Knelstrom Intelligence · World Factbook
Greece
Hellenic Republic
CapitalAthens
Population10,413,962
GDP$280.6bn
Area131,957 km²
RegionEurope & Central Asia
Data sources current · last checked September 20, 2026 2:10 am
Country facts
Overview
Background
Greece won independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1830 and became a kingdom. During the second half of the 19th century and the first half of the 20th century, it gradually added neighboring islands and territories, most with Greek-speaking populations. In World War II, Greece was first invaded by Italy (1940) and subsequently occupied by Germany (1941-44); fighting endured in a protracted civil war between supporters of the king and other anti-communist and communist rebels. The communists were defeated in 1949, and Greece joined NATO in 1952. In 1967, a military coup forced the king to flee the country. The ensuing military dictatorship collapsed in 1974, and Greece abolished the monarchy to become a parliamentary republic.
In 1981, Greece joined the EC (now the EU); it became the 12th member of the European Economic and Monetary Union in 2001. From 2009 until 2019, Greece suffered a severe economic crisis due to nearly a decade of chronic overspending and structural rigidities. Beginning in 2010, Greece entered three bailout agreements -- the first two with the European Commission, the European Central Bank, and the IMF; and the third in 2015 with the European Stability Mechanism -- worth in total about $300 billion. The Greek Government formally exited the third bailout in 2018, and Greece's economy has since improved significantly. In 2022, the country finalized its early repayment to the IMF and graduated on schedule from the EU's enhanced surveillance framework.
Reference: 2022, 2019, 2018, 2015In 1981, Greece joined the EC (now the EU); it became the 12th member of the European Economic and Monetary Union in 2001. From 2009 until 2019, Greece suffered a severe economic crisis due to nearly a decade of chronic overspending and structural rigidities. Beginning in 2010, Greece entered three bailout agreements -- the first two with the European Commission, the European Central Bank, and the IMF; and the third in 2015 with the European Stability Mechanism -- worth in total about $300 billion. The Greek Government formally exited the third bailout in 2018, and Greece's economy has since improved significantly. In 2022, the country finalized its early repayment to the IMF and graduated on schedule from the EU's enhanced surveillance framework.
Geography
Location
Southern Europe, bordering the Aegean Sea, Ionian Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea, between Albania and Turkey
Map references
Europe
Area
total: 131,957 sq km
land: 130,647 sq km
water: 1,310 sq km
land: 130,647 sq km
water: 1,310 sq km
Area - comparative
slightly smaller than Alabama
Land boundaries
total: 1,110 km
border countries: Albania 212 km; Bulgaria 472 km; North Macedonia 234 km; Turkey 192 km
border countries: Albania 212 km; Bulgaria 472 km; North Macedonia 234 km; Turkey 192 km
Coastline
13,676 km
Maritime claims
territorial sea: 6 nm
continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation
continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation
Climate
temperate; mild, wet winters; hot, dry summers
Terrain
mountainous with ranges extending into the sea as peninsulas or chains of islands
Elevation
highest point: Mount Olympus 2,917
lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m
mean elevation: 498 m
note: note: Mount Olympus actually has 52 peaks but its highest point, Mytikas (meaning "nose"), rises to 2,917 meters; in Greek mythology, Olympus' Mytikas peak was the home of the Greek gods
lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m
mean elevation: 498 m
note: note: Mount Olympus actually has 52 peaks but its highest point, Mytikas (meaning "nose"), rises to 2,917 meters; in Greek mythology, Olympus' Mytikas peak was the home of the Greek gods
Natural resources
lignite, petroleum, iron ore, bauxite, lead, zinc, nickel, magnesite, marble, salt, hydropower potential
Land use
agricultural land: 41.7% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 14.4% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 8% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 19.2% (2023 est.)
forest: 36.9% (2023 est.)
other: 21.3% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 14.4% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 8% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 19.2% (2023 est.)
forest: 36.9% (2023 est.)
other: 21.3% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
12,191 sq km (2021)
Reference: 2021Population distribution
one third of the population lives in and around metropolitan Athens; the remainder of the country has moderate population density mixed with sizeable urban clusters
Natural hazards
severe earthquakes
volcanism: Santorini (367 m) has been deemed a Decade Volcano by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior, worthy of study due to its explosive history and close proximity to human populations; Methana and Nisyros in the Aegean are also classified as historically active
volcanism: Santorini (367 m) has been deemed a Decade Volcano by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior, worthy of study due to its explosive history and close proximity to human populations; Methana and Nisyros in the Aegean are also classified as historically active
Geography - note
strategic location dominating the Aegean Sea and southern approach to Turkish Straits; a peninsular country, with an archipelago of about 2,000 islands
Population & Society
Nationality
noun: Greek(s)
adjective: Greek
adjective: Greek
Ethnic groups
Greek 91.6%, Albanian 4.4%, other 4% (2011 est.)
note: note: data represent citizenship; Greece does not collect data on ethnicity
Reference: 2011note: note: data represent citizenship; Greece does not collect data on ethnicity
Languages
Languages: Greek (official) 99%, other (includes English and French) 1%
major-language sample(s): Το Παγκόσμιο Βιβλίο Δεδομένων, η απαραίτητη πηγή βασικών πληροφοριών. (Greek)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
major-language sample(s): Το Παγκόσμιο Βιβλίο Δεδομένων, η απαραίτητη πηγή βασικών πληροφοριών. (Greek)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Religions
Greek Orthodox 81-90%, Muslim 2%, other 3%, none 4-15%, unspecified 1% (2015 est.)
Reference: 2015Age structure
0-14 years: 13.8% (male 742,131/female 699,079)
15-64 years: 62.6% (male 3,278,906/female 3,267,140)
65 years and over: 23.6% (2024 est.) (male 1,096,825/female 1,377,010)
Reference: 202415-64 years: 62.6% (male 3,278,906/female 3,267,140)
65 years and over: 23.6% (2024 est.) (male 1,096,825/female 1,377,010)
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio: 59.8 (2024 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 22 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 37.8 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 2.6 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024youth dependency ratio: 22 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 37.8 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 2.6 (2024 est.)
