GREECE

The historical heritage of Greece continues to resonate throughout the modern Western world - in its politics, art and philosophy.



The country lies at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa, and its many hundreds of islands constitute about one-fifth of the total land area.

• Capital City: Athens
  
• Population: 11 million (UN, 2003)
  
• Major language: Greek
  
• Major religion: Christianity
  
• Life expectancy: 76 years (men), 81 years (women) (UN)
  
• Monetary unit: 1 Euro = 100 cents
  
• Main exports: Textiles and clothing, food, oil products
  
• Average annual income: US $11,430 (World Bank, 2001)
  
• Internet domain: .gr
  
• International dialling code: +30

The Greek media enjoy considerable freedom, although editors and publishers risk prosecution over material deemed offensive to the president or religious beliefs.

THE MEDIA

• The Press
  
  • Eleftherotypia
    
  • Ta Nea
    
  • Kathimerini - English-language
    
  • Athens News - English-language
    
    
    
• Television
  
  • ERT - public broadcaster, operates entertainment-based ET1, NET, regional and cultural channel ET3
    
  • Mega TV - major commercial station
    
  • Antenna TV - major commercial station
    
    
    
• Radio
  
  • ERA - public broadcaster, operates main network ERA1, entertainment station ERA2, cultural station ERA3, sport and music station ERA4, plus regional services
    
  • Voice of Greece - external service operated by ERA; programmes in Greek and 15 other languages including English
    
  • Antenna FM - commercial network
    
  • Athena 98,4 - municipal Athens station, one of the first non-state radio stations
    
  • Alpha News - Athens news, talk station
    
    
    
• News Agency
  
  • Athens News Agency
    
  • Netnews