Background: Greece achieved its independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1829. During the second half of the 19th century and the first half of the 20th century, it gradually added neighboring islands and territories, most with Greek-speaking populations. In World War II, Greece was first invaded by Italy (1940) and subsequently occupied by Germany (1941-44); fighting endured in a protracted civil war between royalist supporters of the king and communist rebels. Following the latter's defeat in 1949, Greece was able to join NATO in 1952. A military dictatorship, which in 1967 suspended many political liberties and forced the king to flee the country, lasted seven years. The 1974 democratic elections and a referendum created a parliamentary republic and abolished the monarchy. Greece joined the European Community or EC in 1981 (which became the EU in 1992); it became the 12th member of the euro zone in 2001.
February 26th 2008Europe » Greece » Thessaly February 15th
We went skiing in Hania, Greece which is about 45 minutes north of Volos. We woke up really early in the morning and the first thing I thought was.. “good God, what made this a go ... [full story]
February 20th 2008Europe » Greece » Thessaly » Meteora Continuing the journey through Greece, I have made it to Meteora! After the last night in Athens and leaving in three inches of snow, we arrived in Meteora a little before 6pm. Shortly after, the ci ... [full story]
February 11th 2008Europe » Greece » Thessaly Our first few days we spent walking around the city of Volos, it is much smaller then Athens, so I felt much more at ease almost immediately! We saw some of the older parts of town and the old Cretion ... [full story]
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