Industry of Greece and its characteristics. Competitiveness in Greece Budget system of Greece

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The country ranks 37th in the world in terms of gross domestic product growth and 33rd in terms of purchasing power parity.

According to the Human Development Index 2007 inclusive, released on October 5, 2009, Greece ranks 25th in the world and belongs to the group of “developed countries”.

However, as a result of the global financial crisis, the Greek economy is in a very difficult situation: in 2009, the budget deficit amounted to 12.7% of GDP, with 3% of GDP allowed in the Eurozone. In April 2010, Eurostat revised this figure and initially increased it to 13.6% of GDP , and then up to 15.4% of GDP).

According to Eurostat data released in April 2011, the budget deficit in 2010 was 10.5% of GDP. However, as of November 2011, the budget deficit, as a result of increased spending and a decrease in tax revenues due to strikes, increased again and amounted to 20.1 billion euros, or 11% of GDP.

In March-July 2013, as a result of the ongoing economic crisis of 2008-2013, Greece, for the first time in the practice of world financial agencies, lost the status of a developed country and returned to the category of developing ones.

general characteristics

Greece is an industrial-agrarian state with an average level of production development. The public sector provides about half of GDP. Wholesale and retail trade are highly developed. The country has an extensive banking system. The activities of insurance companies have become widespread, and the volume of exchange transactions is growing rapidly.

Main industries: textile (dominant), chemical, petrochemical, tourism, food and tobacco, mining, paper, cement, metallurgy. Electrical engineering, some types of mechanical engineering, and the production of building materials are developing. Transport: road (carries out 60% of all domestic freight and passenger traffic), railway is poorly developed, sea (30% of domestic and 90% of external freight and passenger traffic), air. Main seaports: Piraeus, Thessaloniki, Eleusis, Volos.

Greece has the third largest merchant fleet in the world. There are 40 airports, of which 22 are international. The largest center is Eleftherios Venizelos Airport in Athens, one of the most modern in Europe and the world.

According to the Index of Economic Freedom, compiled by The Heritage Foundation, USA, as of 2010, Greece ranks 73rd in the world: GDP - $ 330.0 billion. GDP growth rate - 2.9%. GDP per capita - $29,361. Foreign direct investment - $6.6 million. In 2010, Greek Prime Minister Giorgos Papandreou signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the government of Qatar - an investment package worth $5 billion. Arab entrepreneurs have already invested in the construction of a power plant, a liquefied gas terminal and a biofuel production plant in the Astakos port area. In addition, the Qatar Public Investment Fund has expressed direct interest in developing the site of the former Athens Airport in Ellinikon. According to the Bank of Greece, in 2013, 168 million euros were invested in Greek real estate from abroad (twice as much as in 2012). The total volume of such investments for 2012-2013 amounted to 285 million euros.

Imports (machinery and equipment, oil and oil products, mineral raw materials, consumer goods, food) - $ 22.2 billion (mainly Italy - 15.6%; Germany - 15.5%; USA - 11.1% ; France - 8.3%). Export (raw materials - bauxite, nickel, manganese, agricultural products - tobacco, textiles, olive oil, vegetables, fruits, canned foods, grains) - $ 12.9 billion (mainly Germany - 25.5%; USA - 15, 8%; Italy - 10.8%; Great Britain - 7.7%). In general, about 60% of Greece's trade turnover is with EU countries, 20% with Arab countries.

The country's industrial potential is mainly concentrated in the area of ​​Athens and Thessaloniki. About 50% of the country's industrial output in value terms is produced here. Agricultural production is most developed in Macedonia and certain areas of the Peloponnese. Less prosperous areas are Thessaly, western Peloponnese and Crete (except Heraklion). The poor areas of Greece are the islands of the Aegean and Ionian Seas, Epirus, Thrace and the eastern Peloponnese, where subsistence farming, cattle breeding and handicrafts predominate.

The shadow economy is estimated to be about 20%. At the same time, corruption and the shadow sector of the economy remain a significant problem for Greece. According to a survey of more than 6 thousand people conducted by the Greek branch of Transparency International, in 2009 Greeks paid 462 million euros in bribes to civil servants and another 325 million euros as “remuneration” in the private sector. The bribes were used mainly for issuing licenses and license plates, obtaining building permits, placement in public medical institutions, as well as to tax authorities (see also the Siemens corruption scandal in Greece).

History of development

Greece's GNP in 1996 amounted to 120 billion dollars. GNP per capita in 1996 reached 11.5 thousand dollars. Gross domestic product grew at about 4.9% in the first half of the 1970s, with growth declining to 1.6% in the first half of the 1990s. From 1960 to 1975, the production of industrial goods increased annually by 10.6%, and agricultural products by 3.5%. The share of agriculture in GDP fell from 31% in 1950 to 16.6% in 1976 and 14% in 1996; the share of industry in 1976 reached 17.4%, and in 1996 - 24%. The share of the service sector in 1996 was 62%. Unemployment in 1996 reached 10.6%. In 1995, about 23% of the population was employed in industry and construction, 57% in the service sector, and 20% in agriculture. Women made up a third of the workforce, and their share was especially high in the textile and tobacco industries.

At the beginning of the 21st century, Greece is inferior to its EU partners in most indicators. American, French, German, Italian and Swiss capital occupies a strong position in the Greek economy. Foreign participation is: in the manufacturing industry - 25%, in the service sector - 22%, in the banking system - 16%, in the extractive industries -10%. The country's modern national economy is actively adapting to the processes of Western European integration.

Greece's liquid fuel needs are 95% covered by imports. Local brown coal reserves are also used. Electricity generation, a state monopoly, has grown rapidly since the mid-1960s with the launch of new thermal and hydroelectric power plants. Hydroelectric power plants produce about a third of all electricity, the rest comes from thermal power plants and alternative energy sources.

Agriculture

Commercial agriculture is underdeveloped due to a lack of fertile soil, low annual rainfall, and an inefficient land tenure system (based on small farms). About 30% of Greece's land is arable.

Gardening and vegetable growing are well developed. They grow olives (most of them are immediately processed into olive oil), grapes, melons, peaches, oranges, and tomatoes. Greece exports citrus and melon crops to EU countries.

Historically, Greece produces wines with resin additives, but recently varieties without such specific additives have been produced for export, although Greek wines cannot yet compare in popularity with wines from other European countries. Greek agriculture is the main recipient of EU subsidies.

Industry

The industry of Greece is developed disproportionately in terms of its sectoral structure and is unevenly distributed throughout the country. The light and food industries are the most developed. Industry employs 21% of the working population.

Bauxite, pyrite, nickel ores, and magnesite are mined. The island of Naxos has the world's largest emery deposit.

The metallurgical industry is developed, although in accordance with EU decisions, steel production in Greece has been reduced by 30%. There are enterprises in the mechanical engineering, petrochemical and woodworking industries. The textile, food industries and the production of building materials received priority development (it is believed that the world's largest cement factory is located in the city of Volos).

The largest portion of foreign exchange earnings continues to come from shipping, the most important sector of the Greek economy (see Greek shipping). Vessels of Greek shipowners are registered under the flags of different countries. Taken together, under national and “flags of convenience” of other countries, Greece has the largest in the world civilian fleet. Fisheries in coastal waters are extremely important.

