Greece: general information about country, happiness index 2024

World Happiness Report for Greece 2024

  • Overall Happiness Rank Greece: 64
  • Happiness Score Greece:5.934

Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.

What is the Happiness Index?

The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.

How is the Happiness Index Calculated?

The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.

In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:

  1. GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
  2. Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
  3. Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
  4. Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
  5. Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
  6. Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.

These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.

What Does the Happiness Index Affect?

The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:

  1. Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
  2. Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
  3. Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
  4. Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.

By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.

Short information

  • Abbreviation of Greece. GR.

    Greece is a country known for its rich history, beautiful landscapes, and ancient ruins. The political structure is a parliamentary republic, and the country has a strong emphasis on family and community. Greece has a significant cultural influence, particularly in the fields of literature, philosophy, and art. Economically, it is a major tourist destination and has a strong shipping industry.

  • Greece is the birthplace of democracy, Western philosophy, the Olympic Games, and Western literature and historiography.
  • The country has over 6,000 islands, with only 227 of them inhabited.
  • Greece has the longest coastline in Europe, with a stunning 13,676 kilometers of coastline.

    Greece – Country Overview

    Early History:

    Greece is the birthplace of Western civilization, with the earliest settlements dating back to the Paleolithic era around 7000 BC. The Cycladic and Minoan civilizations emerged on the Greek islands in the 3rd millennium BC, followed by the Mycenaean civilization on the mainland (1600-1100 BC).

    Kingdoms and Empires:

    Ancient Greece was dominated by city-states like Athens and Sparta. In the 4th century BC, Philip II of Macedon united the Greek city-states, leading to the rise of the Macedonian Empire under his son Alexander the Great. After the Roman conquest in the 2nd century BC, Greece became part of the Roman Empire and later the Byzantine Empire.

    Colonial Period:

    Greece fell under Ottoman Turkish rule in the 15th century, remaining part of the Ottoman Empire until the successful Greek War of Independence in the 1820s.

    Independence and Modern Era:

    Greece gained full independence in 1832 after a prolonged struggle. In the 20th century, Greece experienced political instability, including a military dictatorship from 1967 to 1974. Democracy was restored in 1974, and Greece joined the European Union in 1981.

    Current Political Situation:

    Greece is a unitary parliamentary republic. The Prime Minister is Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and the President is Katerina Sakellaropoulou. Recent challenges include economic turmoil, the European debt crisis, and disputes with Turkey over territorial waters.

    International Relations:

    Greece is a member of NATO, the European Union, and the United Nations. Key alliances include the United States, France, and other European nations. Ongoing tensions with Turkey over Cyprus and maritime boundaries persist.

    Human Development and Economy:

    Greece has a high-income economy driven by services, tourism, and shipping. Despite recent economic crises, Greece ranks highly on the Human Development Index. Major industries include tourism, shipping, food and tobacco processing, and textiles.

    Cultural Highlights:

    Greece is renowned for its ancient philosophy, literature, art, and architecture. The Greek Orthodox Church plays a significant role. Greek cuisine, featuring olive oil, feta cheese, and seafood, is world-famous.

    Key challenges facing Greece include economic recovery, managing debt, addressing youth unemployment, and resolving disputes with neighboring countries.

    Travel Tips for Greece:

    Best Times to Visit: Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer mild weather and fewer crowds. Summer is peak season with higher prices.

    Cultural Etiquette: Greeks value hospitality and family. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Avoid public displays of affection.

    Safety Precautions: Greece is generally safe, but be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas. Avoid political demonstrations.

    Must-See Landmarks: The Acropolis and Parthenon in Athens, the islands of Santorini and Crete, Delphi, Meteora monasteries, and Ancient Olympia.

    Culinary Experiences: Try traditional Greek dishes like moussaka, souvlaki, dolmades, and tzatziki. Enjoy fresh seafood and locally produced olive oil, wine, and cheese.

    Living in Greece

    Cost of Living: The cost of living in Greece is relatively affordable, especially outside major cities like Athens. Housing, food, and utilities are reasonably priced.

    Housing: Apartments and houses are available for rent or purchase in cities and rural areas. Prices vary based on location and amenities.