Median age
total: 46.5 years (2024 est.)
male: 44.6 years
female: 48.3 years
Reference: 2024male: 44.6 years
female: 48.3 years
Population growth rate
-0.35% (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Birth rate
7.4 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Death rate
12 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Population distribution
one third of the population lives in and around metropolitan Athens; the remainder of the country has moderate population density mixed with sizeable urban clusters
Major urban areas - population
3.154 million ATHENS (capital), 815,000 Thessaloniki (2023)
Reference: 2023Sex ratio
at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female
total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Reference: 20240-14 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female
total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth
30.7 years (2020 est.)
Reference: 2020Maternal mortality ratio
5 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Gross reproduction rate
0.68 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Drinking water source
improved: urban: urban: 100% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 100% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 100% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: rural: rural: 100% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 100% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 9.2% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 8.7% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 8.7% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
6.58 physicians/1,000 population (2022)
Reference: 2022Hospital bed density
4.2 beds/1,000 population (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019Sanitation facility access
improved: urban: urban: 100% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 100% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 100% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: rural: rural: 100% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 100% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
24.9% (2016)
Reference: 2016Alcohol consumption per capita
total: 6.33 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 2.13 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 2.66 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 1.45 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0.08 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019beer: 2.13 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 2.66 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 1.45 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0.08 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Tobacco use
total: 27.3% (2025 est.)
male: 30.3% (2025 est.)
female: 24.6% (2025 est.)
male: 30.3% (2025 est.)
female: 24.6% (2025 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
54.1% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 21 years (2022 est.)
male: 21 years (2022 est.)
female: 21 years (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022male: 21 years (2022 est.)
female: 21 years (2022 est.)
Migration & Displacement
Immigrant/emigrant stock measures the number of international migrants resident in, or originating from, the country; it is not the same as annual immigration/emigration flows.
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 144,694 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 3,743 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024stateless persons: 3,743 (2024 est.)
Government & Politics
| Office | Holder | Affiliation | From | Status | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head of state | Konstantinos Tasoulas | — | 2025-03-13 | Current | Reported |
| Head of government | Kyriakos Mitsotakis | — | 2019-06-08 | Current | Reported |
Country name
conventional long form: Hellenic Republic
conventional short form: Greece
local long form: Elliniki Dimokratia
local short form: Ellas or Ellada
former: Hellenic State, Kingdom of Greece
etymology: the English name derives from the Roman (Latin) designation Graecia, meaning "Land of the Greeks"; the Greeks call their country Ellas or Ellada, which is probably derived from Hellas, the name of the mythical son of Deucalian
conventional short form: Greece
local long form: Elliniki Dimokratia
local short form: Ellas or Ellada
former: Hellenic State, Kingdom of Greece
etymology: the English name derives from the Roman (Latin) designation Graecia, meaning "Land of the Greeks"; the Greeks call their country Ellas or Ellada, which is probably derived from Hellas, the name of the mythical son of Deucalian
Capital
name: Athens
geographic coordinates: 37 59 N, 23 44 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October
etymology: the origin of the name is uncertain; according to tradition, the city is named after Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom, but the name is probably pre-Hellenic
geographic coordinates: 37 59 N, 23 44 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October
etymology: the origin of the name is uncertain; according to tradition, the city is named after Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom, but the name is probably pre-Hellenic
Administrative divisions
13 regions (perifereies, singular - perifereia) and 1 autonomous monastic state* (aftonomi monastiki politeia); Agion Oros* (Mount Athos), Anatoliki Makedonia kai Thraki (East Macedonia and Thrace), Attiki (Attica), Dytiki Ellada (West Greece), Dytiki Makedonia (West Macedonia), Ionia Nisia (Ionian Islands), Ipeiros (Epirus), Kentriki Makedonia (Central Macedonia), Kriti (Crete), Notio Aigaio (South Aegean), Peloponnisos (Peloponnese), Sterea Ellada (Central Greece), Thessalia (Thessaly), Voreio Aigaio (North Aegean)
Legal system
civil legal system based on Roman law
Constitution
history: many previous; latest entered into force 11 June 1975
amendment process: proposed by at least 50 members of Parliament and agreed by three-fifths majority vote in two separate ballots at least 30 days apart; passage requires absolute majority vote by the next elected Parliament; entry into force finalized through a "special parliamentary resolution"; articles on human rights and freedoms and the form of government cannot be amended
Reference: 1975amendment process: proposed by at least 50 members of Parliament and agreed by three-fifths majority vote in two separate ballots at least 30 days apart; passage requires absolute majority vote by the next elected Parliament; entry into force finalized through a "special parliamentary resolution"; articles on human rights and freedoms and the form of government cannot be amended
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Citizenship
citizenship by birth: no
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Greece
dual citizenship recognized: yes
residency requirement for naturalization: 10 years
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Greece
dual citizenship recognized: yes
residency requirement for naturalization: 10 years
Suffrage
17 years of age; universal and compulsory
Executive branch
chief of state: President Konstantinos TASOULAS (since 13 March 2025)
head of government: Prime Minister Kyriakos MITSOTAKIS (since 26 June 2023)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the recommendation of the prime minister
election/appointment process: president elected by Hellenic Parliament for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); president appoints as prime minister the leader of the majority party or coalition in the Hellenic Parliament
most recent election date: 12 February 2025
