Within its relatively small land area, Greece contains an astonishing variety of ecosystems. Wetlands, old-growth forests, fertile shallows, and thousands of islands contribute to Greece's biodiversity. Greece shelters many endangered animals, including the Mediterranean sea turtle (Carretta-Carretta) and the monk seal (Monachus-Monachus). The northern forests are home to the wildcat, marten, brown bear, roe deer, and occasionally wolf, wild boar, and lynx. Jackals, wild goats, and hedgehogs live in the south. Greece is an important winter habitat for migratory birds. Marine life is equally rich and varied.

Energy and Minerals

Greece relies mainly on lignite-fueled power stations and hydro-electricity. Usage of solar, wind, and geothermal power are increasing, and Greece has plentiful supplies of these renewable resources. Greece is rich in bauxite (aluminium ore): local reserves amount to over 650 million metric tonnes. Greece has some deposits of fossil fuels, but their exploitation is complicated by a dispute with Turkey over the continental shelf.

About 30% of Greece's territory consists of arable land. The rest is rocky scrub, mountain, or forest. Greek agriculture has benefited from European Union subsidies. Olives and olive oil, grapes, melons, peaches, tomatoes and oranges are among Greece's most important crops. Tobacco and cotton are major exports. Several fine Greek regional wines are now on the international market.

While shepherding is still a prominent feature of Greek farming, technological advances and an expanding luxury food market have affected rural life. Greek agricultural exports include cheese, yoghurt, and more unexpected specialties such as snails and frogs' legs.

The Greek fishing industry is strictly regulated, in order to protect the Mediterranean from over-fishing and pollution. Fish-farming and aqua-culture have grown considerably in recent years.