Greece Geography

Greece Geography

So you want to know about Greece? Here are some highlights! Also check out the links to other sites about Greece.

On this Page:

Ð'* Key Facts

Ð'* Geographic Landmarks

Ð'* Points of Interest

Ð'* Major Industries

Ð'* Historical Highlights

Ð'* Population and Culture

Ð'* Books about Greece

Ð'* Links to other sites about Greece

Other related pages:

Ð'* World Geography Index

Ð'* Ancient Greece

Key Facts Top of Page

Greece is one of the oldest civilizations, dating back over 5000 years.

Population: 10 million people

Geographic size: 51,000 square miles

Capital: Athens

Major cities and population: Athens, Patra, Piraeus, Larisa and Salonica

Geographic Landmarks Top of Page

Much of Greece is mountainous and rocky terrain, with the occasional plain. The Pindus Mountains start in northern Greece and stretch south to the Gulf of Patra. In the southern part of Greece are the Peloponnesus Mountains.

About 20% of Greece is made up of islands. Crete is a large island located in the Mediterranean Sea. It is a popular tourist area for its beautiful mountains, coastline, and many ancient ruins.

Most of the people in Greece live along the coast, or along rivers and harbors.

Points of Interest Top of Page

The people of Greece were one of the earliest civilizations. Greece still has many ancient ruins, some over 4000 years old. Greece also has many medieval churchs. This makes Greece a very popular tourist area.

Greece is also well known for its sculptures, paintings, pottery, poetry and playwriting.

Major Industries Top of Page

The land within Greece is not very productive for farming. The Greeks have struggled to build a strong economy. The standard of living in Greece is lower than other European countries.

Manufacturing is becoming one of the key industries. Tourism is also very important, particularly along the Aegean Sea coast.

Some farming includes wheat, fruits, vegetables, olives and grapes. Some areas support goat and sheep ranching.

Fishing also continues to be an important industry.

Historical Highlights Top of Page

Ancient Greece is considered the birthplace of European civilization, dating back