Jean Housen, CC BY-SA 3.0 Greek industry is characterized by the fact that there are many small plants and factories, most of which have a low technical level. Industrial enterprises of Greece are concentrated mainly in Attica, on the island of Euboea, as well as in Central and Western Macedonia. The industry is developing especially rapidly in the metropolitan area of ​​Athens - Piraeus, where a significant part of the country's production capacity is concentrated.

Services sector

Tourism

Greece receives over 23 million tourists a year, which provides a significant portion of the country’s foreign exchange earnings.

Foreign economic relations

In 1920, England occupied first place in Greek imports; in 1929-1932. The first place was taken by the USA, and in 1938 Germany supplanted them.

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Debt crisis in Greece

Greece's total external public debt exceeded 140% of GDP (240 billion euros, summer 2011), with the country borrowing about 80 billion euros, or 30% of GDP, in 2009 alone. The budget deficit amounted to a record 12.7% of GDP for the eurozone. It should be noted that the crisis of 2009-2010. in Greece threatens complications throughout the eurozone, and the economic situation in Greece in 2009-2010. similar to the dire situation in other EU countries, dubbed PIGS. Experts from the Foundation for Economic and Industrial Research (IOBE, Greece) stated that Greece is facing a large-scale social crisis due to political and economic instability. IOBE experts are particularly concerned about three trends: the growth of the state apparatus and public sector wages, a sharp increase in pension costs and tax evasion on an unprecedented scale. Experts call on the government to abandon “closed” professions that enjoy a number of privileges, remove numerous restrictions on domestic markets, and facilitate the process of registering companies. In addition, it is necessary to immediately “open up” the public sector to direct competition with private companies and take measures to increase the country’s competitiveness at the international level.

The Greek government plans to begin a privatization program. The state owns 77% of the Agrobank of Greece and 34% of the Postal Bank, blocking or controlling stakes in the electricity and telephone monopolies. In addition, the state owns the national gas company DEPA and the gas transmission system operator DESFA. Finally, the government owns the country's cargo ports and the OPAP gambling monopoly, as well as real estate.

It is planned that the state's controlling stake (more than 51%) will remain only in some companies that are the most important from the point of view of security, infrastructure and the provision of services to the population. In other cases, the state package will be reduced to blocking (34%) or lower.

The current center-left government came to power in Greece in October 2009. The previous center-right cabinet also pursued a privatization program: in particular, the former national carrier Olympic Airlines, a blocking stake in the national telecommunications company OTE, and the cargo port terminal in Piraeus were sold. However, all these transactions were difficult to achieve amid mass protests by workers. In addition, the ongoing economic downturn, which the government predicts will last until the end of 2010, may hamper profitable asset sales.

On June 14, 2011, the international rating agency Standard & Poor's downgraded Greece's long-term sovereign credit rating by three levels - from B to CCC, with a negative outlook. The short-term rating was confirmed at C. Thus, Greece dropped lower in the S&P world rating Ecuador, Jamaica, Pakistan and Grenada, finishing last.

On June 22, 2011, a new medium-term austerity program was adopted by the Greek government at the proposal of the new Finance Minister Evangelos Venizelos, and later supported by the Greek Parliament. It provides for a reduction in the minimum individual income subject to income tax from 12 thousand to 8 thousand euros per year. It is expected that such measures will reduce the budget deficit to 1% of GDP by 2015. The adoption of the program caused a new wave of protests, which escalated into riots and clashes with the police.

On July 2, 2011, the finance ministers of the Eurozone countries decided to provide the 5th tranche of financial assistance to Greece in the amount of 12 billion euros, which will arrive on July 15, 2011.

On October 27, 2011, it became known that at the summit of the heads of the leading countries of the European Union, it was possible to reach an agreement to write off half of Greek debts to private investors - about 100 billion euros.

On February 21, 2012, at a meeting of eurozone finance ministers, a program was adopted under which Greece would receive 130 billion euros by 2014, and private creditors would write off 53.5% (107 billion euros) of the state's bond debts. To adopt this agreement, the country's leadership took unpopular measures (reduced the minimum wage to 600 euros per month), which became the cause of mass protests that took place on February 12.

Due to the fact that the Greek government intends to appeal to the Eurozone countries to extend the austerity program for another two years, which will require an additional 20 billion euros, in addition to the already agreed aid packages, Finnish Parliament member Ben Zyskovich expressed his personal wish for the end of financial assistance to Greece with sides of the European Union.

Greece is a unitary state located in the southern part of Europe. The latest estimates put the country's population at just over 11 million. The Greek Republic occupies an area of ​​132 thousand square meters. km. Today, the state is experiencing colossal consequences, as a result of which endless strikes, riots, speculation and provocations occur on the streets of large cities.

Description of the country

The capital of Greece is Athens. The main legislative body is Parliament. Since the spring of 2015, Prokopis Pavlopoulos has been the president of the republic. Greece became independent in 1821, separating from the Ottoman Caliphate.

The unitary state is located on Numerous territorial islands fall under the jurisdiction of the country. Greece itself is divided into 13 administrative regions. It is washed by the Thracian, Icarian, Aegean, Cretan, Ionian and Mediterranean seas. Shared land border with countries such as Albania, Bulgaria, Turkey and Macedonia. The population is 98% Orthodox.

Despite its rich cultural and historical heritage, Greece's current position in world politics and economics is becoming more precarious every day. The republic is dominated by the agricultural and industrial sectors. Tourism also plays a significant part in the state's income.

The Birth of the Economy

Ancient Hellas is the name given to ancient settlements that appeared at the beginning of the first millennium BC. e. on the coast and In those days, the most developed civilizations were Rome and Greece. The economy was based on the slave system. It was private property that was the foundation of economic activity.

And statehood was formed gradually with the development of democratic institutions. Initially, Hellas was an aristocratic republic. The economy of Ancient Greece was completely dependent on the economic activities of the policies, which were formed as a result of communal decomposition. Each such city united the property of all aristocrats. Members of the pole had political and civil rights. They laid the foundation for monetary and commodity relations.

The primary sector of the economy was agriculture, such as the cultivation of grapes and olives. Next came livestock breeding (sheep, goats, etc.). Craftsmen and farmers were engaged in trade. Even in those ancient times, the lands of Hellas were rich in such useful resources as copper, silver, gold, lead and marble.

Development of modern economy

The heyday of financial performance dates back to 1996. So GNP amounted to about 120 billion dollars. Per person per year it turns out to be $11.5 thousand. At that time, according to dynamic indicators of profitability growth, Greece was among the leaders of European countries. The republic's economy at that time was based on successful agriculture and industry. The share of these industries was more than 55%. The remaining percentage was divided between service sectors and taxes from tourism organizations. Unemployment did not exceed 11%.

The beginning of the 21st century was marked by serious financial changes for the country. Foreign investors have flocked to Greece sharply. On the one hand, this stabilized the economy and closed gaps in some important areas. On the other hand, the national system had to adapt to Western integration. As a result, Greece began to systematically concede to its partners in the European Union. Only multi-billion dollar loans from American, Italian, French, Swiss and German banks helped maintain capital.

Nevertheless, the main characteristic of the Greek economy by sector remained virtually unchanged. GDP from agriculture is 8.3%, from the industrial zone - up to 27.3%, from services - over 64.4%. At the same time, citizens’ needs for liquid fuel are met only through imports.

