GREECE By Dara Regan Greece is a country

GREECE By Dara Regan Greece is a country in southeastern Europe consisting of 2 mainland peninsulas and thousands of islands. Capital: Athens Population: 11. 03 million (2013) Currency: Euro Neighboring countries: Turkey, Bulgaria, Macedonia (FYROM), Albania Official language: Greek

Debt crisis in Greece • The Greek government-debt crisis (also known as the Greek depression) started in late 2009. • Greece had to borrow a lot of money from the European Union to help with the crisis

Tourist Attractions • Santorini is a volcanic island in the Cyclades group of the Greek islands. It is famous for its dramatic views, stunning sunsets, the white-washed houses, and its very own active volcano • The Parthenon on top of the Acropolis is one of the most famous Greece tourist attractions and a visit to Athens is not complete without visiting this temple • Metéora (“suspended in the air”) in central Greece is a collection of six monasteries spectacularly situated on top of several rock pillars. • In ancient times Delphi was the most important site in ancient Greek religion, home to the sanctuary and oracle of Apollo.

SPORT • Greece is the country from which the Olympic games originate, so you might suspect that sports are still a important part of life • The ancient Olympic games were naturally a little different to the modern games, and included the following sports: • - Pentathlon: included running, jumping, and discus throwing • - Wrestling • - Boxing • - Pankration (some sort of martial art) • - Horse races • - Chariot races • - Javelin • Only Greek people were allowed to take part in the games. In the beginning, it was only a one day event. Later on it turned into a three day, and then a five day event.

Traditional food • Moussaka Perhaps the most widely recognized of all Greek dishes, this oven-baked casserole of layered eggplant and spiced meat filling topped with a creamy bechamel will be the highlight of any Greek meal 1. Moussaka. • Tiropites - Phyllo Cheese Triangles These finger-friendly triangles are made with phyllo pastry sheets and filled with a delicious mixture of Greek cheeses • Greek Yogurt with Honey and Walnuts recipe (Yiaourti me meli) A delicious Greek Yogurt with Honey recipe, drizzled with walnuts, infused with vanilla essence and sprinkled with fragrant cinnamon