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Greece Information
Adapted from CIA World Factbook
Background
Greece achieved independence from the Ottoman Empire
in 1829. During the second half of the 19th century
and the first half of the 20th century, it gradually
added neighboring islands and territories, most with
Greek-speaking populations. In World War II, Greece
was first invaded by Italy (1940) and subsequently occupied
by Germany (1941-44); fighting endured in a protracted
civil war between supporters of the king and Communist
rebels. Following the latter's defeat in 1949, Greece
joined NATO in 1952. A military dictatorship, which
in 1967 suspended many political liberties and forced
the king to flee the country, lasted seven years. The
1974 democratic elections and a referendum created a
parliamentary republic and abolished the monarchy. In
1981 Greece joined the EC (now the EU); it became the
12th member of the euro zone in 2001.
Location
Southern Europe, bordering the Aegean Sea, Ionian Sea,
and the Mediterranean Sea, between Albania and Turkey.
Climate
Temperate; mild, wet winters; hot, dry summers.
Languages
Definition Field Listing
Greek 99% (official), other 1% (includes English and
French)
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