Located in Southern Europe, Greece consists of a mountainous, peninsular mainland jutting out into the sea at the southern end of the Balkans, ending at the Peloponnese peninsula (separated from the mainland by the canal of the Isthmus of Corinth) and strategically located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa. Due to its highly indented coastline and numerous islands, Greece has the 11th longest coastline in the world with 13,676 km (8,498 mi); its land boundary is 1,160 km (721 mi). The country lies approximately between latitudes 34° and 42° N, and longitudes 19° and 30° E, with the extreme points being:

Greece is where geographically?

Southern Europe

Where does Greece's coastline place in world rankings?

11th longest

How long is Greece's coastline?

8,498 mi


Eighty percent of Greece consists of mountains or hills, making the country one of the most mountainous in Europe. Mount Olympus, the mythical abode of the Greek Gods, culminates at Mytikas peak 2,918 metres (9,573 ft), the highest in the country. Western Greece contains a number of lakes and wetlands and is dominated by the Pindus mountain range. The Pindus, a continuation of the Dinaric Alps, reaches a maximum elevation of 2,637 m (8,652 ft) at Mt. Smolikas (the second-highest in Greece) and historically has been a significant barrier to east-west travel.

How tall is Mount Olympus?

9,573 ft

The tallest mountain in the Pindus range is what?

Mt. Smolikas

How tall is Mt. Smolikas?

8,652 ft


The Pindus range continues through the central Peloponnese, crosses the islands of Kythera and Antikythera and finds its way into southwestern Aegean, in the island of Crete where it eventually ends. The islands of the Aegean are peaks of underwater mountains that once constituted an extension of the mainland. Pindus is characterized by its high, steep peaks, often dissected by numerous canyons and a variety of other karstic landscapes. The spectacular Vikos Gorge, part of the Vikos-Aoos National Park in the Pindus range, is listed by the Guinness book of World Records as the deepest gorge in the world. Another notable formation are the Meteora rock pillars, atop which have been built medieval Greek Orthodox monasteries.

Where does the Pindus mountain range end?

the island of Crete

Islands in the Aegean Sea are formed by what?

underwater mountains

What is the deepest gorge in the world?

Vikos Gorge


The Greek islands are traditionally grouped into the following clusters: The Argo-Saronic Islands in the Saronic gulf near Athens, the Cyclades, a large but dense collection occupying the central part of the Aegean Sea, the North Aegean islands, a loose grouping off the west coast of Turkey, the Dodecanese, another loose collection in the southeast between Crete and Turkey, the Sporades, a small tight group off the coast of northeast Euboea, and the Ionian Islands, located to the west of the mainland in the Ionian Sea.

The Saronic gulf is near what city?

Athens

The Cyclade islands are located where?

central part of the Aegean Sea

The North Aegean islands are located where?

west coast of Turkey

The Dodecanese islands are located where?

between Crete and Turkey

The Sporades islands are located where?

off the coast of northeast Euboea


The climate of Greece is primarily Mediterranean, featuring mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. This climate occurs at all coastal locations, including Athens, the Cyclades, the Dodecanese, Crete, the Peloponnese, the Ionian Islands and parts of the Central Continental Greece region. The Pindus mountain range strongly affects the climate of the country, as areas to the west of the range are considerably wetter on average (due to greater exposure to south-westerly systems bringing in moisture) than the areas lying to the east of the range (due to a rain shadow effect).

Greece's climate is mainly of what type?

Mediterranean

Greece's climate is affected by what range?

Pindus mountain range

East of the Pindus mountains, the climate is drier due to what?

a rain shadow effect


The mountainous areas of Northwestern Greece (parts of Epirus, Central Greece, Thessaly, Western Macedonia) as well as in the mountainous central parts of Peloponnese – including parts of the regional units of Achaea, Arcadia and Laconia – feature an Alpine climate with heavy snowfalls. The inland parts of northern Greece, in Central Macedonia and East Macedonia and Thrace feature a temperate climate with cold, damp winters and hot, dry summers with frequent thunderstorms. Snowfalls occur every year in the mountains and northern areas, and brief snowfalls are not unknown even in low-lying southern areas, such as Athens.