General economic indicators

Greece has long been considered one of the most agriculturally developed powers in Europe. The country's economy in this equivalent surpasses even some of the primary EU members. The only drawback that slows down the industrial development of Greece is the average level of production.

The public sector provides just under half of GDP. This is achieved thanks to a well-developed trade and banking system. Both insurance companies and travel companies bring their share of income. As for industry, the textile, petrochemical, food and metallurgical industries have recently been the most profitable. In turn, railway communications are poorly developed, which cannot be said about air and sea communications.

Overall, the Greek economy is briefly characterized by two components: a stagnant banking system and slow GDP growth. It is worth noting that about 20% of money turnover is occupied by shadow tranches.

Industry and Agriculture

The country's sectoral structure is developed unevenly and disproportionately throughout the territory. But in the field of light industry, Greece is again one of the main powers. The country's economy is replenished from this industry by almost 19%. At the same time, more than 21% of the population is involved in light industry.

Mining of nickel emery, magnesite, and pyrite is actively underway. Steel production, mechanical engineering, and woodworking are widely developed. The textile industry is considered a priority. Shipping is important for the economy.

Agriculture is based on private farming associations. Thanks to them, the Greek economy is replenished annually by 7%, which is about $16 billion. The agricultural spectrum includes livestock farming, farming and fishing. Today, 41% of the country's land is occupied by pastures, another 39% by forests and arable land.

Tourist yield

About 20 million visitors visit Greece every year. Tourists bring more than 15% of GDP to the state treasury.

The most frequently visited places are the beaches. Sunbathing and swimming lovers come every summer to Athens, Chora, Heraklion, Thessaloniki and other large resort cities. Islands such as Rhodes, Crete, Santorini, Peloponnese, and Mykonos also attract tourists with their beauty and unimaginable atmosphere of harmony. It would not be out of place to mention the numerous cruise tours in the Mediterranean Sea.

However, in the last couple of years there has been a significant outflow of tourists. In the first half of 2015 alone, there were 22% fewer of them than predicted. Thus, the Greek economy lost about $6.8 billion.

Many tourists note that recently it has been more profitable to go on vacation to Crimea, Bulgaria or Turkey. There the prices are more loyal and the quality of services is better.

Debt crisis

Investments are growing inexorably every year. Today the state's income is more than 450 billion euros. This amount exceeds annual GDP by almost 2 times. It turns out that in such a once successful country as Greece, the economy is hanging by a thread.

According to experts, the total debt by 2018 could reach 600 billion euros. This is an unprecedented case that has puzzled not only the Greek banking system, but also European associations. Naturally, the country does not have dividends even for the minimum repayment of debt.

The Greek government hastily began offering large investors loyal privatization programs. However, this will only delay the inevitable. The country has already entered into default.

Causes of the financial crisis

The Greek economy today is at a stage of stagnation. In January 2015, a new Government was formed in the country. The ministers' task was to find alternative ways to stabilize the economy without the help of the European Central Bank.

In March 2015, Greece refused to pay the debt, seeking in a harsh form its partial write-off. In June, the International Monetary Fund stopped all transactions with Athens. Progress could not be achieved with the European Central Bank either. Moreover, at the beginning of July the Government supported the results of the referendum on the refusal of EU assistance. Thus, the Greek economy today is a deep default, a way out of which will not be found soon.

Credit assistance

A slim chance of stabilizing the crisis situation is the acceptance of the terms of the European Commission. The organization is ready to provide Greece with a short-term loan of 7 billion euros. This will help temporarily lift the country out of default. However, this amount will need to be repaid until October of the current year inclusive.

Along with the loan to Greece, other conditions were set that will be approved by a special EU commission.

The latest news makes it clear that Alexis Tsipras's party and the majority of parliamentarians voted to approve the deal with the EU. Now Greece will have a chance for a partial economic recovery.

Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation.

Municipal secondary school No. 33.

Examination essay

in geography on the topic:

"Greece"

Completed:

Student of 11th grade

Elizarov Alexander.

Scientific adviser:

Petrova L.K.

Smolensk, 2000.

Introduction. Page 4

Natural conditions. Page 6

Inland waters

Vegetation

· Animal world

2. Minerals. Page 10

History of the discovery and development of the state.Page 10

Political system. Page 14

State symbols. Page 17

Population (religion). Page 18

General characteristics of the farm. Page 18

Industry. Page 19

· Electric power industry

· Ferrous metallurgy

· Non-ferrous metallurgy

· Mechanical engineering

· Chemical industry

· Light industry

· Food industry

Agriculture. Page 22

· Plant growing

Livestock

· Fishing

· Agriculture

10. Transport Page 25

Economic regions of the country. Page 25

Foreign economic relations, foreign trade. Page 28

National characteristics. Page 28

Culture. Page thirty

Conclusion. Page 34

List of used literature. Page 35

Applications. Page 36

INTRODUCTION

I decided to take the geography exam. I wanted

learn more about ancient culture, about the homeland of Olim-

Piysky games, about the great tourist center. And I re

wanted to describe Greece. Greece - capitalist, in-

industrial - agricultural country with an average level

productive forces. This Mediterranean country

located at the junction of Europe and Asia, near Africa

rics, and precisely by its key geographical locations

a situation of great military and

trade and transport relations, it is often

attracted the attention of the great powers. Square

Greece - 131.9 thousand sq. km. She takes the southern eye

infinity of the Balkan Peninsula. The shores of Greece and its

the islands are washed by the Aegean, Ionian and Middle

earth's seas. Greece has the most tortuous

coastline among all countries in the world. On land

The new borders are only 1170 km. With Albania,

Yugoslavia and Bulgaria they go through most of the

ness in inaccessible mountainous areas, only gra

The route with Turkey goes along a low-lying and swampy valley.

along the lower reaches of the Maritsa River.

NATURAL CONDITIONS.

· RELIEF:

Mountains and plateaus occupy about 2/3 of the territory

Greece. The entire territory from north to west and from south to

the east is crossed by two mountain systems. Western pro-

stretches along the coast of the Ionian Sea, covering

passes the Pindus Mountains, then moves to the Pe- peninsula

loponnes. Its continuation is the mountains of the islands

Crete and Rhodes. The eastern system begins in the mountains

Gromos covers the Othrys and Parnassus massifs, then

goes to the island of Euboea and the Cyclades islands.

Super high-altitude massifs predominate (1200 - 1800 m,

highest point - Mount Olympus, 2911 m). The mountains are different

sharp corrosion dissection and wide development

tiem karst. In the northeast of the country (in Thrace and

Macedonia) the southern spurs of the Pirin and Rodo mountains enter -

py. Along the coast of the Aegean Sea there are small ravines -

Nina (Thessalian, Thessaloniki and others).

· CLIMATE.

The climate of Greece is Mediterranean, subtropical, with

mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. In summer

frequent incursions of continental air from the north,

in winter, the influence of cyclones from the west and south increases

west. The average January temperature in Athens is 9*C,

June - 27*C. the amount of precipitation decreases from the north - for-

falls to the southeast. On the windward slopes of the mountains behind

1200 - 1400 mm of precipitation falls annually, and on the plains

about 350 mm (80% in winter). In the mountains and in the north of the country

Our climate is more severe; in winter the temperature varies

· INLAND WATERS.