election results: 2025: Konstantinos TASOULAS (ND) elected president by Parliament - 160 of 300 votes
2020: Katerina SAKELLAROPOULOU (independent) elected president by Parliament - 261 of 300 votes
expected date of next election: 2030
Reference: 2030, 2025, 2023, 2020head of government: Prime Minister Kyriakos MITSOTAKIS (since 26 June 2023)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the recommendation of the prime minister
election/appointment process: president elected by Hellenic Parliament for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); president appoints as prime minister the leader of the majority party or coalition in the Hellenic Parliament
most recent election date: 12 February 2025
election results: 2025: Konstantinos TASOULAS (ND) elected president by Parliament - 160 of 300 votes
2020: Katerina SAKELLAROPOULOU (independent) elected president by Parliament - 261 of 300 votes
expected date of next election: 2030
Legislative branch
legislature name: Hellenic Parliament (Vouli Ton Ellinon)
legislative structure: unicameral
number of seats: 300 (all directly elected)
electoral system: proportional representation
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 4 years
most recent election date: 6/25/2023
parties elected and seats per party: New Democracy (ND) (158); Coalition of the Radical Left (SYRIZA) (47); Panhellenic Socialist Movement - Movement for Change (PASOK-KINAL) (32); Communist Party (KKE) (21); Other (42)
percentage of women in chamber: 22.9%
expected date of next election: June 2027
note: note: only parties surpassing a 3% vote threshold are entitled to parliamentary seats; parties need 10 seats to become formal parliamentary groups but can retain that status if the party participated in the last election and received the minimum 3% threshold
Reference: 2027, 2023legislative structure: unicameral
number of seats: 300 (all directly elected)
electoral system: proportional representation
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 4 years
most recent election date: 6/25/2023
parties elected and seats per party: New Democracy (ND) (158); Coalition of the Radical Left (SYRIZA) (47); Panhellenic Socialist Movement - Movement for Change (PASOK-KINAL) (32); Communist Party (KKE) (21); Other (42)
percentage of women in chamber: 22.9%
expected date of next election: June 2027
note: note: only parties surpassing a 3% vote threshold are entitled to parliamentary seats; parties need 10 seats to become formal parliamentary groups but can retain that status if the party participated in the last election and received the minimum 3% threshold
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Supreme Civil and Criminal Court or Areios Pagos (consists of 56 judges, including the court presidents); Council of State (supreme administrative court) consists of the president, 7 vice presidents, 42 privy councilors, 48 associate councilors and 50 reporting judges, organized into six 5- and 7-member chambers; Court of Audit (government audit and enforcement) consists of the president, 5 vice presidents, 20 councilors, and 90 associate and reporting judges
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judges appointed by presidential decree on the advice of the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC), which includes the president of the Supreme Court, other judges, and the prosecutor of the Supreme Court; judges appointed for life after a 2-year probationary period; Council of State president appointed by the Greek Cabinet to serve a 4-year term; other judge appointments and tenure NA; Court of Audit president appointed by decree of the president of the republic on the advice of the SJC; court president serves a 4-year term or until age 67; tenure of vice presidents, councilors, and judges NA
subordinate courts: Courts of Appeal and Courts of First Instance (district courts)
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judges appointed by presidential decree on the advice of the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC), which includes the president of the Supreme Court, other judges, and the prosecutor of the Supreme Court; judges appointed for life after a 2-year probationary period; Council of State president appointed by the Greek Cabinet to serve a 4-year term; other judge appointments and tenure NA; Court of Audit president appointed by decree of the president of the republic on the advice of the SJC; court president serves a 4-year term or until age 67; tenure of vice presidents, councilors, and judges NA
subordinate courts: Courts of Appeal and Courts of First Instance (district courts)
Political parties
Coalition of the Radical Left-Progressive Alliance or SYRIZA-PS
Communist Party of Greece or KKE
Course of Freedom
Democratic Patriotic Movement-Victory or NIKI
Greek Solution
New Democracy or ND
PASOK - Movement for Change or PASOK-KINAL
Spartans
Communist Party of Greece or KKE
Course of Freedom
Democratic Patriotic Movement-Victory or NIKI
Greek Solution
New Democracy or ND
PASOK - Movement for Change or PASOK-KINAL
Spartans
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Ekaterini NASSIKA (since 27 February 2024)
chancery: 2217 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 939-1300
FAX: [1] (202) 939-1324
email address and website: gremb.was@mfa.gr
https://www.mfa.gr/usa/en/the-embassy/
consulate(s) general: Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Tampa (FL), San Francisco
consulate(s): Atlanta, Houston
Reference: 2024chancery: 2217 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 939-1300
FAX: [1] (202) 939-1324
email address and website: gremb.was@mfa.gr
https://www.mfa.gr/usa/en/the-embassy/
consulate(s) general: Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Tampa (FL), San Francisco
consulate(s): Atlanta, Houston
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Kimberly Ann GUILFOYLE (since 4 November 2025)
embassy: 91 Vasillisis Sophias Avenue, 10160 Athens
mailing address: 7100 Athens Place, Washington DC 20521-7100
telephone: [30] (210) 721-2951
FAX: [30] (210) 724-5313
email address and website: athensamericancitizenservices@state.gov
https://gr.usembassy.gov/
consulate(s) general: Thessaloniki
embassy: 91 Vasillisis Sophias Avenue, 10160 Athens
mailing address: 7100 Athens Place, Washington DC 20521-7100
telephone: [30] (210) 721-2951
FAX: [30] (210) 724-5313
email address and website: athensamericancitizenservices@state.gov
https://gr.usembassy.gov/
consulate(s) general: Thessaloniki
International organization participation
Australia Group, BIS, BSEC, CD, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, ECB, EIB, EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, FATF, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD (partners), IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OIF, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, Schengen Convention, SELEC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNOOSA, UNWTO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC
Independence
3 February 1830 (from the Ottoman Empire)
note: note: the national revolt against the Ottomans began on 25 March 1821; the London Protocol recognizing Greek independence was signed on 3 February 1830 by Great Britain, France, and Russia
note: note: the national revolt against the Ottomans began on 25 March 1821; the London Protocol recognizing Greek independence was signed on 3 February 1830 by Great Britain, France, and Russia
National holiday
Independence Day, 25 March (1821)
Flag
description: nine equal horizontal stripes of blue alternating with white; a blue square with a white cross is in the upper-left corner
meaning: the cross symbolizes Greek Orthodoxy, the established religion; there is no set meaning for the stripes and colors
