Greece: A Country of Contradictions

Greece is riddled with paradoxes. Situated in the southern tip of Europe, it serves as a gateway between the countries of the east and the west. Within the country, modern modes of transportation connect bustling ever-expanding cities to laid-back traditional villages. Amid the chaos and frantic pace of cities like Athens, lie ancient, silent ruins of one of the world’s oldest civilizations.

The contradictions do not stop there. Greeks work longer hours than their European counterparts yet every day the bars, clubs, restaurants and theatres are packed to the brim with revelers celebrating late into the evening. Greece remains one of the safest countries in Europe, but has one of the highest traffic accident rates. There is political stability, but peaceful protests against government reforms occur almost weekly. There is no fear of foreign terrorism, but in rare cases, extreme anarchist groups attack government property.

The economy is strong and growing but there is high inflation, unemployment and debt. Greeks are far behind in terms of recycling and controlling fossil fuel emissions, yet the government has committed itself to developing renewable energy sources by making one of the largest investments in wind energy to date.

Greeks are among the most welcoming people in the world, yet only 6% of the population is foreign. Most foreigners immigrate to Greece because of the weather -- long, hot summers and short, gentle winters. They immigrate for the calming beauty of the Greek waters, but every now and again must tolerate the upset of an occasional earthquake.

Greece cares for its people. Children are viewed as the cornerstone of the family unit in Greece, and the government provides all children with access to free education and healthcare. Small businesses – often family ran – are the backbone of the economy and receive support from various agencies. Greek workers also enjoy access to free healthcare and social security upon retirement.

Greeks are a passionate people open to expressing opinions and convictions, sometimes in a loud and animated manner. Passion courses through their veins as evidenced in fervent love and support of country, family and even one’s favorite football team. At the same time, Greece is a laid back nation, often likened to a wise elder who has seen it all and knows what is important in life. In short, Greece is a country with an old heart and a young mind. It is a country of endless paradox; a country where you can focus on the great and ignore the not so great. This is its charm.

Greece is characterized as:
Having a Distinguished History | Greece’s cultural heritage spans over 4,000 years, fragments of which can be seen throughout the country in monuments, architectural sites and museums.

Hedonistic | Greeks enjoy a pleasure-seeking lifestyle, sating their senses with delicious cuisine, ethnic song and floor stomping dances.

Geographically Diverse | At the gateway of Europe, Greece is influenced by both eastern and western culture. There are also over 2,000 islands to explore during the summer and hundreds of remote mountainous villages to hibernate in during winter.