For more information see the Greece profile.

Greece is situated on the southern tip of the Balkan Peninsula in Southern Europe. The nation was the birthplace of Western civilization and has made great contributions to culture and government world wide. Although the land is rocky and there is little fertile soil, agriculture is a leading economic activity, but industry and manufacturing is becoming increasingly important to the economy.

After 2,000 years of foreign domination, Greece regained independence in 1827, from the Ottoman Empire. Poor governments have hindered economic growth, but membership in the European Union has boosted the economy.

The Greek Orthodox Church is the state religion, and minority religions face
some discrimination from the government.