note: note: Greek legislation states that the flag colors are cyan and white, but cyan can mean "blue" in Greek, so the exact shade of blue has never been set and has varied from a light to a dark blue over time; the blue is now usually an azure
meaning: the cross symbolizes Greek Orthodoxy, the established religion; there is no set meaning for the stripes and colors
note: note: Greek legislation states that the flag colors are cyan and white, but cyan can mean "blue" in Greek, so the exact shade of blue has never been set and has varied from a light to a dark blue over time; the blue is now usually an azure
National symbol(s)
Greek cross (white cross on a blue field)
National color(s)
blue, white
National coat of arms
the coat of arms was designed by Greek artist Kostas Grammatopoulos and has been in use since 1975; depicted in the national colors of blue and white; the white cross represents the country’s primary religion, Greek Orthodoxy, and the laurel branches symbolize victory
Reference: 1975National anthem(s)
title: "Ymnos eis tin Eleftherian" (Hymn to Freedom)
lyrics/music: Dionysios SOLOMOS/Nikolaos MANTZAROS
history: adopted 1864; the anthem is based on a 158-stanza poem by the same name, which was inspired by the Greek Revolution of 1821 against the Ottomans (only the first two stanzas are used); Cyprus also uses "Hymn to Freedom" as its anthem
lyrics/music: Dionysios SOLOMOS/Nikolaos MANTZAROS
history: adopted 1864; the anthem is based on a 158-stanza poem by the same name, which was inspired by the Greek Revolution of 1821 against the Ottomans (only the first two stanzas are used); Cyprus also uses "Hymn to Freedom" as its anthem
National heritage
total World Heritage Sites: 20 (18 cultural, 2 mixed)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Acropolis, Athens (c); Archaeological site of Delphi (c); Meteora (m); Medieval City of Rhodes (c); Archaeological site of Olympia (c); Archaeological site of Mycenae and Tiryns (c); Old Town of Corfu (c); Mount Athos (m); Delos (c); Archaeological Site of Philippi (c); Minoan Palatial Centres (c)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Acropolis, Athens (c); Archaeological site of Delphi (c); Meteora (m); Medieval City of Rhodes (c); Archaeological site of Olympia (c); Archaeological site of Mycenae and Tiryns (c); Old Town of Corfu (c); Mount Athos (m); Delos (c); Archaeological Site of Philippi (c); Minoan Palatial Centres (c)
Government & Official Links
| Institution | Official website | X / Twitter | Verification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greece official website | Official website | — | Reported · source Checked September 20, 2026 |
Institutional accounts only; personal accounts of political office-holders are excluded.
Legislature & Elections
Legislature
| Name | Chamber | Seats | Electoral system |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hellenic Parliament | — | 300 | — |
Economy
Economic overview
high-income EU and eurozone economy; growth above euro average, supported by private consumption and EU fund investments; structural reforms strengthening public finances and enhancing resilience within banking system; declining unemployment but low labor productivity and skill shortages
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024: $392.205 billion (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $383.493 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $374.753 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $383.493 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $374.753 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Real GDP per capita
Real GDP per capita 2024: $37,800 (2024 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023: $36,900 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $35,900 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP per capita 2023: $36,900 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $35,900 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 3.3% (2024 est.)
industry: 15.4% (2024 est.)
services: 68% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Reference: 2024industry: 15.4% (2024 est.)
services: 68% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
GDP - composition, by end use
household consumption: 66.9% (2023 est.)
government consumption: 19.3% (2023 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 15.2% (2023 est.)
investment in inventories: 1.5% (2023 est.)
exports of goods and services: 43.7% (2023 est.)
imports of goods and services: -48.4% (2023 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Reference: 2023government consumption: 19.3% (2023 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 15.2% (2023 est.)
investment in inventories: 1.5% (2023 est.)
exports of goods and services: 43.7% (2023 est.)
imports of goods and services: -48.4% (2023 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Agricultural products
maize, wheat, sheep milk, oranges, tomatoes, milk, peaches/nectarines, grapes, watermelons, barley (2023)
note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Reference: 2023note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Industries
tourism, food and tobacco processing, textiles, chemicals, metal products; mining, petroleum
Industrial production growth rate
6.1% (2024 est.)
note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Reference: 2024note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Labor force
4.655 million (2024 est.)
note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Reference: 2024note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
total: 24.7% (2024 est.)
male: 23.2% (2024 est.)
female: 26.6% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Reference: 2024male: 23.2% (2024 est.)
female: 26.6% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Population below poverty line
18.8% (2021 est.)
note: note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Reference: 2021note: note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income 2022: 33.4 (2022 est.)
note: note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Reference: 2022note: note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Average household expenditures
on food: 16.4% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
on alcohol and tobacco: 4.4% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023on alcohol and tobacco: 4.4% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share
lowest 10%: 2.7% (2022 est.)
highest 10%: 25.7% (2022 est.)
note: note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Reference: 2022highest 10%: 25.7% (2022 est.)
note: note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Remittances
Remittances 2024: 0.2% of GDP (2024 est.)
Remittances 2023: 0.2% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 0.3% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Remittances 2023: 0.2% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 0.3% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Budget
revenues: $111.938 billion (2023 est.)
expenditures: $114.497 billion (2023 est.)
note: note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Reference: 2023expenditures: $114.497 billion (2023 est.)
note: note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Public debt
Public debt 2023: 190.6% of GDP (2023 est.)
note: note: central government debt as a % of GDP
Reference: 2023note: note: central government debt as a % of GDP
Taxes and other revenues
26.6% (of GDP) (2023 est.)
note: note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Reference: 2023note: note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Current account balance
Current account balance 2024: -$16.399 billion (2024 est.)
