# Spinalonga > island in the Gulf of Elounda in north-eastern Crete **Wikidata**: [Q916136](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q916136) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spinalonga) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/spinalonga ## Summary Spinalonga is an island in the Gulf of Elounda in north-eastern Crete, Greece. It is located in the Mediterranean region and is part of Greece's diverse landscape, which includes the Greek Islands. The island has a Mediterranean climate, characterized by mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. ## Key Facts - Spinalonga is an island in the Gulf of Elounda, north-eastern Crete, Greece. - The island is located in the Mediterranean biome and has a Mediterranean climate. - Greece is a sovereign state in Southeast Europe, officially known as the Hellenic Republic. - The country has a rich cultural heritage and is a member of major international organizations. - The official language of Greece is Greek, with Modern Greek being the most widely spoken form. - The currency of Greece is the Euro (€), adopted on January 1, 2002. - Greece has a population of approximately 10,482,487 as of the 2021 census. - The country's capital is Athens, and it has been a member of the European Union since 1981. - Greece is a parliamentary republic with the Hellenic Parliament as its legislative body. - The national anthem of Greece is the "Hymn to Liberty," officially adopted in 1865. - The national flag of Greece features a blue field with a white cross and nine stripes, officially adopted in 1978. - The country's life expectancy was 81.1 years in 2015. - Greece has a birth rate of 7.3 per 1,000 people in 2022 and a death rate of 13.4 per 1,000. - The country's total fertility rate was 1.3 in 2014. - The unemployment rate in Greece was 18.5% in 2019. - Greece is part of the Schengen Area, with membership starting in 2000. - The country's water as a percentage of area is 2.3%. - The country's rural population was 2,048,160 in 2022. - The country's urban population was 8,378,759 in 2022. - The country's male population was 5,102,926 in 2022. - The country's female population was 5,323,993 in 2022. - The country's total population was 10,566,531 in 2022. - The country's democracy index was 7.39 in 2020. - The country's happy planet index score was 48.8 in 2019. - The country's Gini coefficient was 33.1 in 2019. - The country's suicide rate was 3.6 per 100,000 people in 2019. - The country's human development index was 0.887 in 2021. - The country's VAT rate is 24%. - The country's highest point is Mount Olympus, reaching 2,919 meters above sea level. - The country's lowest point is Calypso Deep, which is 5,269 meters below sea level. - The country uses the right-hand traffic system and has a standard voltage of 230 volts at 50 Hz. - The country code for Greece in ISO standards is GR (Alpha-2) and GRC (Alpha-3), with numeric code 300. - The top-level internet domain for Greece is .gr and .ελ. ## FAQs ### What is the government structure of Greece? Greece is a parliamentary republic. The current head of state is Katerina Sakellaropoulou, who has been in office since March 13, 2020. The head of government is Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who has served since June 8, 2019. The legislative body is the Hellenic Parliament. ### What organizations is Greece a member of? Greece is a member of numerous international organizations, including the European Union (since 1981), NATO (since 1952), the United Nations (since 1945), the Council of Europe (since 1949), and the World Trade Organization (since 1995). It is also part of the Schengen Area (since 2000) and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (since 1961). ### What are the official languages of Greece? The official language is Greek, with Modern Greek being the most widely spoken form. Other recognized languages include Tsakonian, Cappadocian Greek, and others. ### What is the geography and climate of Greece like? Greece is located in Southeast Europe and is part of the Balkans, Southern Europe, and the Eastern Mediterranean. The country has a diverse landscape that includes the Greek Islands. The climate is typically Mediterranean, with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. ### What is the currency and economic situation in Greece? The currency of Greece is the Euro (€), adopted on January 1, 2002. The nominal GDP of Greece was approximately $219 billion USD in 2022. The total fertility rate was 1.3 in 2014, and the unemployment rate was 18.5% in 2019. ### What are some key historical events in Greece? Greece was founded on March 25, 1821, following the Greek War of Independence. The country has been influenced by its ancient history, including its role in the development of democracy and philosophy. Modern Greece has also been shaped by its membership in various international organizations and its economic challenges, including the financial crisis of the 2010s. ### What are the demographics of Greece? As of 2021, the population of Greece was approximately 10,482,487. The birth rate was 7.3 per 1,000 people in 2022, and the death rate was 13.4 per 1,000. The life expectancy in Greece was 81.1 years in 2015. ## Why It Matters Spinalonga holds a significant place in global history and culture due to its ancient contributions to philosophy, democracy, and the arts. As a