GREECE - BASIC FACTS

Area:
131,957 km2 (50,949 miles2).

Population
11.1 million (National Statistical Service of Greece, 2005).

Population Density
84.1 per km2.

Capital
Athens.
Population: 750,000 (2004 estimate); Greater Athens 3.3 million (2004 estimate).

Government
Republic.

Language
Greek (Ellenika). Most people connected with tourism and those of a younger generation will speak some English, French, German or Italian.

BULGARIA - COMMUNICATION

  • Bulgaria is a fairly formal society - initial greetings are therefore formal and reserved.
  • Greetings consist of a firm handshake, direct eye contact and the appropriate greeting for the time of day.
  • Address people with their titles (if you know them) or with Mr "Gospodin" / Mrs "Gospozha" followed by the surname.
  • Only friends and family address each other with first names and possibly a hug or kiss.
  • One should always wait for their Bulgarian counterparts to determine when it is appropriate to become this informal.

BULGARIA - HISTORY

The Thracians lived in what is now known as Bulgaria from about 3500 B.C. They were incorporated into the Roman Empire by the first century A.D. At the decline of the empire, the Goths, Huns, Bulgars, and Avars invaded. The Bulgars, who crossed the Danube from the north in 679, took control of the region. Although the country now bears the name of the Bulgars, the Bulgar language and culture soon died out, having been replaced by Slavic language, writing, and religion. In the year 865, Boris I adopted Orthodox Christianity.

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