Key Facts

GDP (ppp) per CAPITA

$32,000 (2008 est.)

Inflation Rate

4.1% (2008 est.)

Population

10,737,428 (July 2009 est.)

Country Risk Ratings

A3

Ease of Doing Business

96/181

Global Competitiveness

67/134

Country Map

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gE Network

There are 21 members in the
gE Network for this country.

Greece : Introduction

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 European Economic and Monetary Union in 2001.

Greece: Bank of Greece

The Bank of Greece forms part of the European System of Central Banks (ESCB) which comprises the European Central Bank (ECB) and the national central banks (NCBs) of all EU Member States. The site provides news, publications, and statistics relating to the central bank.

Sources:
CIA World Factbook (September 2009)
U.S. Dept. of State Country Background Notes (August 2009)