Greece Country Report

Greece is a predominantly coastal nation located in south east Europe where it borders Albania, Macedonia and Bulgaria to the north, Turkey to the east and the Mediterranean Sea to the south. The country is a democracy, with one of the oldest representational governments in the world. However a number of clandestine anti-government factions exist in Greece, and protests and riots are common. Greece is a popular tourist destination due to its ancient history and warm Mediterranean coastline and subsequently the service industry has become a dominant sector of the national economy. The Greek financial sector has proven significantly less stable than many of its Western European neighbors, as the country suffers from high international debt, widespread unemployment, and a low credit rating.

A credit deal between Greece and the European Union, European Central Bank and International Monetary Fund stipulates that the government needs to undertake far-reaching socio-political reforms to improve the economic viability of the country. These reforms remain a trigger for strikes and social unrest. Over the last few years, the government has implemented several unpopular austerity measures in exchange for an international aid package. Cuts to jobs and state services are ongoing as the economy remains in a period of recession.

Several domestic anti-government and anti-establishment terrorist groups are active in the country, although they pose a limited threat to travelers. The main risk to visitors is petty crime around transportation hubs and tourist sites. Greece's infrastructure, which has received major upgrades over the last decade, is generally well-connected and maintained. An exception is the country's rail transport system, which is limited, particularly in mountainous regions.

Greece faces a number of moderate security threats. Petty crime, including bag-snatching and pick-pocketing, represents the main risk to travelers. Left-wing extremists and anarchists periodically conduct small-scale terrorist attacks against commercial assets and government buildings. Socio-economic and political issues also have the potential to trigger demonstrations and riots, particularly in Athens and Thessaloniki.

There are no safety concerns over air travel.

Road travel can pose occasional risks due to poorly designed roads and dangerous driving habits.

Utilities are good.

The ports in Greece are considered efficient and the ferries safe and reliable.

There are increasing concerns over the threat from cyber-attacks, which can cause damage to the country's economy.

Greece has a Mediterranean climate with mild and wet winters and hot summers; however, there are some regional variations. Colder winter temperatures occur in inland and northern regions, especially in elevated areas. High temperatures and droughts lead to a heightened risk of wildfires during the summer season. Heavy rains also periodically result in mudslides and riverine flooding; heavy downpours and thunderstorms are most common during autumn and winter between October-March. Greece is in a seismically active region and earthquakes are periodically felt.

There are no particular health concerns for travel to Greece, and only routine precautions and standard vaccinations are recommended for travel. Medical facilities on the mainland are in good condition, particularly in Athens and Thessaloniki. Some island facilities remain limited.

Greece is a unitary multi-party parliamentary republic. The President is the head of state and the Prime Minister is the head of government. The Prime Minister and the Cabinet form the government and exercise executive power. The unicameral parliament, or the Parliament of the Hellenes, exercises legislative power. Legislative elections take place at least once every four years. Snap elections have been frequently called in recent years in response to political developments. The judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature.

Coalitions featuring a cross-section of political parties can be required to form the government. Despite regular government collapses and failures to form governments following elections, state institutions are competent and effective and provide reliable services across most of the country.