Main facts

1. Location

Greece is a country located in Southern Europe, at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa. It occupies the southernmost part of the Balkan Peninsula and is situated at a major point of control over the maritime trade route between the eastern Mediterranean and the Black Sea. The mainland of Greece borders Albania, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, and Turkey, while its numerous islands are scattered throughout the Aegean and Ionian Seas.

2. Map References

Greece is located in Southern Europe, which is part of the European continent.

3. Area – Comparative

With a total area of 131,957 square kilometers, Greece is slightly larger than the U.S. state of Alabama.

4. Land Boundaries and Border Countries

The total length of Greece’s land boundaries is 1,228 kilometers. The countries that share land borders with Greece are:

5. Coastline (if applicable)

Greece has an extensive coastline of 13,676 kilometers due to its numerous islands and peninsulas. The coastline features several gulfs, bays, and inlets, providing excellent natural harbors and diverse coastal landscapes.

6. Maritime Claims

Greece claims the following maritime zones:

  • Territorial Sea: 12 nautical miles
  • Exclusive Economic Zone: 200 nautical miles
  • Continental Shelf: 200 meters depth or to the depth of exploitation

7. Climate

Greece has a predominantly Mediterranean climate, characterized by mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers. However, due to the country’s diverse topography, there are regional variations, with mountainous areas experiencing cooler temperatures and higher precipitation.

8. Terrain

The terrain of Greece is mountainous, with ranges accounting for 80% of the total land area. The main mountain ranges are the Pindus, Rhodope, Crete, and Peloponnese ranges. The country also features numerous valleys, plateaus, and lowlands, including the Thessaly Plain and the Attica Basin, where the capital city of Athens is located.

9. Elevation Extremes

The highest elevation in Greece is Mount Olympus, at 2,917 meters above sea level, located in the Olympus mountain range in northern Greece. The lowest point is the Mediterranean Sea, at 0 meters.

10. Natural Resources

The major natural resources found in Greece include:

  • Bauxite
  • Lignite
  • Magnesite
  • Oil
  • Marble
  • Hydropower potential

11. Major Bodies of Water

Greece is home to several significant water bodies, including:

12. Natural Hazards

The main natural hazards affecting Greece include:

  • Severe earthquakes
  • Wildfires, particularly during the hot and dry summer months
  • Droughts
  • Storms and flooding

13. Geography – Notes

Greece is a geographically diverse country, with its numerous islands, rugged mountainous terrain, and coastal areas contributing to its unique and varied landscapes. The country’s strategic location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa has played a significant role in its history and cultural development.

  • Forest Area (% of land area): 31.70%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
  • Co2 Emissions: 62,434. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
  • Agricultural Land( %). 47.60%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
  • Geographic Coordinates:  39.07420821.824312.
  • Capital: The capital of Greece is  Athens
  • Major Cities:
    • Athens – Population: 664,046
    • Thessaloniki – Population: 325,182
    • Patras – Population: 167,446
    • Iraklio – Population: 140,730
    • Larissa – Population: 144,651
  • Population: 10,716,322
  • Area(Km2): 131957
  • Population Density( P/Km²):81. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
  • Calling Code:30
  • Official Language(s):Greece is Greek 100%
  • Currency: EUR

Main Economic Indicators

Greece has a service-based economy with the public sector playing a significant role. Its key economic challenges include high unemployment, an elevated debt-to-GDP ratio, and issues with bureaucracy and tax evasion. Notable economic policies include austerity measures implemented since the debt crisis and efforts to boost competitiveness and attract foreign investment.

Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)

2021: 0.6%
2020: -1.3%
(Source: IMF World Economic Outlook)

Credit Ratings

Fitch: BB (Stable)
Moody’s: Ba3 (Stable)
Standard & Poor’s: BB+ (Stable)

GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin

Agriculture: 3.8%
Industry: 15.6%
Services: 80.6%
(Source: World Bank, 2021 data)

Key Agricultural and Industrial Products

Agricultural Products: Wheat, corn, barley, sugar beets, olives, tomatoes, wine, tobacco, potatoes
Industrial Products: Tourism, food and tobacco processing, textiles, chemicals, metal products, mining, petroleum

Labor Force

Total Labor Force: 4.8 million (2021 est.)
Comparative Ranking: 84th

Current Account Balance

2021: -$11.9 billion
2020: -$14.2 billion
Comparative Ranking: 180th (2021 est.)

