The CIA World Factbook Every edition, 2000 to 2025 Europe

Background Greece, in 26 editions.

The entry for Greece published Background in 26 editions of 36, from 2000 to 2025. The text changed in 16 editions. Each is shown as published. Background in every entry.

editions changed the text
16
the first edition with it
2000
the latest edition with it
2025

Published as “Background” (2000 to 2025).

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2008 edition

Changed since 2007

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The same text in 2008 and 2009.

Greece achieved independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1829. During the second half of the 19th century and the first half of the 20th century, it gradually added neighboring islands and territories, most with Greek-speaking populations. In World War II, Greece was first invaded by Italy (1940) and subsequently occupied by Germany (1941-44); fighting endured in a protracted civil war between supporters of the king and Communist rebels.

Following the latter's defeat in 1949, Greece joined NATO in 1952. A military dictatorship, which in 1967 suspended many political liberties and forced the king to flee the country, lasted seven years. The 1974 democratic elections and a referendum created a parliamentary republic and abolished the monarchy. In 1981, Greece joined the EC (now the EU); it became the 12th member of the European Economic and Monetary Union in 2001.

Greece achieved independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1829. During the second half of the 19th century and the first half of the 20th century, it gradually added neighboring islands and territories, most with Greek-speaking populations. In World War II, Greece was first invaded by Italy (1940) and subsequently occupied by Germany (1941-44); fighting endured in a protracted civil war between supporters of the king and Communist rebels. Following the latter's defeat in 1949, Greece joined NATO in 1952. A military dictatorship, which in 1967 suspended many political liberties and forced the king to flee the country, lasted seven years. The 1974 democratic elections and a referendum created a parliamentary republic and abolished the monarchy. In 1981 1981, Greece joined the EC (now the EU); it became the 12th member of the euro zone European Economic and Monetary Union in 2001.

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Central Intelligence Agency. “Greece: Background.” The World Factbook, 2000–2025 editions. Archived by The Factbook, thefactbook.org/greece/background.

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