Greece
By Bridget H
History:
Greece got independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1830. In World War II (1940), Italy invaded Greece. Greece was occupied by Germany from 1941-1944. They then joined NATO in 1952. In 1974, democratic elections and a refurendum created a parliamentary republic, and abolished the monarchy. In 1981, Greece joined the EU and became the 12th member of the European Economic and Monetary Union in 2001.
Year of joining the European Union:
1981 (Not one of the founders)
Location:
39 00 N, 22 00 E
Capital:
Athens
Flag:
The cross symbolizes Greek Orthodoxy, the established religion of Greece. There is no agreed upon meaning for the 9 stripes or for the colors (blue & white).
Major Cities:
•Thessaloniki
•Patras
•Larissa
•Heraklion
Surrounding Places:
•Albania
•Turkey
•Southern Europe
•Aegean Sea
•Ionian Sea
•Mediterranean Sea
Tourism
Santorini:
famous for its beautiful views, jaw-dropping sunsets, the white houses, and its very own active volcano.
Parthenon, Acropolis:
construction started in 447 BC, replacing and older temple that was destroyed by the Persians, and completed in 432 BC.
Athens:
presents a confusing blend of historical and modern features. Athens is famous for its archaeological ruins
Government Type:
Parliamentary Republic: type of republic that operates under a parliamentary system of government where the executive branch derives its legitmacy from and is accountable to the legislature.
Currency:
Greece uses Euros, but before, they used Drachma banknotes.
Physical Features:
Interesting Facts:
•The first Olympics were held in Greece
•Greece is one of the oldest countries in Europe
•The National Anthem has a total of 158 verses