General Information
Area: 131,957 sq km (50,949
sq miles).
Population: 10,645,343 (July
2002 est.)
Population Growth Rate: 0.2% (2002 est.)
Population Density: 82.9 per sq km.
Capital: Athens
Ethnicity / Race: Greek 98%,
other 2%
note: the Greek Government states there are no
ethnic divisions in Greece
Language: Greek (Ellenika).
Most people connected with tourism and those of
a younger generation will speak some English,
German, Italian or French.
Currency: Single European currency
(Euro): The Euro is now the official currency
of 12 EU member states (including Greece). The
first Euro coins and notes were introduced in
January 2002; the Greek Drachma was still in circulation
until 28 February 2002, when it was completely
replaced by the Euro. Euro (€) = 100 cents.
Notes are in denominations of €500, 200,
100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations
of €2, 1 and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.
Religion: 97 per cent Greek
Orthodox, with Muslim, Roman Catholic and Jewish
minorities.
Time: GMT + 2 (GMT + 3 from
last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).
Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50Hz.
Round two-pin plugs are used.
Health: There is a reciprocal
health agreement with the United Kingdom, but
it is poorly implemented and it is an essential
precaution to take out holiday insurance. Refunds
for medical treatment are theoretically available
from the Greek Social Insurance Foundation on
presentation of form E111 (see the Health appendix).
Tipping: 12-15 per cent is usual.
Safety: Food & drink: Water
quality varies from area to area, depending on
the source, but in most regions is excellent.
Bottled water is available and is advised for
the first few weeks of the stay. Milk is pasteurised
and dairy products are safe for consumption. Local
meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are
considered safe to eat.
Customs: Visitors to forested
areas should consider vaccination for tick-borne
encephalitis. |
