Verified Facts

Official NameHellenic Republic
CapitalAthens
Population10.4 million
Area131,990 km² (50,962 sq mi)
LanguagesGreek
Currencyeuro (€)
TimezoneUTC+02:00
RegionEurope / Southern Europe
Drives onRight
Source: REST Countries API

Quick Facts

GDP (nominal)($348 billion estimate)
GDP Per Capita($33,517 estimate)
Income Classification(High)
Main Industries(Tourism, Shipping, Manufacturing)
CurrencyEUR
Unemployment Rate(approximately 16%)
Ease of Doing Business(ranked 72nd globally)

Economic Overview

Greece has a high-income economy, driven primarily by its service sector, which accounts for more than 80% of its GDP. The country's economy has experienced significant challenges in recent years, including a severe debt crisis that began in 2009. However, Greece has made significant progress in implementing economic reforms and has been working to recover and regain stability. The country's economy is classified as a developed economy, with a high standard of living and a strong focus on social welfare.

Greece's economy is characterized by a mix of state-owned and private enterprises, with a significant presence of small and medium-sized businesses. The country has a highly developed infrastructure, with a well-connected transport network, a reliable energy supply, and a high level of internet and mobile penetration. Greece is also a member of the European Union and the eurozone, which provides it with access to a large and integrated market.

The Greek economy has been on a trajectory of slow but steady growth in recent years, driven by a combination of factors, including tourism, shipping, and manufacturing. The country has also been working to diversify its economy, with a focus on emerging sectors such as technology and renewable energy. However, Greece still faces significant challenges, including a high level of debt and a need to continue implementing economic reforms to ensure long-term stability and growth.

Key Industries

IndustryContributionDetails
Tourism20% of GDPGreece's tourism industry is a significant contributor to its economy, with over 30 million visitors per year
Shipping7% of GDPGreece has a large and well-established shipping industry, with a significant presence in international trade
Manufacturing10% of GDPGreece's manufacturing sector is diversified, with a focus on industries such as textiles, food processing, and pharmaceuticals
Services80% of GDPGreece's service sector is the largest contributor to its economy, with a focus on industries such as finance, tourism, and telecommunications
Agriculture4% of GDPGreece's agricultural sector is small but significant, with a focus on products such as olives, grapes, and citrus fruits

Trade Profile

Top Exports:

  • Refined petroleum products, which are a significant contributor to Greece's export earnings
  • Ships and boats, which are a major export product for Greece's shipping industry
  • Pharmaceuticals, which are a growing sector for Greece's manufacturing industry
  • Food products, such as olives and olive oil, which are a significant export product for Greece
  • Machinery, which is a diverse sector that includes products such as electronics and telecommunications equipment

Top Imports:

  • Crude petroleum, which is a significant import product for Greece's energy needs
  • Machinery, which includes products such as electronics and telecommunications equipment
  • Vehicles, which are a major import product for Greece's transport sector
  • Pharmaceuticals, which are an important import product for Greece's healthcare sector
  • Food products, such as grains and meat, which are a significant import product for Greece

Key Trading Partners:

  • Germany, which is Greece's largest trading partner
  • Italy, which is a significant trading partner for Greece
  • China, which is a growing trading partner for Greece
  • Turkey, which is a major trading partner for Greece in the region
  • United States, which is a significant trading partner for Greece

Infrastructure

  • Greece has a well-developed transport network, with a comprehensive road and rail network, as well as a number of international airports and seaports
  • The country has a reliable energy supply, with a mix of fossil fuels and renewable energy sources
  • Greece has a high level of internet and mobile penetration, with over 80% of the population having access to the internet
  • The country has a number of major ports, including the Port of Piraeus, which is one of the largest ports in the Mediterranean
  • Greece also has a number of international airports, including Athens International Airport, which is a major hub for air travel in the region

Economic Outlook

Greece's economy is expected to continue growing in the coming years, driven by a combination of factors, including tourism, shipping, and manufacturing. The country is also working to diversify its economy, with a focus on emerging sectors such as technology and renewable energy. However, Greece still faces significant challenges, including a high level of debt and a need to continue implementing economic reforms to ensure long-term stability and growth.

The Greek government has outlined a number of priorities for economic development, including investing in infrastructure, promoting entrepreneurship and innovation, and improving the business environment. The country is also working to attract foreign investment, with a focus on sectors such as tourism, energy, and technology. Major projects and reforms include the development of a new national strategy for economic growth, the implementation of a new investment incentive law, and the establishment of a number of new economic zones and incubators. Overall, Greece's economy is expected to continue growing and developing in the coming years, driven by a combination of domestic and international factors.

Related: Cost of Living · Monthly Budget Guide