Current account balance 2023: -$15.008 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$22.623 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Current account balance 2023: -$15.008 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$22.623 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2024: $108.424 billion (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $107.218 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $106.189 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Exports 2023: $107.218 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $106.189 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
Italy 12%, Germany 6%, Cyprus 6%, Bulgaria 4%, USA 4% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
refined petroleum, packaged medicine, aluminum, olive oil, tobacco (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2024: $122.408 billion (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $119.234 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $127.82 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Imports 2023: $119.234 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $127.82 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
Germany 10%, China 10%, Italy 8%, Iraq 7%, Netherlands 6% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
crude petroleum, refined petroleum, natural gas, cars, packaged medicine (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2024: $15.222 billion (2024 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $13.608 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $12.061 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $13.608 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $12.061 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Exchange rates
Currency: euros (EUR) per US dollar -
Exchange rates 2024: 0.924 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023: 0.925 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 0.95 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 0.845 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 0.876 (2020 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Exchange rates 2024: 0.924 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023: 0.925 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 0.95 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 0.845 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 0.876 (2020 est.)
Trade
Current account balance
Current account balance 2024: -$16.399 billion (2024 est.)
Current account balance 2023: -$15.008 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$22.623 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Current account balance 2023: -$15.008 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$22.623 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2024: $108.424 billion (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $107.218 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $106.189 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Exports 2023: $107.218 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $106.189 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
Italy 12%, Germany 6%, Cyprus 6%, Bulgaria 4%, USA 4% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
refined petroleum, packaged medicine, aluminum, olive oil, tobacco (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2024: $122.408 billion (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $119.234 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $127.82 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Imports 2023: $119.234 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $127.82 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
Germany 10%, China 10%, Italy 8%, Iraq 7%, Netherlands 6% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
crude petroleum, refined petroleum, natural gas, cars, packaged medicine (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Energy & Resources
Electricity
installed generating capacity: 24.169 million kW (2023 est.)
consumption: 46.929 billion kWh (2023 est.)
exports: 3.24 billion kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 8.152 billion kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 5.346 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023consumption: 46.929 billion kWh (2023 est.)
exports: 3.24 billion kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 8.152 billion kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 5.346 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
fossil fuels: 48.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar: 17.5% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind: 23.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 9.8% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste: 0.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023solar: 17.5% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind: 23.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 9.8% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste: 0.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Coal
production: 10.469 million metric tons (2023 est.)
consumption: 10.091 million metric tons (2023 est.)
exports: 5 metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 49,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 2.876 billion metric tons (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023consumption: 10.091 million metric tons (2023 est.)
exports: 5 metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 49,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 2.876 billion metric tons (2023 est.)
Petroleum
total petroleum production: 5,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
refined petroleum consumption: 308,000 bbl/day (2024 est.)
crude oil estimated reserves: 10 million barrels (2021 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2021refined petroleum consumption: 308,000 bbl/day (2024 est.)
crude oil estimated reserves: 10 million barrels (2021 est.)
Natural gas
production: 1.323 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
consumption: 3.344 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
exports: 8.362 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
imports: 11.619 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 991.09 million cubic meters (2021 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2021consumption: 3.344 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
exports: 8.362 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
imports: 11.619 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 991.09 million cubic meters (2021 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
Total energy consumption per capita 2023: 92.693 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Infrastructure
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 4.962 million (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 48 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 48 (2023 est.)
Health
Maternal mortality ratio
5 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 9.2% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 8.7% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 8.7% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
6.58 physicians/1,000 population (2022)
Reference: 2022Hospital bed density
4.2 beds/1,000 population (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019Obesity - adult prevalence rate
24.9% (2016)
Reference: 2016Tobacco use
total: 27.3% (2025 est.)
male: 30.3% (2025 est.)
female: 24.6% (2025 est.)
male: 30.3% (2025 est.)
female: 24.6% (2025 est.)
Education
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 21 years (2022 est.)
male: 21 years (2022 est.)
female: 21 years (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022male: 21 years (2022 est.)
female: 21 years (2022 est.)
Rights, Freedoms & Society
Press & Media Freedom
V-Dem expert-coded/modelled source measures. Knelstrom does not create a press-freedom ranking or composite score.
LGBTQ+ Rights & Law
Concrete legal-status fields only; Knelstrom does not generate an LGBTQ rights score or country ranking.
Source: Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory (CC BY-SA 4.0). Community-edited legal-status summary; retrieved by Knelstrom and not legal advice.
Crime & Justice
Legal system
civil legal system based on Roman law
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Supreme Civil and Criminal Court or Areios Pagos (consists of 56 judges, including the court presidents); Council of State (supreme administrative court) consists of the president, 7 vice presidents, 42 privy councilors, 48 associate councilors and 50 reporting judges, organized into six 5- and 7-member chambers; Court of Audit (government audit and enforcement) consists of the president, 5 vice presidents, 20 councilors, and 90 associate and reporting judges
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judges appointed by presidential decree on the advice of the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC), which includes the president of the Supreme Court, other judges, and the prosecutor of the Supreme Court; judges appointed for life after a 2-year probationary period; Council of State president appointed by the Greek Cabinet to serve a 4-year term; other judge appointments and tenure NA; Court of Audit president appointed by decree of the president of the republic on the advice of the SJC; court president serves a 4-year term or until age 67; tenure of vice presidents, councilors, and judges NA
subordinate courts: Courts of Appeal and Courts of First Instance (district courts)
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judges appointed by presidential decree on the advice of the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC), which includes the president of the Supreme Court, other judges, and the prosecutor of the Supreme Court; judges appointed for life after a 2-year probationary period; Council of State president appointed by the Greek Cabinet to serve a 4-year term; other judge appointments and tenure NA; Court of Audit president appointed by decree of the president of the republic on the advice of the SJC; court president serves a 4-year term or until age 67; tenure of vice presidents, councilors, and judges NA
subordinate courts: Courts of Appeal and Courts of First Instance (district courts)
Military & Security
Military and security forces
Hellenic Armed Forces (HAF; Ellinikes Enoples Dynamis, EED): Hellenic Army (Ellinikos Stratos, ES; includes National Guard), Hellenic Navy (Elliniko Polemiko Navtiko, EPN), Hellenic Air Force (Elliniki Polemiki Aeroporia, EPA; includes air defense) (2025)
note: note 1: the police (under the Ministry of Citizen Protection) and the armed forces (Ministry of National Defense) share law enforcement duties in certain border areas; the Greek Coast Guard is under the Ministry of Shipping Affairs and Island Policy
note 2: the National Guard was established in 1982 as an official part of the Army to help protect Greece and provide reinforcements and support to the Army in peacetime and in times of mobilization and war
Reference: 2025, 1982note: note 1: the police (under the Ministry of Citizen Protection) and the armed forces (Ministry of National Defense) share law enforcement duties in certain border areas; the Greek Coast Guard is under the Ministry of Shipping Affairs and Island Policy
note 2: the National Guard was established in 1982 as an official part of the Army to help protect Greece and provide reinforcements and support to the Army in peacetime and in times of mobilization and war
Military expenditures
Military Expenditures 2025: 2.9% of GDP (2025 est.)
