Greece

Greece is a country in southeastern Europe, at the southern end of the Balkan Peninsula. It shares land borders with Albania, North Macedonia, Bulgaria and Turkey, while its coastline extends along the Aegean, Ionian and Mediterranean seas. The country covers about 132,000 km², including its many islands. Athens, in the region of Attica, is the capital and largest city. Much of mainland Greece is mountainous, with the Pindus range forming a major mountain axis.

Mount Olympus is the highest point, reaching about 2,918 metres above sea level. Greece has thousands of islands and islets, although only a limited number are permanently inhabited. Crete is the largest island, followed by Euboea. Its long, indented coastline, numerous islands and narrow sea passages are among the main features of Greek geography. Greece has a mainly Mediterranean climate, with generally hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters, although conditions vary with altitude and location.

Mountain regions are cooler and receive more precipitation, sometimes as snow during winter. The landscape includes rocky mountains, fertile plains, forests, valleys, wetlands and coastal areas. Several rivers cross mainland Greece, including the Aliakmon, the longest river whose entire course lies within the country. Greece lies in a geologically active region where several tectonic plates interact, so earthquakes occur relatively frequently.

Tectonic movements have also helped shape the country's mountains and volcanic landscapes. Santorini belongs to an active volcanic system in the southern Aegean. The Ionian Islands lie west of mainland Greece, while the Aegean islands are scattered between Greece and Asia Minor. Greece's position between Europe, Asia and Africa contributes to its varied natural environments, with clear differences in relief, climate and ecosystems.