The geography of Greece consists of a highly mountainous mainland and peninsula, along with thousands of islands sprawled out across the east Mediterranean sea. Though it has a relatively small population and land area, Greece has nevertheless managed to wield a tremendous amount of influence throughout Europe and the Mediterranean.

Of the 11 million people who populate Greece, close to 4 million live in Athens, the country’s capital. Well over 3,000 years old, Athens is one of the world’s oldest cities which is often considered to be the birthplace of Western civilization. Yet while the ancient Acropolis still overlooks the cityscape, today Athens amounts to much more than its history. It is the center of economic, political, and cultural activity in Greece, as well as a global city with a diverse population and important international connections in many areas.

Since many high school programs in Greece involve travel throughout the country, Athens is likely to be just one stop on your grand tour of Greece. Other popular locations where your high school program in Greece might take you include Paros, Crete, Delphi, Santorini, and Thessaloniki. You might be so lucky as to take a boat trip around the Greek islands, or to climb Mount Olympus as well!