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| Contents |
• Introduction
• Geography
• Government
• The Greek People
- Language
- Religion
- The
Diaspora
• Nature
• Economy
• Cultural Life
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The
Greek People |
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Although
more than half the population is classified as urban, rural
life retains a powerful influence. A strong sense of community
and family ties prevail even in the busiest of metropolitan
centres.
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Language |
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The
vast majority of the population speak Modern Greek,
a language little changed since the Classical Period. Several
very small linguistic minorities speak other languages
including Romany, Vlach, or Turkish.
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| Religion |
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Most
Greeks belong to the Greek Orthodox Church, which is governed
by a synod of metropolitan bishops, presided over by
the Archbishop of Athens. The largest religious minority
is the concentration of Greek Muslims in northeastern
Thrace. Some islands in the Ionian and Aegean have a significant
number of Catholics.Greece's once vibrant Jewish community
was nearly destroyed in World War II. |
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Fact Box
| Religions |
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Greek Orthodox |
98
% |
| Muslim |
1.3
% |
| Other |
0.7
%
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| The
Diaspora |
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Greeks
have settled abroad since Classical times, thanks to the country's
predominantly rocky terrain and extensive coastline. Europe,
Asia, Africa, and more recently, North America and Australia
have acquired large Greek communities. Most diaspora
Greeks maintain close ties with the motherland, even after
several generations. |
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Nature >> |
