9781422278000

GREECE AT A GLANCE

Flag of Greece Greece has a mainland area extending into the Mediterranean Sea and around 2,000 islands, mainly in the Aegean Sea. Greece has been ruled by the Romans and the Turks over the centuries, but finally became independent in the early nineteenth century. At one time, the flag was a single blue cross, but this has since given way to the present flag. The cross represents Christianity and blue and white are the national

colors of Greece, the blue for the sea and sky and white for the purity of the freedom fighters who established Greece’s independence.

ABOVE: A traditional taverna in Larissa. Greece’s favorable climate means that customers can dine outside for many months of the year. 8