Military Expenditures 2024: 2.7% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 2.8% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 3.9% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 3.7% of GDP (2021 est.)
Reference: 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022Military Expenditures 2024: 2.7% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 2.8% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 3.9% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 3.7% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military and security service personnel strengths
approximately 112,000 active-duty military personnel (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the military's inventory consists of a mix of domestically produced and imported weapons and equipment from Europe and the US; in recent years, France, Germany, and the US have been major suppliers; Greece's defense industry is capable of producing a range of military hardware, including naval vessels and associated subsystems (2024)
note: note: Greece is in the midst of a military modernization program which includes acquisitions of fighter aircraft and naval ships from France and armored vehicles and tanks from Germany; it has also boosted purchases of US equipment, including fighter aircraft upgrades, helicopters, and naval patrol craft
Reference: 2024note: note: Greece is in the midst of a military modernization program which includes acquisitions of fighter aircraft and naval ships from France and armored vehicles and tanks from Germany; it has also boosted purchases of US equipment, including fighter aircraft upgrades, helicopters, and naval patrol craft
Military service age and obligation
19-45 years of age for compulsory military service for men; 12-month obligation for all services (note - as an exception, the duration of the full military service is 9 instead of 12 months if conscripts, after the initial training, serve the entire remaining time in certain areas of the eastern borders, in Cyprus, or in certain military units); 18 years of age for voluntary military service for men and women (2023)
note: note 1: compulsory service applies to any individual whom the Greek authorities consider to be Greek, regardless of whether the individual considers himself Greek, has a foreign citizenship and passport, or was born or lives outside of Greece; Greek citizens living permanently outside of Greece have the right to postpone their conscription; they are permanently exempted from their military obligations when they reach the age of 45 years old
note 2: as of 2023, women comprised nearly 17% of the military's full-time personnel
Reference: 2023note: note 1: compulsory service applies to any individual whom the Greek authorities consider to be Greek, regardless of whether the individual considers himself Greek, has a foreign citizenship and passport, or was born or lives outside of Greece; Greek citizens living permanently outside of Greece have the right to postpone their conscription; they are permanently exempted from their military obligations when they reach the age of 45 years old
note 2: as of 2023, women comprised nearly 17% of the military's full-time personnel
Military deployments
approximately 1,000 Cyprus; 120 Kosovo (NATO); 130 Lebanon (UNIFIL) (2025)
note: note: Greece also has air and naval units deployed in support of NATO missions
note: note: Greece also has air and naval units deployed in support of NATO missions
Military - note
the Hellenic Armed Forces (HAF) are responsible for protecting Greece’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity; the HAF also maintains a presence on Cyprus (the Hellenic Force in Cyprus or ELDYK) to assist and support the Cypriot National Guard; as a member of the EU, NATO, and other international organizations, the HAF participates in multinational peacekeeping and other security missions abroad, taking a particular interest in missions occurring in the near regions, such as the Balkans, the Mediterranean and Aegean seas, the Middle East, and North Africa; areas of focus for the HAF include instability in the Balkans, territorial disputes with Turkey, and support to European security through the EU and NATO
Greece’s NATO membership is a key component of its security; it became a NATO member in 1952 and occupies a strategic location in the Eastern Mediterranean on NATO’s southern flank; Greece is host to several NATO facilities, including the Deployable Corps Greece (NDC-GR) headquarters in Thessaloniki, the Combined Air Operations Center in Larissa, the Multinational Peace Support Operations Training Center in Kilkis, the Multinational Sealift Coordination Center in Athens, and the Naval Base, Maritime Interdiction Operational Training Centre, and NATO Missile Firing Installation at Souda, Crete (2025)
Reference: 2025, 1952Greece’s NATO membership is a key component of its security; it became a NATO member in 1952 and occupies a strategic location in the Eastern Mediterranean on NATO’s southern flank; Greece is host to several NATO facilities, including the Deployable Corps Greece (NDC-GR) headquarters in Thessaloniki, the Combined Air Operations Center in Larissa, the Multinational Peace Support Operations Training Center in Kilkis, the Multinational Sealift Coordination Center in Athens, and the Naval Base, Maritime Interdiction Operational Training Centre, and NATO Missile Firing Installation at Souda, Crete (2025)
International Relations
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Ekaterini NASSIKA (since 27 February 2024)
chancery: 2217 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 939-1300
FAX: [1] (202) 939-1324
email address and website: gremb.was@mfa.gr
https://www.mfa.gr/usa/en/the-embassy/
consulate(s) general: Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Tampa (FL), San Francisco
consulate(s): Atlanta, Houston
Reference: 2024chancery: 2217 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 939-1300
FAX: [1] (202) 939-1324
email address and website: gremb.was@mfa.gr
https://www.mfa.gr/usa/en/the-embassy/
consulate(s) general: Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Tampa (FL), San Francisco
consulate(s): Atlanta, Houston
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Kimberly Ann GUILFOYLE (since 4 November 2025)
embassy: 91 Vasillisis Sophias Avenue, 10160 Athens
mailing address: 7100 Athens Place, Washington DC 20521-7100
telephone: [30] (210) 721-2951
FAX: [30] (210) 724-5313
email address and website: athensamericancitizenservices@state.gov
https://gr.usembassy.gov/
consulate(s) general: Thessaloniki
embassy: 91 Vasillisis Sophias Avenue, 10160 Athens
mailing address: 7100 Athens Place, Washington DC 20521-7100
telephone: [30] (210) 721-2951
FAX: [30] (210) 724-5313
email address and website: athensamericancitizenservices@state.gov
https://gr.usembassy.gov/
consulate(s) general: Thessaloniki
International organization participation
Australia Group, BIS, BSEC, CD, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, ECB, EIB, EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, FATF, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD (partners), IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OIF, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, Schengen Convention, SELEC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNOOSA, UNWTO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC
Treaties & Organisations
| Organisation | Status | Joined |
|---|---|---|
| Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) | member | 1973-06-25 |
| European Union (EU) | member | 1981-01-01 |
| NATO (NATO) | member | 1952-02-18 |
| OECD (OECD) | member | 1961-09-30 |
| United Nations (UN) | member | 1945-10-25 |
| World Trade Organization (WTO) | member | 1995-01-01 |
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
International organization participation
Australia Group, BIS, BSEC, CD, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, ECB, EIB, EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, FATF, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD (partners), IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OIF, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, Schengen Convention, SELEC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNOOSA, UNWTO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC
Conflict & Security
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 144,694 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 3,743 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024stateless persons: 3,743 (2024 est.)
