and many of them are used in science and mathematics to represent variables and concepts. For example, the letter "pi" is used to represent the mathematical constant pi.
27. The Greek word "philosophy" means "love of wisdom." The ancient Greeks were known for their philosophical ideas and debates, which continue to influence Western thought to this day.
28. Greece has a rich tradition of music and dance, with many different styles and genres. Some of the most famous Greek musicians include Mikis Theodorakis, Nana Mouskouri, and Vangelis.
29. The Greek island of Zakynthos is home to the endangered loggerhead sea turtle, which nests on the island's beaches each year. The island is also known for its stunning natural beauty, including the famous Navagio Beach.
    
    
    
30. Greece has a long tradition of winemaking, with some of the oldest vineyards in the world. Some of the most famous Greek wines include retsina, ouzo, and Santorini's Assyrtiko.
31. The Greek word "democracy" comes from the Greek words "demos" (people) and "kratos" (power). Democracy was first introduced in Athens in the 5th century BC and has since become one of the most important political concepts in the world.
32. The Greek island of Mykonos is known for its vibrant nightlife and party scene. It attracts thousands of visitors each year, particularly during the summer months.
33. The Greek word "agora" means "marketplace," and in ancient Greece, the agora was the center of social and political life. It was a place where people would gather to buy and sell goods, discuss politics, and socialize.
34. The Greek island of Hydra has a unique ban on motorized vehicles, which means that the only modes of transportation are by foot, donkey, or boat. This has helped to preserve the island's traditional way of life and natural beauty.
35. The Greek word "kouros" means "young man" and refers to a type of statue that was popular in ancient Greece. These statues were typical of young, athletic men and were used in religious and funerary contexts.

In conclusion, Greece is a fascinating country with a rich history, culture, and natural beauty. From its ancient ruins and mythology to its delicious cuisine and vibrant nightlife, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Greece.

I hope you enjoyed these fun facts about Greece!

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