Greece

Greece (Greek: Ελλάς, Ellas), officially the Hellenic Republic and also known as Hellas, is a country located in southeastern Europe. It borders Albania to the northwest, North Macedonia and Bulgaria to the north, Turkey to the northeast, and has maritime boundaries with Cyprus to the east and Italy across both sea straits -the Ionian Sea between Greece’s west coast and Italy’s south coast-and Mediterranean Sea along its southern coastline. The Aegean Islands are situated within Greece’s northern territorial waters while Crete lies further south off mainland Greece; it is one of five major island regions comprising more than 3100 islands altogether. Its capital city Athens serves as an important center for finance, commerce, media culture tourism since antiquity with many other Greek cities such as Thessaloniki having significant urban populations too.

The main land area of modern-day Greece covers around 131 thousand square kilometers making it roughly twice that size of Switzerland or slightly smaller than Alabama in United States at 130 thousand km2 respectively; this makes it 91st largest nation by total area globally yet 200th most populous according mainly due its rugged topography which limits development opportunities outside larger coastal settlements like Corfu on Greek mainland plus Rhodes & Kos among others found throughout numerous offshore archipelagos scattered across Aegean Sea including Cyclades chain formed by volcanic activity millions years ago.. Although primarily mountainous terrain featuring over 2000 peaks above 1000m altitude level dominates much interior landscape rural lowlands exist too providing population centers where agriculture still remains key economic sector generating nearly 20% all jobs despite only 2% arable lands being available nationally given large tracts wilderness areas home rich biodiversity not seen elsewhere European continent..

The earliest recorded history from ancient Greeks dates back some 3500 years BC when Minoan civilization flourished Crete before Mycenaeans came dominate Peloponnese peninsula during Bronze Age period 1400–1200 BC followed closely behind Dorians who took control region until Classical period 500–300BCE marked birth democracy under leadership Athenian statesman Cleisthenes 594 BCE after several wars fought against neighboring Persians culminating Battle Marathon 490BCE led victory forces commanded Miltiades near what today same name marathon race held annually commemorate momentous occasion marking beginning golden age classical study sciences mathematics arts literature philosophy drama architecture sculpture music politics which spawned applications later developed full potential Roman Empire expanding into eastern Mediterranean through creation provinces annexed their territories eventually becoming part Byzantine commonwealth 476AD maintained religious cultural ties Rome even after fall Western Roman rule 467CE leading current day Eastern Orthodox Church headquartered Constantinople now Istanbul Turkey…

Today government structure consists bicameral parliamentary constitutional republic directly elected president 300 members House Representatives responsible enacting laws overseeing state affairs alongside another chamber Senate composed regional representatives tasked ensuring autonomy respective communities whilst foreign policy managed Prime Minister cabinet ministers appointed President approval national legislature bodies notably forming core EU member countries eurozone monetary union sharing single currency euro amongst 18 out 28 nations bloc… Economy based largely upon services industry accounting two thirds GDP amounting €245 billion 2018 year tourism drives considerable portion market offering visitors broad range attractions archaeological sites monuments numerous beaches historical venues great food entertainment options galore! Cultural heritage deep rooted tradition pervading daily life customs habits passed down generations make sure there something everyone come enjoy whether they plan stay short while extended holiday alike…