?Greece is one of Europe's hottest tourist destinations and for good reason. It's an undoubtedly gorgeous place with a rich history. There are many things you may know about Greece already, but here are several fun facts you may find interesting.
Greece is about the size of Alabama, but has more than twice its population. Alabama is home to about 4.5 million people, while Greece is home to more than 10 million. Over 16 million people visit Greece every year, which is more than its population, and tourism accounts for about 16% of the GDP.
More cool facts:
Voting is required of every citizen over the age of 18. No one can choose not to vote.
Because the country sees so many tourists, it has more international airports than most.
Greeks form 98 percent of the population. Turks are their largest minority group.
The English language is composed of thousands of Greek words including: "academy", "alphabet", and "marathon".
Greek men must serve at least 1-year in the military. Greece's defense budget is only 6% of its GDP.
Geography - 80% of the landscape is of mountains. Half the country is covered with forests, and the other half is infertile.
Mount Olympus is its largest mountain
7% of the world's marble is exported from Greece
Greece is the world's 3rd largest olive producer. Producing olives has been a trade of the country since its ancient years, and some of its oldest trees still produce.
The country has over 2 thousand islands with its largest being Crete.
Greece has 250 sunny days and 3,000 hours of sunshine each year.
Mythology, education, and miscellaneous<h3/>The literacy rate among Greeks in the 1950's was 30%. Now, it's 95% and rising.
Greek is ranked number 26 for life expectancy. The U.S. is rated #49.
Greeks wave with a closed palm. It's an insult to show the palm of the hand with extended fingers.
Greek mythology states that Athena and Poseidon had a competition over who would become guardian of the city. They agreed that whoever presented the best gift to the city would win. Poseidon gave the gift of water, but the gods believed that Athena's olive tree was the better gift.
The Hellenic Republic is Greece's official name.
