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Greece
Relevant information about Greece.
When thinking of Greece, we cannot avoid recalling the Olympus and its Gods. It is also a must to mention the paradise beaches, which have been witnesses of ancient cultures. There are a lot of things to enjoy and admire in Greece: landscapes, buildings, history and people. The rich local culture invites everyone to visit this European country.
According to the last census performed in Greece in 2001, the country´s total population was 10.964.020. Around the 50% of the population corresponds to males, and the other half to women. Due to economic issues, throughout the 20th century great part of the people from Greece migrated to Australia, the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and Germany, creating what was known as the Greek diaspora. After the improvement of the local economy since the 80´s, the migration trend was reversed. But currently, and important economic crisis is hiting the country once again. The census from 2001, recorded that 762.191 people residing in Greece without being Greek, amounts around 7% of total population. At the same time, people from the Balkan countries of Albania, Bulgaria, and Romania make up almost two-thirds of the total foreign population. And the 10% of the total corresponds to migrants from the former Soviet Union- Georgia, Russia, Ukraine, Moldova-. When it comes to Greek culture, there is a wide range of items to describe. This culture has evolved over thousands of years. It began in the Mycenaean and Minoan Civilizations, continuing mainly into Classical Greece, the Hellenistic Period, through the influence of the Roman Empire and its Greek Eastern successor the Byzantine Empire. The Ottoman Empire had also a significant influence on Greek culture. However, after the Greek War of Independence a very complex culture was born. Philosopy is one of the primary traditions of Greece, which began in ancient Greece. The most recognized period of philosophy started with Socrates. Other philosophers well known are Plato and Aristotle. Greece have also made an important contribution to literature, with authors such as Constantine P. Cavafy, with his ancient poems; Homer, with the spectacular Iliad and the Odyssey. Of the hundreds of tragedies written and performed during the classical age, only a limited number of plays by three authors have remained until now: Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides. The authors involved were Aristophanes; Herodotus and Thucydides; whose work have been reproduced year hundreds of times all around the world. Regarding contemporary Greek literature, it is representated by many writers, poets and novelists: Andreas Kalvos, Angelos Sikelianos, Dionysios Solomos, Kostis Palamas, Penelope Delta, Yannis Ritsos, Alexandros Papadiamantis, Nikos Kazantzakis, Andreas Embeirikos, Constantine P. Cavafy, Demetrius Vikelas, Kostas Karyotakis, Gregorios Xenopoulos. Science is also a field where Greeks have given a step forward. The General Secretariat for Research and Technology of the Hellenic Ministry of Development is the institution responsible for designing, implementing and supervising national research and technological policy in the country. There are technology parks in Greece, that include the Science and Technology Park of Crete- Heraklion-, the Thessaloniki Technology Park, the Lavrio Technology Park and the Patras Science Park.Greece has been a member of the European Space Agency since 2005. And the great advantages of technology in Greece make it a good choice for companies to set its regional headquarters, such is the case of Ericsson, Siemens, SAP, Motorola and Coca-Cola. It is also known worldwide the exquisit Greek cuisine. Actually, Mediterranean cuisine is the star in the region: including olive oil, tomato, oregano, mint, garlic, onion, dill and bay laurel leaves. And mainly Greek food includes fresh ingredients, into a wide range of local dishes such as moussaka, stifado, Greek Salad, spanakopita, the world famous Souvlaki, tzatziki, grilled octopus and small fish, feta cheese, dolmades, various pulses, olives and cheese. When it comes to sports, Greece is also recognized, being traditionally the home of Olympics Games. Other sports where Greeks stand out are football and basketball.
In Greece, the tourism industry is a major source of revenues, e mploying, directly or indirectly, 16.5% of the total workforce of 4.9 million people. Greece has performed third in the working hours per year ranking of the European nations. According to statistics from 2004, Greece welcomed 16.5 million tourists. And in a survey made in China in 2005, Greece was voted as the Chinese people's number one choice as a tourist destination. In November 2006, Austria also announced that Greece was the favourite tourism destination. Cruises around Greece are an exclusive option to visit the country, amounting millions per year to the tourism industry. Sea work is another strong aspect of the Greek economy. Currently, shipping is one of the country's most important industries. It accounts for 4.5% of GDP, employs the 4% of the workforce, and represents 1/3 of the country's trade deficit. During the 1960s, the size of the Greek fleet nearly doubled, thanks to the investment made by the shipping magnates Onassis and Niarchos. According to reports made, the Greek owned maritime fleet is the largest in the world, with 3.079 vessels accounting for 18% of the world's fleet capacity. In relation to the ship categories, Greece ranks first in both tankers and dry bulk carriers, fourth in the number of containers, and fourth in other ships. However, the Greek economy has been facing significant problems lately, including rising unemployment levels. By the end of 2009, as a result of a combination of international factors such as financial crisis, and local factors such as uncontrolled spending prior to the October 2009 national elections, the Greek economy faced its most severe crisis since 1993, with the highest budget deficit. Unfortunately, Greece adopted hard austerity measures to bring its deficit under control.
