Greece, officially the Hellenic Republic, is a country in Southeastern Europe, located on the southern tip of the Balkan Peninsula. It is positioned at the meeting point of Europe, Asia, and Africa. Greece is bordered by Albania, North Macedonia, and Bulgaria to the north, and Turkey to the east, with the Aegean Sea to the east, the Ionian Sea to the west and the Mediterranean Sea to the south. Athens is the nation's capital and largest city.
Greece is known as the cradle of Western civilization, the birthplace of democracy, Western philosophy, literature, and the Olympic Games. Key attractions include the Acropolis of Athens, the island of Santorini, Mykonos, and the monasteries of Meteora. Greece has a rich historical legacy reflected in its 20 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The country boasts the longest coastline in the Mediterranean Basin, featuring thousands of islands. Tourism and shipping are major economic sectors. Recent developments focus on economic recovery, green energy initiatives, and strategic alliances to strengthen its geopolitical position in the Mediterranean. As of early 2026, Greece is fostering a "Mediterranean Quad" alliance with India, Israel, and Cyprus.