Greece is a country with an ancient and extremely rich history, known to the whole world. Tourists come here to enjoy the wine, the sun, the sea, to admire a large number of antiquities, and also to plunge into the special atmosphere of Greece.

The Greek national character is distinguished by inconsistency. They are quick-tempered and sentimental, sociable and hospitable, have an extremely lively temperament.

Self-control is not in honor here, the Greeks are very passionate in all situations. No wonder they tend to express emotional dance not only joy, but also grief.

Greeks value wealth very highly, often even above family. Moreover, they do not like to save money, prestige is expressed in spending them openly and with style.

The Greeks are not very punctual, being late is considered a common thing here. If, in response to a proposal for a meeting, the Greek answers “tomorrow” (“Avrio”), then this may mean a distant future or even a refusal.

Population

According to Countryaah, the population of Greece today is approaching 11 million people, and the population density averages around 80 people per km².

The largest ethnic group in the country are the Greeks (about 95%). Approximately 5% of the population are Turks, Albanians, Armenians, Gypsies, Vlachs, Jews, etc.

Language

The official language is Modern Greek, which was formed on the basis of Ancient Greek.

Along with it, English, German, Italian, French are used. True, you should not count on this especially: in communicating with taxi drivers, waiters or sellers in stores, a tourist will need a phrasebook.

In addition, knowing at least a few phrases in Greek will positively set up the local population.

Religion

The official and most widespread religion in Greece is, as in Russia, Orthodox Christianity, it is practiced by 98% of the population.

The rest are adherents of Catholicism, Protestantism, Judaism and Islam. With freedom of religion in the country, the preaching activities of representatives of non-Christian religions are prohibited.

The Greeks are very religious, often attend church, observe fasts and treat their shrines with great respect. Check agooddir for recent history of Greece.

Behavior rules

The Greeks are very friendly to Russian citizens due to the unity of religion, as well as multiple Russian assistance to Greece in the past. However, a number of features of the behavior and communication of local residents will not hurt the tourist to remember.

Greeks shake their heads from the bottom up if they want to say “no”, and from the top down if they want to say “yes”. “Ne” in Greek means agreement, and “ohi” – denial.

An invitation to a Greek home does not at all mean an indispensable meal. It is not customary to take off your shoes indoors.

The hot climate left its mark on the way of life of the Greeks. From 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., it is time for lunch and daytime rest. During this period, it is not customary even to make phone calls (as well as after 10 pm).

The Greeks turn to unfamiliar people by their surnames, and when they get closer, they switch to names.

In public transport, it is not allowed to give up your seat to the elderly and women.

The cult of wine thrives in Greece, but you should be careful with its consumption: for being drunk in a public place, as well as for driving, you can get a fine, or even be arrested. However, the Greeks themselves often drink wine very diluted, so you can rarely meet them drunk.

National Greek holidays:

January 1 – New Year

January 6 – Epiphany

Clean Monday (no exact date)

March 25 – Independence Day

Easter (no exact date)

Easter Monday (no exact date)

May 1 – Labor Day and Flower Day

May 9 – Mother’s Day

June 12 – Holy Spirit Day

October 28 – Ohi Day

December 25 – Christmas

December 26 – Christmas time