Greece
Greece became the 12th member of the EU in 2001 and adopted the Euro in 2002. For a long time, unemployment was high and GDP per capita was the lowest in the EU, while the black market economy was estimated to account for around 30% of Greek GDP. Greece saw a house price boom from the late 1990s. Tourism remains a mainstay of the Greek economy.
Economic Strengths
Tourism, agriculture exports, shipping. Labour market & pension reforms.
Economic Weaknesses
High public debt, large state owned sector, Marginal rises in unemployment.
| Population | 11,222,816 |
| Capital city | Athens |
| Currency | Euro |
| World GNP Ranking | 32 |
| Unemployment | 8.4% |
| Inflation | 2.8% |
Source: Central Intelligence Agency; The World Factbook, March 2009