Greece

Greece is a country in south-eastern Europe located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa. The capital and largest city is Athens. Greece has a population of about 10.5-million and operates a parliamentary republic system of government. The economy is classified as advanced and high-income, with key sectors including tourism, shipping, agriculture, food processing and manufacturing. Greece is a significant maritime power, controlling one of the world's largest merchant fleets. The country is a member of the European Union, having joined in 1981, and adopted the euro as its currency in 2001. Greece is also a member of the United Nations, NATO, the OECD and the World Trade Organization. The country has faced significant economic challenges since the 2008 financial crisis, undergoing structural reforms and austerity measures as part of international bailout programmes. Greek businesses maintain trade and investment links across Europe, Africa and the Middle East, particularly in sectors such as shipping, packaging, food and beverage, and construction materials. Greece's strategic location has historically made it an important hub for trade between Europe and other continents.