Chapter Sixteen: Greece

Greece lies at the southern tip of the Balkan (Turkish for mountain) Peninsula that juts into the sea from southeast Europe. Greece is a land of water: Ionian Sea to the west, Mediterranean Sea to the south, and Aegean Sea to the east. There is no spot on Greece more than 85 miles from coastal waters. Greece is also a land of mountains, extending to form numerous peninsulas and more than 2,000 islands. At the southern end of mainland Greece lies a large mountainous peninsula called Peloponnesus. Among its many ruins stands Olympia. On this site almost 3,000 years ago the first Olympic games were held. Greeks came under foreign rule for about 2,000 years. It was not until 1829 that their country regained its freedom.

What Time Is It in Greece?

Greece is seven hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time. When it’s 10 a.m. in Washington, D.C., then it’s 5 p.m. in Greece.

People

About 98 percent of the population consists of ethnic Greeks. The remainder are descendants of Turkish ancestry who form Greece’s largest ethnic minority. Seventy percent of all Greeks are urban. Increasingly, people from rural areas are moving to the city. Athens and its suburbs are home to approximately two-thirds of the entire population. In the tradition of their ancestors, Greeks are gracious hosts. In ancient Greece, it was customary to show kindness to strangers, believing that they might be gods in disguise. Religion also influences Greek life—about 95 percent of the people are Eastern Orthodox Christians. Easter is their most important holiday. The day is celebrated with parades, gatherings, and such traditional foods as lamb, fish, and feta (goat) cheese.

Doing Business in Greece

If you’re planning to do business in Greece, here are a few tips you might want to know.

Greetings

• Usually the customary greeting is the handshake, but you may encounter a hug or even a kiss.
• Use last names with a title. First names are usually reserved for friends and family.

• It’s best not to use the O.K. sign (forming a circle with thumb and index finger) in Greece. It may have another and inappropriate meaning.
• Greek expressions are sometimes confusing and hard to read. An upward tilt of the chin with raised eyebrows means "no." Tilting your head slightly to the side means "yes."

• Even if calling ahead isn’t necessary, making an appointment beforehand will be appreciated.
• Present business cards Greek side up. English should be printed on the flip side.
• Greeks are smooth bargainers. Be quick to analyze and respond carefully.
• Dress conservatively. Women should wear dresses or suits in soft colors.

Want to know more about Greece?

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