The rivers of Greece are small. The most significant rivers are

Vardar, Maritsa, Strymon (Struma), Nestos (Mesta) - on

north and north-east. Mountain rivers predominate

often flowing along tectonic faults. Their pi-

melting is predominantly rain, snow - rain,

Water content decreases noticeably in summer. Some rivers

used for irrigation. The largest lakes are

Trikonis (in the southwest), Veyuritis (in the north-west)

pade), Prespa (on the border of Greece, Yugoslavia and Alba-

NI). These lakes are of tectonic origin.

There are many karst lakes, there are mineral springs

· THE SOIL.

In the coastal and low-mountain regions of Greece, bushes

in the fields of wildflowers and dry forests the soils are brown and brown -

brown, higher - brown, mountain forest. On carbon

native rocks of eastern Thessaly, Peloponnese,

in the Sporades there are mountainous red soils. In many areas

Onakh soils are damaged by erosion.

· VEGETABLE WORLD

Forests occupy only 10-11% of the country's territory, but

thickets of evergreens are widespread here

bushes. There are groves of pine trees and evergreen

oaks, cypresses and plane trees. Widespread

on the plains and in the foothills there are vineyards and orchards

from Mediterranean fruit trees. Above the ever-

The green belt contains belts of mountain forests and

shrubs, in which, with increasing height of crops,

vegetation gradually changes (natural

evergreen forests and shrubs turn into foliage

topada, and the latter - into conifers).

· ANIMAL WORLD.

The fauna of Greece is poor in mammals, especially

but large. Occasionally, in the mountains, in the northwest of the country

We meet a bear, but the only predators left are the wild cat,

fox, jackal, stone marten, barracks. From ungulates

in small numbers there are Cretan mountain

goat, fallow deer, roe deer, red deer, wild boar. Most

The most numerous of the mammals are rodents (wild

image, gray hamster, mice, dormouse, voles, etc.), south-

different species of bats and insectivorous shrews,

hedgehogs, moles. There are many reptiles in Greece - turtles,

lizard, snake, diverse and abundant bird fauna: trans-

sang, wild ducks, pigeons, wood pigeon and clint, gray and,

especially, mountain partridges, brightly feathered hoopoes,

kingfishers, and among the predators - kites, black vultures, or-

lys, falcons, owls. Greece is also characterized by long

Great-billed cormorant, Dalmatian pelican, stork. Among the troubles

There are many calla molluscs (snails): in Crete there are -

There are 120 species of mollusks, of which 77 are found -

only in this territory.

2. MINERAL RESOURCES.

Useful for Greece: high-quality ore jelly-

beyond (the islands of the Cyclades, Euboea, the vicinity of Athens), Mar-

ganza (Macedonia), chromium (Thessaly), nickel (near Mt.

Larshin), polymetals (near Mount Lavrion), boxie

you (Mount Parnassus and Amorgos Island), marble (surroundings

Athens and Paros), emery (Naxos), brown

coal(Ptolema-is)

3. HISTORY OF OPENING AND DEVELOPMENT

STATES.

The settlement of the territory of Greece by humans is evidenced by

there are archaeological excavations that have revealed pale-

Omites. Sites in the area from Macedonia to Elis

dating back to the pre-Paleolithic period (about 100-40-

th millennium). The skull dates back to this time

Anderthal man found on the peninsula

Chalkidiki.

Already in the third millennium BC. e. in the territory

modern Greece has a highly developed civilization

lization, which was divided into Cretan, pelepo-

Nissa and Mekim periods.

Until the Dorian invasion at the end of the 12th century BC. e. V

Hellas (the ancient name of Greece) flourished various

new types of arts. After the period of Hellenic environments

them centuries in the 6th century BC. e. the stage of classical

Greek Greece, when the Athenian war reached its apogee

democracy. After Greece's victory over Persia in 500

449 BC e. and the creation of the Dello Union led by

Athens, on the territory of modern Greece, formed

A prosperous state was emerging. After weakening

division of Athens as a result of the war with Sparta and Corinth

(Peloponnesian Wars 431-404 BC) increased role

Macedonia, whose ruler Philip managed to subjugate

itself the entire territory of modern Greece. His son

Alexander the Great, having proven himself to be a skilled commander,

tsem, created a huge empire, including,

in addition to Greece, Egypt and Western Asia and extend-

extending to the borders with India. In the second century BC. Gre-

tion, came under the rule of Ancient Rome, which, with

for its part, Greek civilization had a huge impact

new cultural influence. Last Olympic Games,

took place in 393 BC, was symbolic

the date of the end of the era of Ancient Greece. After the breakup

Greece became part of the ancient Roman Empire

Byzantine state in 395 After the invasion

Slavic, Albanian, Wallachian tribes, gradually

assimilated with the local population, in the Balkans

Peninsula, Greece was occupied by the Arabs in

10th century, then by the Bulgarians at the end of the 10th century. At the beginning of 13

century, Venetian influence spread to the

director of Greece. Flooded into the territory of the Byzantine

Turkish Empire in 1460 captured Greece, which was

was under the rule of the Ottoman Empire

more than 3 centuries. The Greek people, reduced to

laying down slaves, repeatedly rose to fight

against the Turkish conquerors, but only the revolutionary

tion 1821 brought Greece independence, which

Türkiye recognized in 1830 as a result of the Balkan

Warrior in the early 20th century Greek kingdom ver-

acquired Macedonia, Epirus, Crete and the islands in the Aegean

sea. After the 1st World War, an-

Timonarchical sentiments, in 1923 there was a state

gift coup, as a result of which the king

Constantine was forced to abdicate his throne in favor of

His son George 2, and in 1924. Greece was transported

proclaimed by the republic.

Political crisis of 1935 led to the restoration of mo-

narchy. Repelling attacks by Italian troops in October

1940 Greece could not resist the German our-

event in 1941 After the liberation of the country in 1945.

the fighting continued until 1949. between pov

stations of the Democratic Army of Greece (community

potassium) and government troops supporting

a coup d'état took place, resulting in power

came the military junta, which abolished the constitution and

parliamentary system. In 1973 military (“black

colonels") abolished the monarchy, deposing Tsar Kon-

stantin, who was forced to leave the country

in December 1967 In 1974 the military junta was removed

from power, thanks to which they were able to return to the camp

about 40 thousand Greeks who fled persecution

mode. Held in December 1974. referendum

confirmed the negative attitude of the country's residents

to the restoration of the monarchy, and in 1975 a new one was adopted

republican constitution.

