Greece snapshots, including introduction, tourist attractions, and photographs

With fascinating history, natural beauty and Mediterranean climate, Greece is one of the world major travel destinations. As a key industry, tourism provides a large portion of GDP and foreign exchange earnings.

Greece is situated in Southern Europe, bordering the Aegean Sea, Ionian Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea, between Albania and Turkey. With strategic location dominating the Aegean Sea and southern approach to Turkish Straits, it is a peninsular country possessing an archipelago of about 2,000 islands. Greece has total land area about 130,800 square kilometers, slightly smaller than Alabama of the United States.

Greece has about 10,601,527 (July 2000 estimate) population, including Greek 98%, other 2%. Greek is the official language.

Greece achieved its independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1829. Today, Greece has a mixed capitalist economy with the public sector accounting for about half of GDP. The government plans to privatize some leading state enterprises.

Athens, founded in the 9th century B.C., is the Greece's capital and largest city. Athens is an exciting city combined with ancient ruins and modern life. The Acropolis and Parthenon, the Temple of Zeus, the first Olympic Stadium, the National Archeological Museum, the Plaka area are some of the highlights of Athens sightseeing.

Located about three hours from Athens by bus, Delphi is a seaside town with historic sides such as Temple of Apollo.

Mykonos, the jewel of the Cycladic Islands, has a beautiful harbor fringed with a cluster of white-washed houses. With warm Mediterranean climate, it is nice place for scuba diving, windsurfing and other water sports.

Romantic Santorini Island offers visitors beaches and breathtaking cliff top town Fira.

Greece will continuously attract worldwide tourists to explore its fascinating history, enjoy its spectacular natural beauty, and discover its unique tradition and culture.