Greece

Greece is a country in southeastern Europe. It has thousands of islands in the blue Mediterranean Sea. Ancient Greece gave the world democracy, the Olympic Games, and amazing myths about gods and heroes.

Land and People

About 10 million people live in Greece. The capital is Athens. Greece has over 6,000 islands, but only about 200 have people living on them. The mainland has mountains, olive groves, and ancient ruins everywhere.

Stone archway leading into an ancient Greek tomb.
Stone archway leading into an ancient Greek tomb. (Ken Russell Salvador / Wikimedia Commons)

Culture and Fun Facts

Ancient Greeks invented the Olympics about 2,800 years ago. Greek myths about Zeus, Athena, and Hercules are still told today. Greek food includes gyros, feta cheese, and baklava. Saying opa! means hooray and is shouted during celebrations.

Fun Facts

  • The Olympic Games were first held in ancient Greece about 2,800 years ago.
  • Greece has more archaeological museums than any other country in the world.
  • The Greek alphabet has been used for almost 3,000 years.

Did You Know?

Ancient Greeks held the first Olympic Games in 776 BC. Athletes competed naked and the only prize was an olive wreath. The modern Olympics started again in Athens in 1896 and now the whole world takes part.