4. STATE SYSTEM.

Until 1975 Greece is a constitutional monarchy. Valid

new constitution that replaced the constitution

Actions of a number of the most important articles relating to the order

elections, parliamentary activities, major political

civil rights and freedoms of citizens, postponed until special

government decisions. Constitution of 1968 called upon

legitimize the regime of the military dictatorship established in

Greece as a result of the coup d'etat 21

April 1967 This constitution is anti-democratic

character: it prohibits left-wing political par-

ties and rights alliances, political skirmishes. Although the constitution

Tutu includes a section on the rights of citizens, these rights

are nullified by the provisions of other constitutional

articles and current laws and decrees. According to

constitution, the head of state is the king, his prerogatives

you are significantly reduced compared to the constitution

she is 1952 In fact, the king is only a nominal head

va states. His rights to appoint and remove mi-

nisters and senior military officials, approved

pending laws, dissolution of parliament, etc. Existence

thoroughly cut down. Since the king from December 1957 to

is in exile, in Greece he is represented by the regent,

appointed by the government. All power is concentrated

in the hands of the military junta government, led by

prime minister, who appoints and dismisses ministers

nistrov, approves laws. The Constitution provides

acts as the highest legislative body

There is a parliament consisting of 150 deputies, due to

scolded for five years. Legislative functions of parliament

ment have been reduced. A member of parliament cannot enter

to join the government (exception is established

for members of the ruling junta), there is a broad basis

powers for the arrest and prosecution of deputies,

to strip them of their mandates. It is envisaged to create

creation of three new bodies: the Council of Nations, the Constitutional

th court and the National Council for Education

nia. The Council of Nations should include the Prime Minister

Ministers, representatives of parliament, leaders of 2x

major political parties, chiefs of the general staff

armed forces and representatives of the Constitutional

court. The decisions of the Council of Nations are binding on the king.

After 1975: full name - Greek Republic

public. government system is a republic. Execute

executive power belongs to the president (head of state)

donations) and the government headed by the Prime Minister

rum The legislative power is exercised by a unicameral

ny parliament.

5. STATE SYMBOLS.

COAT OF ARMS. HYMN. FLAG.

6. POPULATION.

Population: 10,647,511 (1995)

Average population density is about 80 people

per sq. km. Over 95% of the country's inhabitants are Greek, others

ethnic groups: Turks, Albanians, Armenians. Official

language - Greek, also widely spoken

English and French. The dominant re-

Lygia - Orthodox Christianity (Greek Orthodox)

nice church). Fertility - 10.56 newborns

per 1000 people (1995), mortality - 9.31 deaths

outcomes per 1000 people, infant mortality rate -

8.3 deaths per 1000 births. Medium

life expectancy: men - 75 years, women -

shchin - 80 years (1995). The working capacity of the population of the so-

employs 4,077,000 people, of whom are employed in the service sector

52%, in industry - 25%, in agriculture -

7. GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE FARM.

Greece is an agrarian-industrial country, economy

which is dependent on foreign capital

tala. The share of foreign investment in education

the mining industry accounts for about 50%;

many branches of the mining industry

controlled by foreign monopolies. At first

In the 1960s, significant struc- tures took place in the economy.

tural changes, expressed predominantly

nom industrial development. For 1960-70 the share

industry in the national income of the country increased

increased almost 1.5 times. At a faster pace

metallurgy, rubber and chemical industries are developing

kaya, oil refining, electrical engineering

industries, as well as the production of plastics and metals

operating industry, in industrial re-

About 1/5 of the economically active population is employed

nia, at the same time as in agriculture

8. INDUSTRY.

· ELECTRIC POWER INDUSTRY.

Mainly at thermal power plants (mostly small,

using local lingit, imported ma-

Zoot, oil and coal, about 1/4 at hydroelectric power stations (on rivers

Aheloos, Megdova, Tavropos, Agra, Louros and others).

· FERROUS METALLURGY.

There are no iron and steel enterprises in Greece -

even ten. All of them are located in three centers:

Greater Athens, Thessaloniki and Volos. Among them are

There is only one full zinc metallurgical plant

ka in Greater Athens. For a modern direction

The development of Greek iron and steel industry is characterized by

“mini-plants”, combining small steel-making

significant enterprises and rolling mills.

· NON-FERROUS METALLURGY.

Since ancient times, lead ores have been mined in Greece,

di, silver and other metals. One of the most ancient

mines of the world is located near the city of Lavrion, on

peninsula of Attica. It gives about 18 thousand annually

tons of lead and approximately 15.5 thousand tons of silver. In Greece

tion there is a single enterprise producing

alumina and aluminum with a capacity of over 140 thousand

tons of metal per year.

· MECHANICAL ENGINEERING.

Shipbuilding is well developed in Greece (large ships

construction shipyards in Scaramance and Elefix), auto-

mobile, tractor manufacturing (assembly from imported

parts at the enterprises of Athens, Piraeus, Thessaloniki).

· CHEMICAL INDUSTRY.

Greece specializes in the production of synthetic

ski materials, detergents and minerals

fertilizers (electrochemical complexes in Piraeus, near

Thessaloniki, Ptolemais and others). In addition there are

enterprises for the production of explosives and

· LIGHT INDUSTRY.

Production of cotton and wool fabrics

Fabrics made from artificial fiber and cows.Textile

industry is an important export industry.About

80% of the country's textile exports go to

to Germany, France and Great Britain. In recent years

Yes, textile enterprises are growing rapidly not only in

Greater - Athens, but also in Thessaloniki, Tatras, Volos

Tebene, Larisa.

· FOOD.

Winemaking and olive oil production, as well as

tobacco industry, processing local

agricultural raw materials are traditional

branches of the Greek economy (olive production

Greece ranks 3rd in the world of wheat oil after

Spain and Italy).The sugar industry was created

ness. Most industrial production is co-

concentrated in large port cities (2/3 industrial

flax production in the Athens-Pperi region.).

9. AGRICULTURE.

· PLANT CULTIVATION.

Greece has a developed production of labor-intensive export products.

crops - tobacco, olives, grapes, citrus and

cotton, which play an important role in the economy

cultural life of the country: on them and on the products of their processing

Boots account for almost 2/3 of all Greek exports.

Most of the cultivated land is arable land

(about 70%), significant areas are under gardens, vi-

nogradniks and olive plantations. Fast

pastures that become scarce in summer, mainly in the mountains,

alternate in places with small areas of forests and

thickets of bushes.

· ANIMAL HUSBANDRY.

Livestock farming is poorly developed, which is associated with poor

food supply. They raise mainly sheep and

goats Production of livestock products is

It accounts for 1/3 of total agricultural production and

satisfies only about 70% of internal requirements

needs of the country. In 1981 there were about 1

million head of cattle, 7.9 million

sheep, 4.5 million goats, 1.1 million pigs.

· FOREST.

There are few forests in Greece, they occupy only 10 - 11%

territory of the country, but are widespread here

thickets of evergreen and deciduous shrubs -

maquis and shibiyaka.

· FISHING.

Fishing is developed mainly in coastal

waters The annual fish catch is about 125 thousand

tons (mainly tuna and sardines). In the southern hour -

Sponge fishing is carried out in the Peloponnese and on the islands.

· AGRICULTURE.

About the cost of agriculture is given by the land.

About 2/3 of the area is occupied by wheat, cultivated

mine is mainly on the fertile plains of Macedonia,

Thessaly and Thrace. In the north of the country in swampy

the lower reaches of the Vardar and Strilion rivers became widespread

introduction of rice cultivation. From industrial crops for

Tobacco is specific to Greece, the highest grade

cultivated in Macedonia and Thrace. Got developed

This is cotton growing, part of the cotton is exported. Uwe-

Sugar beet crops are being destroyed. Among the garden

The crops that stand out are the production of tomatoes. Greece-

major producer of grapes, such famous

varieties such as Korinka and Sultanina being prepared

raisins. The cultivation of olives has long been developed.

Citrus fruits have acquired important export importance

crops (mainly oranges and lemons).

10.TRANSPORT.

