About Greece: Flag, population, food, geography and more

Greece in a Nutshell

Greece is one of the oldest and most fascinating countries in the world. Located in southern Europe, it stretches into the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas, and much of the country is covered in mountains. Greece is famous for many things—its rich history, incredible stories from mythology, and for being the birthplace of the Olympic Games. In fact, the first Olympic Games were held in Greece over 2,700 years ago!

Population and Cities

As of 2024, Greece has about 10.3 million people, placing it 74th in world population rankings. Despite not being a very large country—it’s 96th in size—Greece has a comfortable population that allows people space to enjoy both city life and natural beauty.

The capital of Greece is Athens, one of the world’s oldest cities. Athens has fewer than 1 million residents, and other major cities include Thessaloniki, Piraeus, Patras, Heraklion, Larissa, and Volos.

The Greek Flag

The Greek flag might remind some people of the U.S. flag because it also has stripes and a square in the corner. But instead of stars, it features a white cross on a blue background, representing the Greek Orthodox religion. The blue and white stripes stand for the sky and sea of Greece. The flag was officially adopted in 1822.

Food and Cuisine

Greek food is known around the world—and for good reason! It’s not only delicious but also healthy. Many dishes include vegetables, nuts, seeds, olive oil, and fresh herbs. Because Greece is surrounded by water on three sides, seafood is also an important part of the diet. And of course, cheese—especially feta—is a big favorite in Greek cooking.

Music and Culture

Music has always played a big part in Greek life. Ancient Greece was a center of music and theater, influencing musical traditions for thousands of years. Today, Greek music blends traditional styles with modern instruments, and even though there aren’t many internationally famous pop stars from Greece, the country’s musical roots run deep.

Language and Currency

Greek is the official language of the country. While a few small communities may speak other languages, most people in Greece grow up speaking only Greek. The country uses the Euro (€) as its currency, just like many other countries in Europe.

Learning Greek Is Easier Than Ever

If your child wants to learn Greek in a fun and engaging way, Dinolingo offers online Greek lessons designed specifically for kids. With songs, games, flashcards, and stories, children can learn at their own pace while having fun. Dinolingo is available on the web, iOS, and Android, and it’s great for children ages 2–14.