Terrorist group(s)
Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS); Revolutionary Struggle (RS); Revolutionary People's Liberation Party/Front (DHKP/C)
note: note: details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide
note: note: details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide
Transportation & Logistics
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
SX
Airports
82 (2025)
Heliports
59 (2025)
Railways
total: 2,345 km (2020) 731 km electrified
Reference: 2020Merchant marine
total: 1,215 (2023)
by type: bulk carrier 132, container ship 4, general cargo 79, oil tanker 299, other 701
Reference: 2023by type: bulk carrier 132, container ship 4, general cargo 79, oil tanker 299, other 701
Ports
total ports: 57 (2024)
large: 1
medium: 7
small: 7
very small: 42
ports with oil terminals: 13
key ports: Alexandroupoli, Iraklion, Kerkira, Ormos Aliveriou, Piraievs, Soudha, Thessaloniki, Volos
Reference: 2024large: 1
medium: 7
small: 7
very small: 42
ports with oil terminals: 13
key ports: Alexandroupoli, Iraklion, Kerkira, Ormos Aliveriou, Piraievs, Soudha, Thessaloniki, Volos
Environment
Environmental issues
air pollution; air emissions from transport and electricity power stations; water pollution; degradation of coastal zones; loss of biodiversity; municipal and industrial waste disposal
International environmental agreements
party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Antarctic-Environmental Protection, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Heavy Metals, Air Pollution-Multi-effect Protocol, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds
Reference: 2006signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Heavy Metals, Air Pollution-Multi-effect Protocol, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds
Climate
temperate; mild, wet winters; hot, dry summers
Land use
agricultural land: 41.7% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 14.4% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 8% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 19.2% (2023 est.)
forest: 36.9% (2023 est.)
other: 21.3% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 14.4% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 8% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 19.2% (2023 est.)
forest: 36.9% (2023 est.)
other: 21.3% (2023 est.)
Urbanization
urban population: 80.7% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: 0.11% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2020rate of urbanization: 0.11% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
total emissions: 62.06 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from coal and metallurgical coke: 10.794 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 44.649 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from consumed natural gas: 6.617 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023from coal and metallurgical coke: 10.794 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 44.649 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from consumed natural gas: 6.617 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
14.6 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019Waste and recycling
municipal solid waste generated annually: 5.615 million tons (2024 est.)
percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 22.4% (2022 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2022percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 22.4% (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal
municipal: 1.687 billion cubic meters (2022)
industrial: 279.8 million cubic meters (2022)
agricultural: 8.107 billion cubic meters (2022)
Reference: 2022industrial: 279.8 million cubic meters (2022)
agricultural: 8.107 billion cubic meters (2022)
Total renewable water resources
68 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022Geoparks
total global geoparks and regional networks: 9 (2024)
global geoparks and regional networks: Chelmos Vouraikos; Grevena - Kozani; Kefalonia-Ithaca; Lavreotiki; Lesvos Island; Meteora Pyli; Psiloritis; Sitia; Vikos - Aoos (2024)
Reference: 2024global geoparks and regional networks: Chelmos Vouraikos; Grevena - Kozani; Kefalonia-Ithaca; Lavreotiki; Lesvos Island; Meteora Pyli; Psiloritis; Sitia; Vikos - Aoos (2024)
Communications & Media
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 4.962 million (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 48 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 48 (2023 est.)
Broadcast media
broadcast media dominated by the private sector; roughly 150 private TV channels, about 10 of which broadcast nationwide; 1 state-owned terrestrial TV channel with national coverage; 3 privately owned satellite channels; multi-channel satellite and cable TV services available; over 1,500 radio stations, all privately owned; state-owned broadcaster has 2 national radio stations
Internet country code
.gr
Historical Trends
Population
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Population data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 10,775,971 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | 10,754,679 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | 10,732,882 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | 10,721,582 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | 10,698,599 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | 10,570,130 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | 10,437,805 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | 10,407,351 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 10,405,134 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | 10,413,962 | world_bank_wdi |
GDP (current US$)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View GDP (current US$) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | $193,097,239,006 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | $200,381,103,984 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | $213,298,873,494 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | $207,305,649,887 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | $191,362,985,555 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | $218,303,801,895 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | $217,990,189,601 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | $242,946,187,738 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | $256,238,371,778 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | $280,635,521,324 | world_bank_wdi |
International migrant stock (immigrants)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International migrant stock (immigrants) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1,340,456 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 1,423,964 | world_bank_wdi |
International emigrant stock
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International emigrant stock data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 878,261 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 1995 | 854,601 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2000 | 857,066 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2005 | 768,388 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2010 | 703,538 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2015 | 759,916 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2020 | 775,995 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2024 | 780,112 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
Net migration
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Net migration data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 10,484 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | 10,483 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | 17,938 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | 36,762 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | 6,353 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | -160,277 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | -53,997 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | -159,430 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | -122,772 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | 16,636 | world_bank_wdi |
Sources & Methodology
Current statistical observations include their reference period and provenance. Reference fields from approved source datasets are attributed below. Missing information is left unknown rather than inferred.