The climate of Greece in the Northwest is known as what?

Alpine climate

The Alpine climate of Greece gets what kind of weather?

heavy snowfalls

Northern Greece inland features what type of climate?

temperate

It has been known to snow even in what Southern city?

Athens


Phytogeographically, Greece belongs to the Boreal Kingdom and is shared between the East Mediterranean province of the Mediterranean Region and the Illyrian province of the Circumboreal Region. According to the World Wide Fund for Nature and the European Environment Agency, the territory of Greece can be subdivided into six ecoregions: the Illyrian deciduous forests, Pindus Mountains mixed forests, Balkan mixed forests, Rhodope montane mixed forests, Aegean and Western Turkey sclerophyllous and mixed forests and Crete Mediterranean forests.

Greece's plant distribution belongs to what?

the Boreal Kingdom

How many ecoregions occupies Greece?

six

The Pindus and Balkan ecoregions are known as what?

mixed forests

The Crete ecoregion is known as what?

Mediterranean forests

The Illyrian ecoregion is known as what?

deciduous forests


Greece is a unitary parliamentary republic. The nominal head of state is the President of the Republic, who is elected by the Parliament for a five-year term. The current Constitution was drawn up and adopted by the Fifth Revisionary Parliament of the Hellenes and entered into force in 1975 after the fall of the military junta of 1967–1974. It has been revised three times since, in 1986, 2001 and 2008. The Constitution, which consists of 120 articles, provides for a separation of powers into executive, legislative, and judicial branches, and grants extensive specific guarantees (further reinforced in 2001) of civil liberties and social rights. Women's suffrage was guaranteed with an amendment to the 1952 Constitution.

What type of republic is Greece?

unitary parliamentary

What is the title of the leader of Greece?

President of the Republic

Who elects the president of Greece?

the Parliament

How long does the President of Greece serve?

five-year term

Greece's constitution has how many articles?


According to the Constitution, executive power is exercised by the President of the Republic and the Government. From the Constitutional amendment of 1986 the President's duties were curtailed to a significant extent, and they are now largely ceremonial; most political power thus lies in the hands of the Prime Minister. The position of Prime Minister, Greece's head of government, belongs to the current leader of the political party that can obtain a vote of confidence by the Parliament. The President of the Republic formally appoints the Prime Minister and, on his recommendation, appoints and dismisses the other members of the Cabinet.

The constitution was amended to reduce the President's power in what year?

Who has the most political power in Greece?

Prime Minister

The Prime Minister is elected by who?

the Parliament

Who formally names the Prime Minister?

President of the Republic


Legislative powers are exercised by a 300-member elective unicameral Parliament. Statutes passed by the Parliament are promulgated by the President of the Republic. Parliamentary elections are held every four years, but the President of the Republic is obliged to dissolve the Parliament earlier on the proposal of the Cabinet, in view of dealing with a national issue of exceptional importance. The President is also obliged to dissolve the Parliament earlier, if the opposition manages to pass a motion of no confidence.

How many members are in Greece's parliament?

How often are elections help for parliament?

every four years

Parliamentary statutes are put into effect by who?

President of the Republic


The coalition government led the country to the parliamentary elections of May 2012. The power of the traditional Greek political parties, PASOK and New Democracy, declined from 43% to 13% and from 33% to 18%, respectively, due to their support on the politics of Mnimonio and the austerity measures. The leftist party of SYRIZA became the second major party, with an increase from 4% to 16%. No party could form a sustainable government, which led to the parliamentary elections of June 2012. The result of the second elections was the formation of a coalition government composed of New Democracy (29%), PASOK (12%) and Democratic Left (6%) parties.

In May 2012, who started the parliamentary elections?

The coalition government

What led to the loss of power of traditional Greek parties?

their support on the politics of Mnimonio and the austerity measures

Who became the second major party after the elections?

