Country Profile: Greece

Greece, officially known as the Hellenic Republic, is located in Southern Europe, bordered by the Aegean, Ionian, and Mediterranean Seas. With a population of approximately 10.46 million in 2024, it is a parliamentary republic that emerged from centuries of Ottoman rule. The Greek economy is classified as a high-income economy within the EU and eurozone, witnessing growth supported by private consumption and EU investments. Despite overcoming a significant economic crisis in the previous decade, challenges such as low labor productivity and skill shortages remain prevalent.

Geography

Greece is strategically located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, dominating the Aegean Sea with its mountainous terrain and numerous islands. The country has a total area of 131,957 sq km, with a coastline stretching over 13,676 km.

Highest Point: Mount Olympus at 2,917 m
Natural Resources: Includes lignite, petroleum, iron ore, and marble
Climate: Temperate climate with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers
Natural Hazards: Severe earthquakes and volcanic activity, notably from Santorini
Proximity: Situated between Albania and Turkey

People and Society

As of 2024, Greece's population is estimated at 10,461,091, with a median age of 46.5 years. The society is predominantly Greek (91.6%), with a significant urban population concentrated around Athens, where one-third of the populace resides.

Urbanization Rate: 80.7% of the population lives in urban areas (2023)
Life Expectancy: 81.9 years at birth (2024)
Birth Rate: 7.4 births/1,000 population (2024)
Dependency Ratio: total of 59.8 (2024)
Languages: Greek is spoken by 99% of the population

Economy

Greece boasts a high-income economy, with a real GDP estimated at $392.205 billion in 2024. The economy has been recovering, showing a growth rate of 2.3%.

GDP per Capita: Approximately $37,800 (2024)
Unemployment Rate: 10.2% (2024)
Economic Sectors: Services (68%), Industry (15.4%), Agriculture (3.3%)
Exports of Goods and Services: Estimated at $108.424 billion (2024)
Debt-to-GDP Ratio: Approximately 190.6% (2023)

Government

Greece operates as a parliamentary republic, with the capital being Athens. The political landscape features a unicameral parliament with 300 members directly elected.

Head of Government: Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis (since June 2023)
Current President: Konstantinos Tasoulas (since March 2025)
Electoral System: Proportional representation
Voting Age: Citizens can vote from 17 years of age
Constitution: Established on June 11, 1975

Military and Security

The Hellenic Armed Forces consist of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, totaling approximately 115,000 active-duty personnel. Greece maintains a compulsory military service for men aged 19-45.

Military Expenditures: 3.1% of GDP (2024)
NATO Membership: Since 1952, Greece plays a strategic role in Eastern Mediterranean security
Military Deployments: About 1,000 troops in Cyprus
Defense Industry: Capable of producing various military hardware and equipment

Energy

Greece's energy sector is evolving, with a focus on renewable sources to meet demands. The country has achieved 100% electrification for its population as of 2022.

Electricity Consumption: 46.929 billion kWh (2023)
Installed Capacity: 24.169 million kW (2023)
Renewable Energy Contribution: Solar (17.5%), Wind (23.3%), Hydroelectric (9.8%)
Natural Gas Consumption: 3.344 billion cubic meters (2023)

Environment

Greece faces multiple environmental challenges, including air and water pollution as well as loss of biodiversity. The country is active in international environmental agreements.

Major Issues: Water pollution, degradation of coastal zones
Water Withdrawal: 1.69 billion cubic meters (municipal) in 2020
Recycling Rate: Approximately 19% of municipal solid waste (2014)

Transportation

Greece has a well-developed transportation system that includes an extensive network of railways and a significant merchant marine presence.

Total Railways: 2,345 km (2020)
Airports: 82 (2025)
Merchant Marine Fleet: 1,215 vessels (2023)

Communications

Greece enjoys a high level of connectivity, with a significant percentage of the population using mobile and internet services.

Internet Users: 85% of the population (2023)
Mobile Subscriptions: 11.3 million (2023)
Fixed-line Telephones: Approximately 4.962 million subscriptions (2023)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	10,461,091	2024 estimate
Area	131,957 sq km	Total area
GDP	$392.205 billion	Real GDP (PPP, 2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate	10.2%	2024 estimate
Birth Rate	7.4 births/1,000 population	2024 estimate
Life Expectancy	81.9 years	At birth (2024 est.)
Energy Consumption per Capita	92.693 million Btu/person	2023 estimate
Military Expenditures	3.1% of GDP	2024 estimate
Total Length of Railways	2,345 km	2020
Number of Airports	82	2025