|
Region |
Southern Europe, bordering the Aegean Sea, Ionian Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea,
between Albania and Turkey
|
|
Capital |
Athens |
|
Government |
Parliamentary republic; monarchy rejected by referendum 8 December 1974
|
|
US Embassy |
Chief of mission: Ambassador Thomas J. MILLER embassy: 91 Vasilissis Sophias Avenue,
101 60 Athens mailing address: PSC 108, APO AE 09842-0108 telephone: [30] (210)
721-2951 FAX: [30] (210) 725-3025 consulate(s) general: Thessaloniki
|
|
Legal System |
Based on codified Roman law; judiciary divided into civil, criminal, and administrative
courts
|
|
Languages |
Greek 99% (official), English, French
|
|
Currency |
Euro |
|
Currency Code |
Eur |
|
Exchange Rate |
|
|
Holidays |
Independence Day, 25 March (1821)
|
|
Climate |
Temperate; mild, wet winters; hot, dry summers
|
|
Terrain |
Mostly mountains with ranges extending into the sea as peninsulas or chains of islands
|
|
Driving Information |
Seat belts are compulsory. Caught speeding? Then fines are paid to the Public Treasury,
not the police. |
|
Road Conditions |
Urban Road Condition/Maintenance: Good Rural Road Condition/Maintenance: Fair Availability
of Roadside Assistance: Poor |
|
Speed Limits |
Highways 100-120 km/h Major Routes 80 km/h Urban Areas 50 km/h
|
|
Driving Tips |
Greek has one of Europe's highest road accident rates. Greeks are notoriously known
for being bad drivers. No wonder that Greece has one of Europe's highest road accident
rates. Cyprus is the third worst place in the world for road accident fatalities.
Items to keep in the car: passport, driving license, International Driving Permit,
car rental agreement
|
|
Road Side Assistance |
Greek Automobile Touring Club (ELPA) Odos Mesoyion 2, Athens Telephone: 01-779-1615
Emergency Contact Telephone Numbers Police: 100 Tourist Police: 171 Coastguard:
108
|
|
Comments |
|