The leftist party of SYRIZA

What caused the second election of 2012?

No party could form a sustainable government

What was the demographic result of the second election?

coalition government composed of New Democracy (29%), PASOK (12%) and Democratic Left (6%) parties.


Greece's foreign policy is conducted through the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and its head, the Minister for Foreign Affairs. The current minister is Nikos Kotzias. According to the official website, the main aims of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs are to represent Greece before other states and international organizations; safeguarding the interests of the Greek state and of its citizens abroad; the promotion of Greek culture; the fostering of closer relations with the Greek diaspora; and the promotion of international cooperation. Additionally, due to its political and geographical proximity to Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa, Greece is a country of significant geostrategic importance and is considered to be a middle power and has developed a regional policy to help promote peace and stability in the Balkans, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East.

Who is the head for Greece's foreign policy?

Minister for Foreign Affairs

Who is the present Minister of Foreign Affairs?

Nikos Kotzias

The goal of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is what?

represent Greece before other states and international organizations

Greece is though of as what kind of power?

a middle power

Greece has how much strategic importance?

significant


Greece has universal compulsory military service for males, while females are exempted from conscription but may otherwise serve in the military. As of 2009[update], mandatory military service is nine months for male citizens between the ages of 19 and 45. Additionally, Greek males between the age of 18 and 60 who live in strategically sensitive areas may be required to serve part-time in the National Guard. However, as the military has sought to become a completely professional force, the government has promised to reduce mandatory military service or abolish it completely.

What type of military service does Greece require?

universal compulsory

Can females be drafted into the military?

females are exempted from conscription

What is the length of military service required of men?

nine months

At what age might men required to serve in the National Guard?

18 and 60


Since the Kallikratis programme reform entered into effect on 1 January 2011, Greece has consisted of thirteen regions subdivided into a total of 325 municipalities. The 54 old prefectures and prefecture-level administrations have been largely retained as sub-units of the regions. Seven decentralized administrations group one to three regions for administrative purposes on a regional basis. There is also one autonomous area, Mount Athos (Greek: Agio Oros, "Holy Mountain"), which borders the region of Central Macedonia.

How many regions exist in Greece since 2011?

thirteen

How many municipalities exist in Greece?

What went into effect on January 1, 2011?

Kallikratis programme reform

What is the one autonomous area in Greece?

Mount Athos

Where is Mount Athos located?

borders the region of Central Macedonia


Greece is a developed country with high standards of living[citation needed] and high Human Development Index. Its economy mainly comprises the service sector (85.0%) and industry (12.0%), while agriculture makes up 3.0% of the national economic output. Important Greek industries include tourism (with 14.9 million international tourists in 2009, it is ranked as the 7th most visited country in the European Union and 16th in the world by the United Nations World Tourism Organization) and merchant shipping (at 16.2% of the world's total capacity, the Greek merchant marine is the largest in the world), while the country is also a considerable agricultural producer (including fisheries) within the union.

The largest sector of Greece's economy is what?

the service sector

What percentage of the economy is Greece's service sector?

What percentage of the economy does agriculture comprise?

How many tourist visited Greece in 2009?

14.9 million

Greece holds what rank among most visited countries in the world?


With an economy larger than all the Balkan economies combined, Greece is the largest economy in the Balkans, and an important regional investor. Greece is the number-two foreign investor of capital in Albania, the number-three foreign investor in Bulgaria, at the top-three of foreign investors in Romania and Serbia and the most important trading partner and largest foreign investor of the Republic of Macedonia. Greek banks open a new branch somewhere in the Balkans on an almost weekly basis. The Greek telecommunications company OTE has become a strong investor in Yugoslavia and other Balkan countries.

Greece's economy is what size?

larger than all the Balkan economies combined

What rank does Greece hold as an Albania investor?

number-two

What rank does Greece hold as an Bulgaria investor?

number-three

Greece is the largest foreign investor of what area?

Republic of Macedonia

OTE is known as what?

