Trivia in Greece

National symbols

Flag: A blue flag with a white cross and nine blue-white stripes. The cross represents Greek Orthodoxy, and the nine stripes are said to represent the syllables of the independence war slogan 'Freedom or Death.'

Emblem: A blue shield with a white cross, surrounded by laurel branches.

Trivia & facts

• Greek shipowners control approximately 20% of the world''s merchant fleet tonnage.
• Greece has over 15 times more olive trees than people.
• Ancient artifacts excavated are displayed as-is within Athens metro stations.
• Coffee consumption ranks among the highest in the EU, with cafes bustling until late afternoon.
• Blue and white houses not only alleviate heat but were also resistance colors during Ottoman rule.
• The southernmost European island of Gavdos is also Greek territory.
• Feta cheese is the only cheese name with PDO certification in the EU.
• The worry bead ''komboloi'' is cherished as a stress-relief tool.
• In Greek, saying "neftari" means "Bravo."
• Approximately 70% of the population lives within 30km of the coast.