Language: Greek

Population estimate: 11 million

Total area: 131,957km2 (50,949miles2), 12 national parks, of which 2 marine parks, 3,500 islands and 6,000 islets

Time zone: GMT +2 (winter and summer)

Climate: Mild winters and warm summers with plenty of sunshine

Health & Safety: No special vaccinations needed, no particular risks

Government: Parliamentary Representative Democratic Republic

Currency: EURO

History: The History of Greece encompasses the history of the territory of the modern state of Greece, as well as that of the Greek people and the areas they ruled historically. The scope of Greek habitation and rule has varied much through the ages, and, as a result, the History of Greece is similarly elastic in what it includes. Each era has its own related sphere of interest. The country has 17 properties officially listed on the UNESCO’s World Heritage List, and more are still on the waiting list.