Greek telecommunications company


The Greek economy is classified as advanced and high-income. Greece was a founding member of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC). In 1979 the accession of the country in the European Communities and the single market was signed, and the process was completed in 1982. Greece was accepted into the Economic and Monetary Union of the European Union on 19 June 2000, and in January 2001 adopted the Euro as its currency, replacing the Greek drachma at an exchange rate of 340.75 drachma to the Euro. Greece is also a member of the International Monetary Fund and the World Trade Organization, and is ranked 24th on the KOF Globalization Index for 2013.

What classification does the Greek economy hold?

advanced and high-income

Greece help found what economic organizations?

Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC)

When was Greece accepted into the European Union?

19 June 2000

When did Greece start using the Euro as its currency?

January 2001

What was Greece's former currency?

the Greek drachma


According to Der Spiegel credits given to European governments were disguised as "swaps" and consequently did not get registered as debt. As Eurostat at the time ignored statistics involving financial derivatives, a German derivatives dealer had commented to Der Spiegel that "The Maastricht rules can be circumvented quite legally through swaps," and "In previous years, Italy used a similar trick to mask its true debt with the help of a different US bank." These conditions had enabled Greek as well as many other European governments to spend beyond their means, while meeting the deficit targets of the European Union.

What was used to hide debts?

swaps

Swaps allow Greece to do what?

spend beyond their means

What other country hid its debt through swaps?

Italy

What can legally be overcome with swaps?

The Maastricht rules


In terms of total number of ships, the Greek Merchant Navy stands at 4th worldwide, with 3,150 ships (741 of which are registered in Greece whereas the rest 2,409 in other ports). In terms of ship categories, Greece ranks first in both tankers and dry bulk carriers, fourth in the number of containers, and fifth in other ships. However, today's fleet roster is smaller than an all-time high of 5,000 ships in the late 1970s. Additionally, the total number of ships flying a Greek flag (includes non-Greek fleets) is 1,517, or 5.3% of the world's dwt (ranked 5th).

Where is the Greek Merchant Navy ranked?

4th worldwide

How many ships does the Greek Merchant Navy have?

Where does Greece rank in number of tankers?

first


The vast majority of visitors in Greece in 2007 came from the European continent, numbering 12.7 million, while the most visitors from a single nationality were those from the United Kingdom, (2.6 million), followed closely by those from Germany (2.3 million). In 2010, the most visited region of Greece was that of Central Macedonia, with 18% of the country's total tourist flow (amounting to 3.6 million tourists), followed by Attica with 2.6 million and the Peloponnese with 1.8 million. Northern Greece is the country's most-visited geographical region, with 6.5 million tourists, while Central Greece is second with 6.3 million.

Where does most of Greece's visitors come from?

the European continent

How many of Greece's visitors are from Europe?

12.7 million

What is the single nation with the most visitors?

United Kingdom

Which part of Greece is the most visited?

Central Macedonia

Northern Greece gets how many visitors?

6.5 million


Railway connections play a somewhat lesser role in Greece than in many other European countries, but they too have also been expanded, with new suburban/commuter rail connections, serviced by Proastiakos around Athens, towards its airport, Kiato and Chalkida; around Thessaloniki, towards the cities of Larissa and Edessa; and around Patras. A modern intercity rail connection between Athens and Thessaloniki has also been established, while an upgrade to double lines in many parts of the 2,500 km (1,600 mi) network is underway. International railway lines connect Greek cities with the rest of Europe, the Balkans and Turkey.

How long is the Greek railway system?

1,600 mi

A current railway upgrade plans to do what?

double lines

A new modern rail connection has been made between which two cities?

Athens and Thessaloniki


Internet cafés that provide net access, office applications and multiplayer gaming are also a common sight in the country, while mobile internet on 3G and 4G- LTE cellphone networks and Wi-Fi connections can be found almost everywhere. 3G/4G mobile internet usage has been on a sharp increase in recent years, with a 340% increase between August 2011 and August 2012. The United Nations International Telecommunication Union ranks Greece among the top 30 countries with a highly developed information and communications infrastructure.

