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Center for International Studies
Member, Texas Tech University System The Princeton Review - 373 Best Colleges, 2011 Edition
Η Ακρόπολη των Αθηνών, Αθήνα, Ελλάδα / The Acropolis of Athens, Athens, Greece

Greece

Greek Society and Culture

Greek Culture

Traditions, religious practices, music and food are an integral part of Greek culture. Large numbers of religious festivals are celebrated by Greeks with great enthusiasm. Initially Greeks were known as orthodox but this has started to change with increasing western influence.

Greek Society

Greek society consists of close knit families. There are other important social organizations in Greece that have gradually evolved from the idea of family. Marriage also plays an important role in Greek society. Tradition and religious practices forms a core of social lifestyle of the Greeks. Women are given great importance in Greek society.

Etiquette and Customs

Meeting Etiquette

  • Shake hands with everyone (men, women and children) upon arrival and departure of a social meeting.
  • Good friends will most likely embrace and kiss.
  • Do not nod your head "yes" just say "yes".
  • Use the "thumbs up" sign to say O. K.

Gift-Giving Etiquette

  • Always bring the hostess a gift if invited to their home.
  • Good to give expensive wines, brandy, pastries, whiskey or cut flowers.
  • Do not give inexpensive wines, knives or sharp objects.

Dining Etiquette

  • .Arrive at least 30 minutes late for a dinner party.
  • Greeks may share the bill, but foreigners should not try to do that.
  • Eat everything on your plate. If you cannot eat everything on your plate, you must tell the hostess that it is too much food the moment you are given your plate.
  • Do whatever the host insist upon. The offer will be very sincere.
  • Try to join in greek Dance.
  • Be careful of your wine intake.

Quick Facts

Climate: Predominantly Mediterranean. Due to the country’s unique geography, Greece has a remarkable range of micro-climates and local variations. To the west of the Pindus mountain range, the climate is generally wetter and has some maritime features. The east of the Pindus mountain range is generally drier and windier in summer.

Population: 10,787,690 (2011 census)

Ethnic Make-up: Greek, 98 percent; other, 2 percent.

Religions: Greek Orthodox, 98 percent; Muslim, 1.3 percent; other, 0.7 percent.

Government: Parliamentary Republic

Languages: About 98 percent of the population speaks Greek, which is the country’s official language. The largest minority language is Macedonian, spoken by 1.8 percent of the population. Others include Albanian, spoken in the center and the south, Turkish, spoken by Muslim communities around the Aegean, and Arumanian and Bulgarian.