A developed sector of the Greek economy is maritime shipping.

quality The Greek fleet serves as one of the world's

new “cab drivers”, which brings significant

income in foreign currency. Total length

railways - 2577 kilometers, roads about

42,000 kilometers (25,000 - paved). Head-

major ports of the country: Alexandroupolis, Heraklion, Parti,

Rhodes, Thessaloniki. Greece is an important crossroads between

national transit airlines. Athens airport

Elinikom is one of the largest in Western Europe.

11.ECONOMIC REGIONS OF THE COUNTRY.

Central Greece(ancient Greek lands: Attica,

Boeotia, Thessaly and the island of Euboea) are the main economies

ical areas (65-70% of industrial production

country), within which almost all

mining of magnesite, nickel ores, bauxite, chromite,

polymetallic ores, a significant part of iron

ore and lignite is produced near the entire electrical

three energies. Along with the typical for those other paradises

these industries - textile and food - are located here

metallurgy, metalworking and machine-

structure (shipbuilding, chemical and cement industry

industry) agriculture has subsidiary

meaning.

Northern Greece.(Aegean Macedonia, Western Fra-

cues, stretched along the coast of the Aegean Sea) - second-

swarm in terms of its economic significance, the region of the country

now the granary of Greece, where about

grains and tobacco, one of the world's centers -

Thracian - Macedonian region), cotton, rice and vegetables

cabbage soup Food, tobacco and textile products are presented

industry. Brown coal, pyrite, magnesium are mined

nesite, iron ore. In the west of this area, in Pto-

lemanse, an energy chemical industrial plant was created

complex, in the Thessaloniki area - petrochemical and mineral

thallurgical complexes.

Southern Greece.(Peloponnese Peninsula) - rural farming

The farm grows subtropical crops (42%

production of citrus and 31% other fruits, 38%

vineyards and 26% olive trees).

The Peloponnese Peninsula and its historical centers

Sparta, Olympia, Corinth, Mycenae and other attractions

there are numerous tourists.

Western Greece.(historical regions of Epirus, Aetolia,

Ionian Islands) - the most isolated, economical

a mikically backward part of the country in the Pindus Mountains. Near

20% of citrus production is concentrated, over

10% - olives and tobacco.

Eastern(island) Greece.(islands of the Aegean mo-

rya- Cyclades and Northern Sporades, islands of Lesbos, Chi

os, Samos and Lemnos and the island of Crete). In Economic

In relation to this, small valleys are more developed and

coastal plains. The mountain slopes are partly terraced

we are often used as pastures. About 40% fee

olives and 30% citrus fruits. Iron ore mining, side-

sieves, barite, emery, marble (mainly on

islands of the Cyclades).Handicraft production is developed

carpets, fabrics and other products.

12. FOREIGN POLICY RELATIONS. INTERNATIONAL TRADE.

The foreign trade balance is sharply deficit

character In the balance of payments this deficit is partially

covered by income from freight, tourism,

exports agricultural products, industrial

products and mineral raw materials, imports industrial

nal products, fuel, raw materials for metallurgical and

chemical industry (oil, coal,

iron ores, phosphorites and others). Main trade

major partners - EU countries: Germany, Italy, France,

Great Britain. Monetary unit - drachma (1 drachma

(Dr) is equal to 100 lepta).

13. NATIONAL CHARACTERISTICS.

The Greeks are a cheerful people. They love jokes, meth

some word. Not a single Sunday or holiday is

does without music and dancing. Cities and villages of Greece

very ancient. They have preserved the style and way of life

many eras. In appearance, in character

construction sites, small provincial lifestyle

The cities and villages of Greece are almost the same. On the central

square with a pond in the middle of the woman exchange-

catching up on the news, collecting water. There is a church right here,

Feinya, small shops. Here, on the square,

all events of social life take place. Through

The center passes through the shopping street of the city. Back in the Ancient

In Greece, a tradition arose of building houses with internal

them courtyards. Around the yard in close proximity to each other

There are residential buildings, a kitchen, and storage rooms. By

everywhere - on the stone slabs of the courtyard, along the edges of the stairs,

on balconies and window sills in tubs and pots

All kinds of ornamental plants were placed. They

mandatory for any Greek home. In Greece

Modern construction is also underway: many buildings are made of white

tones and glass assembled from panels and blocks. So you

looking at the business centers of Athens, Piraeus and Thessaloniki. Sel-

On weekdays, local residents wear common European clothes.

They wear national clothes on holidays or

to shows organized to attract tourists,

for example, at carnivals and folklore festivals. That-

Rism is an important source of income for the country. The most popular

larna among tourists Athens, Rhodes, Crete. In the north

in the west of the Peloponnese there is a small city of Olympia,

where the ancient Hellenes during the holidays in honor of the god Zeus

sa held competitions in running, discus throwing, wrestling,

chariot racing. During the Olympic Games in the territory

in Greece, the wars stopped, the

“sacred truce”. The tradition of the Olympic events

knowledge, which originated in 776 BC,

existed in Greece for more than 10 centuries. Modern

The Olympic Games, a symbol of unity in sports youth

the reservoirs of all continents of our planet -direct to-

traces of competitions held in Ancient Greece

14.CULTURE.

Greece can rightly be called the “cradle of European

skaya civilization.” On the island of Crete and Mycenae (south-

eastern Peloponnese) ruins discovered

temples, frescoes, writings, carvings on stone. This is sa-

most ancient cultural monuments in Europe: they are classified as

to the 17th-16th centuries BC. According to ancient traditions

niyam, these are traces of culture - the Pelasgians - the most ancient tribes -

men who lived in the Eastern Mediterranean. In Greece

famous philosophers Socrates, Plato, Ari-

stotel. Plato was a student of Socrates, and in the created

Aristotle spent 20 years as Plato of the Academy. He was-

started a philosophical school in Athens - Lyceum. See

what a long history our word turns out to have?

to the Lyceum. Northern regions of Greece: mountainous Make-

Donia to the west, and flat Thrace to the east - have long been

were the arena of domestic struggle between Asian and Euro-

Pei peoples. The largest city in the north of Greece

tion of Thessaloniki. Founded in the 4th century BC and named

in honor of the sister of Alexander the Great. Ancients

The churches of Thessaloniki from the 5th to 8th centuries are decorated with the most valuable icons

us. In the largest cathedral - St. George - from -

indoor museum of Byzantine art. At the top of the high

whose hill has been preserved the most powerful in all of Bal-

on the Kan Peninsula, a medieval fortress, as well as

monastery and churches. Akro is considered the heart of Athens

Paul. At the end of the 7th century BC it was built here

one of the most ancient temples of the Acropolis - Old Temple

Athens. Only reliefs from it have survived.

Were built: the majestic Parthenon temple, not

large light and graceful temple of Athens-Niki, temple

Erechtheion and Propylaea - solemnly decorated

white marble colonnades at the entrance to the Acropolis.

The main place of worship of Athena was the temple of Erech.

In addition to the Acropolis, in the center of Athens there are many preserved

other ancient monuments. Visible west of the Acropolis

hill where the court of elders, the highest judicial body, sat

power in ancient Athens (Areopagus). And at the foot of Akro-

fields are symmetrically located two ancient theaters -

Odeon (161 BC) and Theater of Dionysius (5th century

BC). In the center, east of the Acropolis, there is

the ruins of the largest temple of ancient Greece are visible -

Temple of Olympian Zeus. It began to be built in the 5th century

BC and finished in 132 BC. From

of the temple, only the foundation and part of the huge,

columns overwhelming in size. 9 kilometers away

rah to the west of Athens is one of the most beautiful

red monuments of Byzantine art - church

monastery of Daphne. Near the eastern shores of the Pelopon-

here are the ruins of the city of Mycenae. To the fortress

Mycenae was led by the Lion Gate (15th century BC).

