GENERAL INFORMATION

Identity Card

Official Name
Elliniki Dimokratia: Hellenic Republic
Region
Europe

Surface Area
81,399 square miles
Capitol
Athens
Population
10.6 million inhabitants
Official Language
Greek
Political System
Multiparty Parliamentary Republic
Head of State
Kostis Stephanopoulos
National Currency
Drachma; GRD=100 lepta

CLIMATE

Mediterranean climate. Extremely hot in summer (up to 45° C), the meltem (wind) can blow very hard for weeks at a time.

LEGAL HOLIDAYS

In Greece there are two legal holidays:

October 28th: celebration of the refusal of the Italian ultimatum in 1940. Parades everywhere.

March 25th: Celebration of the 1821 revolution and the liberation of Greece from Turkish occupation.

BUSINESS HOURS

Store hours: 8 AM to 3 PM, then 6 PM to 9 PM, (everyone takes a nap because of the intense heat)... Often closed on Mondays..