Greece has a rich and long history and human settlement in ancient Greece dates back over 8000 years. The Minoan Culture developed around Crete, an important island in Greece. The Mycenean and the Cycladic civilizations were among the most developed early cultures of Europe. Politically, however, Greece is considered part of Western Europe. The country's membership in the European Union also classifies it as a Western European country.
Land Borders and Political Boundaries
Greece shares land borders with four countries - Albania, Bulgaria, Turkey, and the FYROM (Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia). Albania, to the north-west of Greece is closest to Ionia and shared a land border of about 175 miles (approximately 1228 kilometers). The Republic of Macedonia, to the north-northwest of Greece is closest to Thessaloniki and shares a land border of about 142 miles (approximately 228 kilometers). Bulgaria to the north-northeast of Greece is closest to Kavala and shares a 307 mile long border (approximately 494 kilometers) with Greece. Turkey, the country to the northeast of Greece shares a 128 mile long border (approximately 206 kilometers).
Area and Region
Greece has a land area of about 50, 942 square miles (approximately 131,940 square kilometers) and a coastline that stretches 8498 miles (approximately 13, 676 kilometers ). The Greek Peninsula is made up of a central mountainous region and coastal regions that are low-lying. The country has over 2000 islands in the Ionian, Mediterranean, and Aegean Seas but only about 170 of these are inhabited. The mainland forms the Peloponnesus Peninsula and the capital city, Athens is located here. The peninsular connection to the Turkish Straits and the Isthmus of Corinth make it a strategically important country. The location of Greece in the Aegean - Mediterranean - Ionian Sea region gives it a long maritime history. The popularity of the country as a tourist destination has also contributed to its recognition. The location of Greece also makes it a member of the NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization), the military alliance of USA, Canada and a number of European Nations, since February 1952.
Geographic Coordinates of Greece -
The furthest point to the north of Greece is at Ormeni with the coordinates 41°44'N, 26°10 E. The southern tip of Greece is at Gavdos Island and the coordinates are 34°48' N, 24°7' E. To the east, Greece stretches till Strogyli Island at 36°7'N, 29°38'E and to the west the farthest point is the Othonoi Island at 39°51'N, 19°22'2E. The highest elevation in Greece is the Mitikas Peak of Mount Olympus at 9576 feet. The extension of the Pindus Mountains underwater makes many of the Aegean islands rocky outcrops. The location of Greece leaves the country prone to earthquakes and volcanic activity.
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