The ancient and archaeological Greek sites are the first treasure of the country. And the first must is the Acropolis of Athens, which represents the Classical Greek culture. It is the top place to experience the local ancient monuments and rich museums. The new Acropolis Museum stands out, having the most amazing attractions, such as The Moschoforos, the exceptional statue of a bearded youth carrying a calf on his shoulders, a sacrifice to goddess Athena; the sculpture of the Head of Alexander the Great; the Archaic Kores, which are statues of the maidens who were dedicated to goddess Athena; of course the Parthenon and its sculptures, where can be found Olympian gods and certain metopes depicting scenes of the Centauromachy, the Giantomachy, the Amazonomachy and the Trojan War. At the same time, Akrotiri is considered the "Pompeii" of Greece. It is a small prehistoric cycladic settlement that was buried under ashes when the volcano of Thera erupted. The place has been preserved in very good condition, and offers a glance into the life and culture of the Cycladic civilization. The city of Delphi is a place of influence in ancient east Mediterranean affairs. The Delphic oracles were received by Persian kings and Athenian leaders and they helped shape history as we know it now. The landscape is incredible, the ruins well preserved, and the local museums have some of the most important art works from ancient Greece. Mycenae and its ruins are a must for those who have read the Iliad of Homer, and would like to see the spots amazingly described by the author. Greece is also highly chosen by tourists who want to enjoy the most spectacular beaches of the world. The crystal clear water and the white sand, surround by the most spectacular white constructions, invite tourists to visit Greek beaches. Most of the beaches correspond to islands, which are found in the Aegean Sea. Balos has some of the most spectacular natural beauty. The turquoise water and white sand is surrounded by islets and mountains. It also has some mystique, due to the castle located nearby. In the Peloponnese, the beach Sarakiniko is a wonderful option for those who are demanding of the most spectacular water. Navagio, is an isolated beach surrounded by cliffs and enormous caverns, where snorkeling is a very hood choice. Myrtos beach is known worldwide by its richness and beauty, so no tourist should miss it. And for those who are eager to enjoy a paradise, targeting Olympus Gods, Mykonos is the first beach to think of. Spectacular scenery, with white sand, amazing water and the most wonderful mountains is found in Mykonos.
The first thing to think of, when it comes to medical tourism in Greece, is that cosmetic surgery in Greece costs a lot less compared to other European countries or the United States. Of course, the quality and professionalism stands out, even from ancient times. From ancient baths and spas, the medical tourism has developed to great standards. Greece currently provided integrated and complex healthcare services, with staffs dedicated to patients and family health. Some of the most recognized hospitals in Greece are: Euroclinic Athens, in Athens, where a complete and affordable healthcare system is offered. It is equipped with three clinics, 308 treatment beds, 21 intensive care beds, a remarkably broad range of services at all levels and cutting-edge medical equipment; the Mediterranean Fertility Center & Genetic Services, in Chania, which ranks as a leader in Reproductive Medicine and Assisted Reproductive Technologies in the Island of Crete, and it is a fertility center totally committed to offering affordable and successful treatment to all patients; Symmetria, in Athens, which is an advanced center of medical, beauty and wellness services, inspired by the 5th century B.C, that provides services in the fields of plastic and aesthetic surgery, non invasive aesthetic treatments, reconstructive surgery, aesthetic dentistry and dermatology; Kapositas Plastic Surgery Clinic, in Athens, that offers complete cosmetic surgery procedures, for those who wish to regain a youthful appearance in a safe and private environment, along with affordable prices. Among the medical fields usually chosen by tourist in Greece are cosmetic/plastic surgery, dentistry, detox treatment, executive healthcheck, eye/lasik care treatment, fertility treatment, heart care/surgery, laparoscopic surgery, medical spa treatment, obesity/bariatric surgery, orthopedic/knee surgery, rehabilitation, skin care treatment, spine care, sports medicine and stem cell.
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