1 Greece Is a Nation of Mountains and Islands Mountains cover much of Greece The Pindus and Rhodope mountain ranges are two of the largest in the country The Olympus range in the northeast features the highest peak Mount Olympus reaches 9,570 feet 2,917 m above sea level In all mountains make up about 80 percent of the Greek landscape Greece is also known for its beautiful islands and beaches More than 2,000 islands surround the country Some are large with people living on them Many are small and uninhabited Islands make up one fifth of the land area Their shores give Greece the longest coastline in Europe Greece is about the size of England It is the southernmost country in Europe Three seas surround most of Greece They are the Mediterranean Aegean and Ionian Four countries share a border with Greece Albania Bulgaria Turkey and Macedonia all lie to the north Mount Olympus is covered in snow for seven months out of the year from November to May 4
Greece has 8,498 miles 13,676 km of coastline THE GODS OF MOUNT OLYMPUS The ancient Greeks believed that 12 gods and goddesses lived on Mount Olympus These deities were called Olympians Each represented a different aspect of nature or life People thought that most of the gods lived on the mountain throughout the year They also believed the gods held meetings to discuss what should happen to the Greek people 5 227 Number of inhabited islands in Greece Mountains make up about 80 percent of the Greek landscape Mount Olympus has the highest peak in the country More than 2,000 islands surround the mainland Greece has the most coastline in Europe
2 Wildlife Thrives in a Mediterranean Climate Wolves and deer also live there Goats sheep and cows live in the countryside These rural animals are usually tame Flocks of sheep often block the roads in these areas The warm waters around Greece are home to many sea animals Different types of sharks swim along the coasts Seals and sea turtles are plentiful Seahorses can be found in seaweed along the shore Many types of birds reside in Greece year-round Others migrate there to escape colder northern climates Owls falcons storks and eagles are some of the winged creatures seen in the skies above Greece Greece has a pleasant climate Air from above the Mediterranean Sea brings comfortable temperatures It is commonly 80 degrees Fahrenheit 27 C in summer Occasionally it rises to 100 degrees Fahrenheit 38 C or more The summer sky is usually clear and sunny Little rain falls Winter temperatures are generally mild It rains more in winter Some snow falls in the mountains Many animals thrive in the Mediterranean climate Bears lynx and hedgehogs are commonly seen Wild dogs called jackals roam the mountains Sheep are the most common livestock in Greece 6
Loggerhead sea turtles can live for up to 100 years THINK ABOUT IT The ancient Greeks made up many stories called myths They are full of fantastic beasts and monsters One is a bird called a phoenix Another is a half-man half-horse called a centaur Why do you think people would make up such creatures Research online to learn more about the Greek myths 422 Number of bird species in Greece Greece has a mild Mediterranean climate Bears lynx jackals and wolves are some of the animals found in Greece Sharks seals and seahorses swim in waters around the country Greece is home to many birds some of which migrate from northern climates 7