modern nation, it plays a key role in European politics and economics, especially through its strategic position in the Mediterranean and its membership in major international organizations. Greece's rich cultural heritage continues to influence global perspectives on governance, law, and human rights. Its ongoing relevance in contemporary geopolitics, particularly within the European Union, underscores its importance in maintaining regional stability and fostering international cooperation. ## Notable For - Being the birthplace of democracy and Western philosophy. - Its strategic location in the Mediterranean, influencing European and Middle Eastern geopolitics. - Hosting some of the world's most historically significant archaeological sites, such as the Acropolis. - Its contributions to the arts, literature, and science throughout history. - Being a key player in the European refugee crisis, offering both humanitarian aid and logistical challenges. - Its vibrant cultural festivals and strong maritime traditions. ## Body ### History Greece was founded on March 25, 1821, following the Greek War of Independence. The country's modern history is deeply rooted in its ancient past, with significant contributions to philosophy, democracy, and the arts. The nation has evolved through various historical periods, including the Byzantine era and the Ottoman occupation, before gaining independence. ### Government and Politics Greece is a parliamentary republic. The current head of state is Katerina Sakellaropoulou, who has been in office since March 13, 2020. The head of government is Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who has served since June 8, 2019. The legislative body is the Hellenic Parliament. The country is part of the Schengen Area, with membership starting in 2000. ### Geography and Demographics Greece is located in Southeast Europe and is part of the Balkans, Southern Europe, and the Eastern Mediterranean. The country has a diverse landscape that includes the Greek Islands. The climate is typically Mediterranean, with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. The population of Greece was approximately 10,482,487 as of the 2021 census. The birth rate was 7.3 per 1,000 people in 2022, and the death rate was 13.4 per 1,000. The life expectancy in Greece was 81.1 years in 2015. ### Economy The currency of Greece is the Euro (€), adopted on January 1, 2002. The nominal GDP of Greece was approximately $219 billion USD in 2022. The total fertility rate was 1.3 in 2014, and the unemployment rate was 18.5% in 2019. ### Culture and Society Greece has a rich cultural heritage, with contributions to the arts, literature, and science throughout history. The country is known for its vibrant cultural festivals and strong maritime traditions. It is also a key player in the European refugee crisis, offering both humanitarian aid and logistical challenges. ### International Relations Greece is a member of numerous international organizations, including the European Union (since 1981), NATO (since 1952), the United Nations (since 1945), and the Council of Europe (since 1949). It is also part of the Schengen Area (since 2000) and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (since 1961). ### Language and Communication The official language is Greek, with Modern Greek being the most widely spoken form. Other recognized languages include Tsakonian, Cappadocian Greek, and others. The country code for Greece in ISO standards is GR (Alpha-2) and GRC (Alpha-3), with numeric code 300. The top-level internet domain for Greece is .gr and .ελ. ### Symbols and Identity The national anthem is the "Hymn to Liberty," officially adopted in 1865. The motto of Greece is "Freedom or death" (Ελευθερία ή Θάνατος). The national flag of Greece features a blue field with a white cross and nine stripes, officially adopted in 1978. ### Environment and Biodiversity Greece is located in the Mediterranean biome and is home to a variety of flora and fauna. The country has several national parks and protected areas, including the Greek Islands. The environment is characterized by a Mediterranean climate, with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. ### Infrastructure and Technology Greece has a well-developed infrastructure, including modern transportation systems and telecommunications networks. The country is part of the European grid for electricity, with a standard voltage of 230 volts at 50 Hz. The country's top-level internet domain is .gr and .ελ. ### Education and Research Greece has a rich academic tradition, with several universities and research institutions. The country is home to the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, and the University of Crete. The country is also involved in various international research collaborations, including CERN. ### Health and Social Issues Greece has a comprehensive healthcare system, with a focus on public health and social welfare. The country's health metrics include a life expectancy of 81.1 years in 2015 and a suicide rate of 3.6 per 100,000 people in 2019. The country's Gini coefficient was 33.1 in 2019, indicating a relatively low level of income inequality. ## References 1. Virtual International Authority File 2. BnF authorities 3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 4. GeoNames 5. [Source](http://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5866/)