Scientists have found even more ancient cultural monuments

on the Greek island of Crete in the Mediterranean Sea. Goro-

Yes, they appeared there in the 20th century BC. Palace in

Knossos on Crete - the oldest religious monument in Europe

ry. Greek myths describe it as a labyrinth in which...

The Minotaur lived in the torus. The Palace of Knossos was liberated

expected by archaeologists from thousand-year-old layers of soil and hour-

Exactly restored. In the 17th century BC the palace in

Knossos was destroyed by an earthquake.

15. CONCLUSION.

As a result of the painstaking work done, I learned

a lot of interesting. Regardless of what I received

exam scores, I did not do this work in vain. So

how I learned history, culture, development, national

features of the great ancient Greek people.

Geographical position.

Greece is a state in South-Eastern Europe, located in the southern part of the Balkan Peninsula and on the adjacent islands (Crete, Rhodes, Samos, Euboea, Lesbos, Chios, Sporades, Cyclades, Kerkyra, etc. - in total over 3 thousand, of which about 200 are inhabited). It is washed by the Ionian, Mediterranean and Aegean seas. The length of the coastline (without islands) is about 15 thousand km, the land border (with Albania, Macedonia, Bulgaria and Turkey) is 1,170 km.

Area – 131.94 thousand square meters. km, incl. over 25 thousand sq. km falls on the islands.

Population – 11.35 million people. Population density 86 people. per 1 sq. km. 65.7% of the population lives in cities, the rural population is 34.3%.

National composition: over 90% are Greeks, the rest are Turks (more than 140 thousand), officially recognized as a “Muslim minority”, Albanians, etc. The country is home to a significant number of immigrants from the countries of South-Eastern Europe, the CIS, the Middle East, South -East Asia.

Language and religion. The official language is Greek (Modern Greek), the dominant religion is Orthodox Christianity. A small part of the population is made up of Greek Catholics and ethnic Muslim Turks.

Administrative device. The country is divided into 51 nomes (prefectures), which are united into 13 provinces, corresponding to 10 historical and geographical regions: Greater Athens, Epirus, Thessaly, Ionian Islands, Central Greece, Peloponnese, Macedonia, Thrace, Aegean Islands, Crete. A special administrative unit is the region of Holy Mount Athos, which is an autonomous monastic region.

The capital is the city of Athens (the population of Greater Athens, including Piraeus, is 3.4 million people).

Largest cities: Thessaloniki - more than 1 million people, Patras - about 350 thousand people, Heraklion - about 300 thousand people, Volos - more than 130 thousand people.

National holiday: Independence Day - March 25 (anniversary of the start of the revolution of 1821, celebrated since 1838).

Political system. Greece gained national independence in 1830 as a result of the national liberation struggle of the Greek people in 1821 - 1829. against the Turkish yoke.

In accordance with the 1975 Constitution, Greece is a parliamentary republic. The head of state is the President, elected by parliament for a term of 5 years.

The parliament is unicameral, consists of 300 deputies elected for a term of 4 years by universal, direct and secret suffrage on the basis of a system close to enhanced proportional; To win seats, parties must overcome a 3% threshold. Citizens over 18 years of age enjoy the right to vote.

Main political parties.

Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK). Created in 1974, it united various political movements (from social democratic to leftist). Comes out with the slogan of democratic change.

New Democracy (ND). Created in 1974 on the basis of the National Radical Union party (united various political movements from centrist to moderate right-wing nationalist).

The Communist Party of Greece (KKE) was created in 1918. From 1947 to 1974 it was illegal. Committed to the orthodox interpretation of Marxism-Leninism.

People's Orthodox Gathering (LAOS) is a right-wing nationalist party (leader Georgios Karadzaferis).

The Coalition of Left Radical Forces (SYRIZA) was formed in 2004 on the basis of the previously existing Coalition of Left and Progressive Forces, as well as a number of small groups.

Economy.

Greece is an industrial-agrarian country with an average level of development.

Since January 2001, Greece has been a member of the EU economic and monetary union.

The economic policy of the Greek government is determined by the urgent need to find a way out of the debt crisis that broke out in the country in 2010. In the face of the threat of default (still persisting), Athens had to resort to financial assistance from outside. Together with the European Union and the IMF, a program for lending to Greece on preferential terms until 2015 was developed.

Greece's GDP in 2010 amounted to 230 billion euros (a decrease of 6.5%). The volume of investments decreased by 13%. This year, the decline in GDP has continued.

Inflation is 4.5% (2010).

Unemployment is growing rapidly, significantly exceeding last year's figure (15.9% in the second quarter of 2011).

Industrial production. The share of Greek industry in GDP is 17.6%. The main industries are food, light, textile, chemical, metallurgical, construction, and mining. Electrical engineering, power engineering, some types of mechanical engineering, and the production of building materials are developing.

Greece also produces lignites, bauxites, nickel ore, magnesite, etc. The country's liquid fuel needs are met by 95% from imports. Since 1997, natural gas has been imported from Russia.

Agriculture. The share in GDP is about 4%. The area of ​​cultivated land is 3.35 million hectares (about 30% of the entire territory of the country). The rural population owns small plots (average area - 4.8 hectares). In total there are about 800 thousand farms.

The main branch of agriculture is crop production (70%). The structure of crop production includes: grains (40% of land), oilseeds (20%), cotton (11%), fruits (8%), vegetables (8%), vineyards (3.5%), tobacco (1.5 %). The share of livestock farming is 30%.

Agriculture in Greece fully meets the country's needs for grain, vegetable fats, vegetables and fruits, and milk; 75% in meat, 70% in butter.

EU agricultural policy is holding back the development of traditional Greek crop production sectors. Yields of major crops in Greece are lower than the EU average.

Transport. Transport is one of the most dynamically developing sectors of the Greek economy. The Greek authorities are actively pursuing the idea of ​​transforming the country into a powerful transport hub in the region. About 60% of domestic freight and passenger transport is carried out by road transport. The modernization and construction of the road network is largely financed by the EU. Construction of the highway along the northern borders (Ignatia highway) and its branches continues. The bridge across the Corinth Canal was put into operation.

Railway transport belongs to the state. Poorly developed. The length of railways is 2577 km, of which 1012 km are narrow gauge.

There are several airlines operating in Greece. There are 40 airports, of which 22 are international.

The merchant fleet plays a significant role in the country's economy. Greek shipowners own about 3,100 ships (56% of the total tonnage of the merchant fleets of EU member states) and 18% of the world's merchant fleet (second largest in the world after Japan). There are 2,066 ships registered under the Greek flag with a total tonnage of 43 million tons. The main ports are Piraeus, Thessaloniki, Patras, Volos.

Trade, catering, hotel business, and tourism are highly developed. Over 16 million foreign tourists visit Greece every year, incl. about 400 thousand Russians.

Foreign trade plays an important role in ensuring the sale of agricultural products and supplying industry with fuel, raw materials and materials. In 2010, Greece's foreign trade turnover amounted to about $99.3 billion.

