What is the population of Greece?
The population is around 11 million.
What is the language?
The official language is Greek (Hellenic) but English, French, German and other languages are widely spoken, especially in tourist areas.
What is the religion?
The religion is Greek Orthodox. There are minorities of Catholics & Muslims.
What is the climate in Greece?
Greece has a Mediterranean climate. Long, dry and hot summers and mild sunny winters especially in the south, although winters can be colder inland in northern areas mostly. It has 300 days of sunshine per year. The average temperature in the summer is 25 °C (77 F). Annual rainfall varies from 1500mm in the North to less than 500mm in the South and it rarely rains in the summer.
What is the political situation in Greece?
Greece is a member of the EU since January 1981. It is a democracy and enjoys political and economic stability.
Is there a Foreign Community in Greece?
Greece does not have a large community of foreigners although over the last few years it has become very popular with other fellow Europeans. There is a number of British as well as other EU residents in various towns in the Peloponnese as well as in Crete, Corfu and other islands.
What is the crime rate?
Greece is generally safe and serious and/or organised crime is rare. There are no recognised "no-go" areas at any time of the day or night.
What about Health Care in Greece?
Greece has a National Health Service for those who pay social security but private health insurance is also very common. It (Greece) has reciprocal health agreements with many countries and retirees from EU countries enjoy free medical treatment. Some private hospitals have entered into agreements with other European countries (e.g. the UK) offering treatment to citizens of those countries under their respective National Health Systems.
What is the currency used in Greece?
Greece has adopted the Euro since 1/1/2002
Are there any Exchange controls?
Yes. Funds imported for buying a property should be officially documented so that on a subsequent sale the proceeds can be repatriated. Exchange controls are gradually being phased out.
What is the Cost / Standard of living in Greece?
Greece has one of the lowest costs of living in the EU countries. Athens is more expensive than the rest of the country. The standard of living is quite high.
What is the Value Added Tax Rate?
The standard rate of VAT is 18 % but there are also reduced rates of 8 % for food, water, services, transportation, medicines and 4 % for books, theatre tickets, etc.
How about Building Standards in Greece?
The design and construction of buildings in Greece comply with European Regulations and Standards. Furthermore, stringent regulations exist for earthquake protection.