Exports and Imports

Exports: $48.8 billion (2021 est.)
Key Partners: Italy, Germany, Turkey, Cyprus, Bulgaria
Main Commodities: Food and beverages, crude oil, machinery, transport equipment
Imports: $73.8 billion (2021 est.)
Key Partners: Germany, Italy, Russia, China, Netherlands
Main Commodities: Machinery, transport equipment, fuels, chemicals

Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold

Foreign Exchange Reserves: $13.8 billion (Dec 2021)
Gold Reserves: 112.5 tonnes (Dec 2021)

  • GDP (Current US$):$209,852,761,469. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
  • Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 26.20%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
  • Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 51.90%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
  • Gasoline Price. $1.54. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
  • Minimum wage. $4.46. It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
  • Unemployment Rate (%): 17.24%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.

Social Indicators

National Identity

Nationality: noun – Greek, adjective – Greek

Ethnic Groups

  • Greek 92%
  • Other (foreign citizens) 8% – includes Albanians, Bulgarians, Georgians, Romanians, and Turks

Religions

  • Greek Orthodox 90%
  • Muslim 2%
  • Other 8%

Age Structure

  • 0-14 years: 13.46%
  • 15-64 years: 63.92%
  • 65 years and over: 22.62%

Dependency Ratios

Total dependency ratio: 56.5
Youth dependency ratio: 21.1
Elderly dependency ratio: 35.4

Median Age

Total: 45.5 years
Male: 44.3 years
Female: 46.7 years

Lifestyle Indicators

  • Obesity rate: 24.9% of the adult population
  • Alcohol consumption: 8.3 liters of pure alcohol per capita per year
  • Tobacco use: 37.6% of adults smoke tobacco

Additional Information

Greece has an aging population, with a high proportion of individuals over 65 years old. The country also faces challenges related to obesity, alcohol consumption, and tobacco use, which can impact public health and healthcare systems.

  • Life Expectancy at Birth: 81.3. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
  • Literacy Rate (% of adults): 98.0%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
  • Birth Rate:8.1. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
  • Death Rate:14. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
  • Fertility Rate: 1.35. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
  • Internet Users (% of population): 75.9%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
  • Urban Population: 8,507,474. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
  • Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):35.50%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.

Infrastructure and Services

Military and Security Forces

Greece’s military comprises the Hellenic Army, Hellenic Navy, and Hellenic Air Force. Special units include the Hellenic Raiding Forces and Submarine Force. The Hellenic Coast Guard and Hellenic Police are responsible for internal security.

Military Expenditures

Military spending as a percentage of GDP for the last five years:

  • 2017: 2.5%
  • 2018: 2.4%
  • 2019: 2.5%
  • 2020: 2.7%
  • 2021: 3.6%

Greece ranks 28th globally in military spending.

Personnel Strengths

Greece has approximately 144,800 active-duty military personnel, with the following breakdown:

  • Hellenic Army: 90,000
  • Hellenic Navy: 18,600
  • Hellenic Air Force: 26,200

Additional security forces include the Hellenic Coast Guard (7,000) and Hellenic Police (53,000).

Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions

Key military hardware includes:

  • Tanks: Leopard 2, M60, M47
  • Aircraft: F-16 Fighting Falcon, Mirage 2000, F-4 Phantom II
  • Naval vessels: Hydra-class frigates, Glaukos-class submarines, Machitis-class patrol boats

Significant future acquisitions include the Rafale fighter jets from France and Belh@rra frigates from the Netherlands.

Military Service Age and Obligation

Military service is mandatory for males between the ages of 19 and 45. The service obligation is 9 to 12 months for the Army and 12 months for the Navy and Air Force.

Military Deployments

Greece currently has military personnel deployed in:

Greece also contributes to various other NATO and EU missions.

Strategic Military Notes

Greece’s defense strategy focuses on maintaining a strong military deterrent against potential threats, primarily from Turkey, due to long-standing disputes over territorial claims and maritime boundaries. Greece is a founding member of NATO and places emphasis on its alliance with the United States and other NATO partners. It also actively participates in international peacekeeping and security operations.

  • Armed Forces Size: 142000. Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
  • Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 5.48
  • Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 51.80%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.

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