Today we will check the most interesting facts about Greece. Greece is a country that many rightly call the cradle of modern civilization. The ancient heritage of ancient Greece had a huge impact on the development of the culture of many peoples, and it is considered to be the property of all mankind. However, even nowadays Greece is an extremely interesting place, and it is not in vain that it is so popular with tourists.
The cultural heritage, rich history and philosophy of Ancient Greece had the most significant impact on world history and the further development of mankind. This amazing country does not cease to amaze us today. Further, you will read the most interesting facts about Greece, which will significantly expand your knowledge of this wonderful country.
The beginning of civilization – It is generally accepted that it was in Greece in ancient times that the foundation of all modern Western civilization was laid. Actually, even the very division of the world into two parts – Asia and even Europe, was first used by the Greeks. Of course, the famous Olympic Games come from here.
Ancient language – It is important to note that Greek is one of the oldest in the world. The first written mentions in this dialect were created as early as 1000 years before our era, and they began to communicate on it several millennia before.
Landscape Features – It is noteworthy that about 80% of the entire country is mountains, and half of the entire state is covered with dense forests. It also includes more than 3,000 small islands, of which only a few hundred are inhabited. As you know, the largest and most popular island of them is Crete.
Family Relations – Greeks have strong family values. There are practically no homes for the elderly, since there is no special need for them. Usually, older people live their lives in the homes of their daughters. Often young citizens live in their parents’ homes until they enter into a marriage. Also here is one of the lowest percent in the world for children who live with foster parents.
The Benefits of Olives – Greece holds an honorable third place worldwide in terms of the number of olives grown. Actually, almost all possible dishes are eaten with olive oil, because it is not for nothing that the Greeks are famous for their centenarians. You must admit that all these interesting facts about Greece are really quite amazing and varied.
It was Greece that initiated the modern Western civilization. Conditionally to divide the mainland into two parts of the world – Europe and Asia – the Greeks also came up with it.
The Greek language is one of the oldest among the existing at the present time (it is spoken over 4000 years, and written – over 3000 years). Greek origin has much of the scientific terminology.
Greece – the birthplace of Western philosophy, literature, mathematics, theater, history and political science.
Another interesting fact about Greece – Greece has the oldest sports traditions among all countries of the world and is the founder of the Olympic Games.
The world’s first democratic system of government was formed in the Athens policy around 500 BC.
Greece – the country of the sun, more than 250 days a year there is clear weather. This circumstance makes it possible to widely use solar batteries, just like in the Arab Emirates.
The distance from any point of Greece to the sea coast does not exceed 137 kilometers.
Greece is the last among the EU countries in terms of the number of divorces.
Not only Brazil, but also Greece – the country of carnivals. These festivities are held every year from January to March.
Greece owns more than 2,000 islands, but people live on only 170 of them.
In Greece, most of all in the world of archaeological museums. In Cyprus, however, they are not much less.
Greek nature is the most diverse among the countries of Europe.
The most popular tourist destination in Greece is the island of Rhodes, where once stood one of the Seven Wonders of the World “Colossus of Rhodes”. It was thanks to this giant that the word “colossal” appeared.
Another interesting fact about Greece – Herodotus, the world’s first historian, who lived in 484-425 BC, is a man-symbol of the whole of Greece.
During each Olympic Games the ancient Greeks sacrificed to Zeus a hundred bulls.
The Greek currency, drachma, lasted 2,650 years, until in 2002 it was replaced by the euro.
The saying “Take the bull by the horns” is of Greek origin – in one of the myths, Hercules wins this crazy Cretan bull in this way.
In Greece, it is customary to celebrate not the birthday, but the “name-day” of the saint, whose name is Greek.
In Greece it is considered offensive if a person shows an open palm with outstretched fingers. Therefore, the Greeks waving each other with a clenched fist.
According to the ancient Greek myth, God at the time of the creation of the world sifted the earth through a sieve, and so many countries with fertile soil appeared. Then he threw out the stones that remained in the sieve, and Greece arose.
Every year, 16.5 million tourists come to Greece, while the country’s population is only about 11 million people. All Greek residents over the age of 18 are required to go to the polls. Another interesting fact about Greece – In the early 2000s, the Greek leadership legislatively banned gambling and computer games, but the ban had to be lifted, as it was considered violating human rights.
Every school day of Greek schoolchildren begins with a prayer. Textbooks, which the children studied, are burned at the end of the school year – it is not accepted to use such books again in Greece. The Greeks express disagreement with the movement of the head from below upwards.
Another interesting fact about Greece – The inhabitants of Greece eat more cheese than anyone else on Earth – about 2 kilograms per month. The most popular variety, of course, is national pride – feta cheese.
Greece is one of the three largest producers of olives in the world. There are about hundreds of varieties of these fruits.
In Greece, too, there is a siesta – as a rule, it lasts two hours, from 14:00 to 16:00. Most stores at this time does not work, as their owners and staff simply sleep.