| Indicator | Value | Period | Source | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 10,413,962 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| UN Population Division population estimate | 9,897,116 | 2026 | UN Population Division Data Portal | Estimated |
| Wikidata population (fallback) | 10,482,487 | 2021 | Wikidata | Reported |
| International migrant stock (immigrants) | 1,423,964 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International migrant stock | 14.2% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International emigrant stock | 780,112 | 2024 | UN DESA International Migrant Stock 2024 | Estimated |
| Net migration | 16,636 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Refugees from this country | 94 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Asylum seekers from this country | 121 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Freedom of expression & alternative information index | 0.810 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Government censorship effort — media | 1.065 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Harassment of journalists | 1.485 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Print/broadcast media critical of government | 1.173 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Range of perspectives in major media | 1.225 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media bias | 0.862 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media self-censorship | 1.235 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Same-sex sexual activity | Yes Legal since 1951; equal age of consent since 2015; + UN decl. sign. | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Recognition of same-sex relationships | Yes Cohabitation agreements since 2015 | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex marriage | Yes Legal since 2024 | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex adoption | Yes Legal since 2024 | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Open military service | Yes | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law | Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Gender identity / expression law | Yes Under the Legal Gender Recognition Act 2017 | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| GDP (current US$) | $280,635,521,324 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP per capita (current US$) | $26,948 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP growth | 2.1% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Inflation, consumer prices | 2.5% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Unemployment | 8.5% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Income level | High income | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Life expectancy at birth | 81.8 years | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fertility rate | 1.2 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Urban population | 79.2% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Individuals using the Internet | 86.3% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Exports of goods and services | 39.5% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Imports of goods and services | 44.0% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Trade | 83.5% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Adult literacy rate | 93.9% | 2009 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secondary school enrolment, gross | 105.2% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Government education expenditure | 3.4% | 2022 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Access to electricity | 100.0% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Electric power consumption | 4,686 kWh/person | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Renewable energy consumption | 21.5% | 2021 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Current health expenditure | 8.4% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Infant mortality rate | 3.2 per 1,000 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Forest area | 30.3% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Mobile cellular subscriptions | 113.6 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fixed broadband subscriptions | 44.7 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secure Internet servers | 15,658 per million | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude | 37.9792° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Longitude | 23.7166° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude (Wikidata) | 38.5000° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Longitude (Wikidata) | 23.0000° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Time zone | UTC+02:00 | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Form of government | parliamentary republic | current | Wikidata | Reported |
Data attribution
Credits below are generated from sources actually used by this country profile. Source-specific terms take precedence.
- CIA World Factbook, final 2025 country profile (structured via factbook.json). Accessed September 20, 2026. U.S. Government public-domain data; retained as a reference source where a newer approved field is not available. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, International Migrant Stock 2024; data access/processing via Our World in Data. Accessed September 20, 2026. Underlying UN dataset used under CC BY 3.0 IGO. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, World Population Prospects (WPP indicator 49) Accessed September 19, 2026. Used under CC BY 3.0 IGO; current-year WPP population values are presented as estimates/projections where applicable. Source · Terms/licence
- Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem), Country-Year Dataset v16 (variables: v2mebias, v2mecenefm, v2mecrit, v2meharjrn, v2merange, v2meslfcen, v2x_freexp_altinf) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0; V-Dem measures are expert-coded/modelled and no V-Dem endorsement is implied. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikidata structured data (CC0). Accessed September 20, 2026. Attribution is provided by Knelstrom for provenance although CC0 does not require it. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikipedia, “LGBTQ rights by country or territory” (source revision/data fields: Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Gender identity / expression law, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Open military service, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Recognition of same-sex relationships, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex adoption, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex marriage, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex sexual activity, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Knelstrom changes formatting and presents the imported material as a community-edited legal-status summary, not legal advice or a Knelstrom rights score. Source · Terms/licence
- World Bank, World Development Indicators (series: AG.LND.FRST.ZS, country_metadata, EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS, EG.FEC.RNEW.ZS, EG.USE.ELEC.KH.PC, FP.CPI.TOTL.ZG, IT.CEL.SETS.P2, IT.NET.BBND.P2, IT.NET.SECR.P6, IT.NET.USER.ZS, NE.EXP.GNFS.ZS, NE.IMP.GNFS.ZS, NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS, NY.GDP.MKTP.CD, NY.GDP.MKTP.KD.ZG, NY.GDP.PCAP.CD, SE.ADT.LITR.ZS, SE.SEC.ENRR, SE.XPD.TOTL.GD.ZS, SH.XPD.CHEX.GD.ZS, SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS, SM.POP.ASYS.EO, SM.POP.NETM, SM.POP.RHCR.EO, SM.POP.TOTL, SM.POP.TOTL.ZS, SP.DYN.IMRT.IN, SP.DYN.LE00.IN, SP.DYN.TFRT.IN, SP.POP.TOTL, SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS) Accessed September 20, 2026. Data used under CC BY 4.0; Knelstrom presentation/formatting may differ from the source. Source · Terms/licence
Knelstrom does not imply endorsement by any listed data provider.
Last automated statistical refresh: 2026-09-20 02:05:15