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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
4.11/134

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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.

Capital City:   Athens (+2 GMT)
Currency:   Euro (EUR) (convert)
Languages:   Greek 99% (official), other 1% (includes English and French)
Calling Code:   30
Voltage:   220
Religions:   Greek Orthodox 98%, Muslim 1.3%, other 0.7%
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Online Course Module: Doing Business in Greece

Greece: Athens Exchange
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.

Greece: General Secretariat of National Statistical Service Of Greece updated resource

Information and data for year is available from the “Press Releases" section and the latest statistical data includes price/production indices, national accounts and the labor market. Available in Greek and English.

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

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