Greece

Greece is a maritime state occupying the southernmost sector of the Balkan Peninsula in south east Europe. Over 1,400 islands compose 20% of the territory of which the largest is Crete. Greece is mountainous or hilly. The Peloponnese Peninsula is joined to the mainland by the narrow isthmus, Corinth. One third of the population lives in the capital.

The climate is Mediterranean with mild moist winters and bright, hot summers. The island of Corfu in the northwest receives maximum rainfall which decreases east and south eastwards. Winter temperatures can be severe in the mountains. Temperatures in Athens vary from 8°C in January to 29°C in July.