Greece's main foreign trade partners in terms of exports are Italy, Germany, Bulgaria, Cyprus, and the USA; for imports - Germany, Italy, Russia, China, France. EU countries account for more than 50% of Greece's foreign trade turnover.

The main import items are machinery and equipment, oil and petroleum products, food, chemical goods, and finished industrial products. In trade with Russia, the leading role is played by the import of hydrocarbons, whose share amounted to 88.6% in the total structure of Russian goods supplied to Greece.

The main export items are products of the knitting and textile industries, mining (bauxite, nickel, manganese), agriculture (tobacco, raisins, olives and olive oil, citrus fruits, cotton). Greece's main exports to the Russian Federation are clothing made from natural fur (Russia imports up to 95% of fur products produced in Greece), fruits and household chemicals.

Greece's foreign policy is multi-vector in nature, determined by the country's membership in the European Union and NATO, and its interest in developing relations with the leading centers of world politics.

In 1981, Greece joined the European Economic Community (since 1993, the European Union).

Education. Since 1964, compulsory free 9-year education has been introduced in Greece. Secondary school education is 12 years. The number of pupils and students is about 1.7 million people, of which about 200 thousand are university students. The country has 17 higher education institutions (6 universities), the largest of which are the National University of Athens. I. Kapodistrias and the University of Thessaloniki. Aristotle, Polytechnic Institute of Athens. According to the constitution, all universities are state-owned. A significant number of Greeks receive higher education abroad (in the UK, USA, Germany, France, etc.).

There are 1.5 thousand vocational schools, in which about 130 thousand people study.

Prepared on the basis of open sources of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

According to historians, the concept of private property, as well as the origins of modern capitalism, lie in Ancient Greece. Over the entire history of the country, its economy has gone through a number of tests, which include the Ottoman yoke, fascist occupation and dependence on other states. Be that as it may, the main problem that the local Ministry of Industry has always faced is the limited supply of natural resources.

Modern history

In the sixties of the twentieth century, Greece was finally transformed into an industrial-agrarian state. Since that time, the share of industry in the country's economy has amounted to 34%, while half of the local GDP, as before, was formed by the service sector. Be that as it may, during this period the country's industrial development accelerated significantly. The Ministry of Industry called the main reasons for such a significant jump, first of all, the attraction of significant foreign investment. At the same time, one cannot fail to note the incentive measures taken by the government at that time, which led to the emergence of large manufacturing companies and the expansion of the geography of foreign trade relations. Plus, the country has undergone centralization and concentration of production. As of today, more than half of Greek industry is controlled by local and foreign monopolies.

Accession to the European Union

The industry of Greece before the EU, as now, was focused mainly on the domestic market. At the same time, she was not able to fully satisfy even his relatively modest requests. The country became established in 2001. This event had a double meaning for the entire local economy. At first it acted as a strong impetus for the growth of industrial production, which over time turned into a sharp and protracted decline. Experts suggest that the main reasons for this are ineffective government legislative policies and corruption. As a result, the country quickly became the most unattractive in the EU from an investment point of view.

General characteristics of the Greek industry

Greece's industry can be briefly described as very disproportionate. This applies to both distribution across the country’s territory and its sectoral structure. This is the situation in many other small European capitalist states. Some important areas for any economy are completely absent here (for example, machine tool manufacturing and the aviation industry). The country's predominant industries are light industry. In particular, the food, textile, clothing, footwear and tobacco industries are considered the most developed in Greece. Over the past decade, petrochemicals, metallurgy, cement production, electrical engineering, and the mining sector have gained great export importance.

The fastest growing rate in Greece is in the metropolitan area known as Piraeus. More than 65% of the state's production capacity is concentrated here. The only city that can at least somehow compete with Athens in industrial development is Thessaloniki. The remaining relatively large centers are Volos, Patras and Heraklion.

Light industry

As noted above, the light industry of Greece today plays a key role in the manufacturing sector of the state. This is especially true for the textile industry, since it is the most important export industry. More than 80% of its product exports go to the UK, Germany and France.

The food industry is also quite developed. Sugar production should be highlighted here, because it fully meets the country’s internal needs. The largest factories producing this product are located in Xanthi, Larissa, Sera and Plati.

Mining industry

The Greek mining industry is also important for the local economy. The most important and widespread rocks here are bauxite, as well as iron and nickel ores. There are quite a lot of different deposits on the territory of the state, but the vast majority of them cannot boast of rich reserves. A lot of bauxite is mined in Greece. Their deposits are located mainly in the central part of the country, as well as near Gjon. Based on their number in the bowels of the earth, the state is considered one of the European leaders.

In addition, since ancient times Greece has been famous for the mining of copper, lead, silver, as well as some other types of metals. One of the oldest mines on the planet is located on the Attica Peninsula, not far from the city of Lavrion. About 18 thousand tons of lead are mined here annually, as well as an average of 15.5 tons of silver. In the northern regions of the country, quite recently, good reserves of asbestos and chrome-plated iron ore were discovered. In the eastern part of the Peloponnese and in Thrace, complex sulfide ores are mined, which contain some metals. Since antiquity, the state has been famous throughout the continent for its marble of various colors. Quarries that specialize in its extraction still function today. Most of them are located on the territory of Attica and several other islands. Be that as it may, it is impossible not to note the nuance that this material these days does not play as big a role for the country’s economy as it did before.

Metallurgy

On the territory of the state there are no more than one dozen companies that work in the field of ferrous metallurgy. Such industrial enterprises in Greece operate in three regions - Greater Athens, Volos and Thessaloniki. The local metallurgical industry is dominated by the smelting of ferronickel and aluminum. Not far from the port of Itea, in the area of ​​the Parnassian bauxite deposit, there is a factory for the production of alumina and aluminum. Its average annual capacity exceeds 140 thousand tons of metal. A ferronickel production plant operates in the central part of the country.

Mechanical engineering

Like most other industries, mechanical engineering in the state is concentrated mainly in Greater Athens. It produces spare parts for various equipment, as well as equipment for winemaking and agriculture. Be that as it may, the sector does not fully satisfy internal needs for these products. The Greek shipbuilding industry is represented by a large shipbuilding complex located in the same area. On its territory, not only construction is carried out, but also repair of vessels of various classes and sizes, for which small shipyards are provided.

Energy

The country cannot boast of large reserves of energy resources. There are practically none here at all. The only exception is brown lignite coal. Its total reserves are quite large and are estimated at 5 billion tons. However, these raw materials are not of high quality. The main deposits are located in the vicinity of the city of Ptolemans. The use of alternative sources is also gaining momentum.

Be that as it may, there is every reason to assume that the Greek energy industry will begin to develop more intensively in the near future. The fact is that some time ago oil fields were discovered in the Aegean Sea, not far from the island of Thassos. Their reserves, according to preliminary estimates, are about 19 million tons. In addition, there are also gas reserves nearby.

Chemical industry

The Greek chemical industry is well developed within Greater Athens. Local factories specialize in the production of mineral fertilizers, all kinds of acids, ammonia, turpentine oil, artificial fiber, and polyvinyl chloride. Most of them are later exported to many countries in Europe and the world. The production of cement plays a very important role in the Greek economy. The fact is that it is almost entirely based on the use of its own raw materials. It is eloquent that the country is second only to Japan and Spain in terms of cement exports in the world.