In recent years, what usage has risen dramatically?

3G/4G mobile internet

How much did internet usage increase in one year?

Where does Greece rank in the work with communications?

among the top 30 countries


Greece's technology parks with incubator facilities include the Science and Technology Park of Crete (Heraklion), the Thessaloniki Technology Park, the Lavrio Technology Park and the Patras Science Park, the Science and Technology Park of Epirus (Ioannina). Greece has been a member of the European Space Agency (ESA) since 2005. Cooperation between ESA and the Hellenic National Space Committee began in the early 1990s. In 1994 Greece and ESA signed their first cooperation agreement. Having formally applied for full membership in 2003, Greece became the ESA's sixteenth member on 16 March 2005. As member of the ESA, Greece participates in the agency's telecommunication and technology activities, and the Global Monitoring for Environment and Security Initiative.

Greece has been a member of what agency since 2005?

European Space Agency (ESA)

Greece and ESA signed their first agreement in what year?

When did /Greece apply for ESA membership?

Greece is ranked as what member of ESA?

sixteenth

Greece became a full ESA member when?

16 March 2005


Notable Greek scientists of modern times include Dimitrios Galanos, Georgios Papanikolaou (inventor of the Pap test), Nicholas Negroponte, Constantin Carathéodory (known for the Carathéodory theorems and Carathéodory conjecture), Manolis Andronikos (discovered the tomb of Philip II of Macedon in Vergina), Michael Dertouzos, John Argyris, Panagiotis Kondylis, John Iliopoulos (2007 Dirac Prize for his contributions on the physics of the charm quark, a major contribution to the birth of the Standard Model, the modern theory of Elementary Particles), Joseph Sifakis (2007 Turing Award, the "Nobel Prize" of Computer Science), Christos Papadimitriou (2002 Knuth Prize, 2012 Gödel Prize), Mihalis Yannakakis (2005 Knuth Prize), Dimitri Nanopoulos and Helene Ahrweiler.

What Greek scientist invented the Pap test?

Georgios Papanikolaou

Who found the tomb of Philip II of Macedon?

Manolis Andronikos

What Greek won the 2007 Turing award?

Joseph Sifakis

What Greek won the 2002 Knuth prize?

Christos Papadimitriou

What Greek won the 2005 Knuth prize?

Mihalis Yannakakis


Estimates of the recognized Greek Muslim minority, which is mostly located in Thrace, range from 98,000 to 140,000, (about 1%) while the immigrant Muslim community numbers between 200,000 and 300,000. Albanian immigrants to Greece are usually associated with the Muslim religion, although most are secular in orientation. Following the 1919–1922 Greco-Turkish War and the 1923 Treaty of Lausanne, Greece and Turkey agreed to a population transfer based on cultural and religious identity. About 500,000 Muslims from Greece, predominantly those defined as Turks, but also Greek Muslims like the Vallahades of western Macedonia, were exchanged with approximately 1,500,000 Greeks from Turkey. However, many refugees who settled in former Ottoman Muslim villages in Central Macedonia and were defined as Christian Orthodox Caucasus Greeks arrived from the former Russian Transcaucasus province of Kars Oblast after it had been retroceded to Turkey but in the few years before the official population exchange.

What is the religious minority in Greece?

Muslim

The Muslim minority is mostly located in what city?

Thrace

Immigrants from Albania are usually what religion?

Muslim

Greek Muslims were in a population exchange with what country?

Turkey


Greek citizens who are Roman Catholic are estimated to be at around 50,000 with the Roman Catholic immigrant community in the country approximately 200,000. Old Calendarists account for 500,000 followers. Protestants, including Greek Evangelical Church and Free Evangelical Churches, stand at about 30,000. Assemblies of God, International Church of the Foursquare Gospel and other Pentecostal churches of the Greek Synod of Apostolic Church have 12,000 members. Independent Free Apostolic Church of Pentecost is the biggest Protestant denomination in Greece with 120 churches. There are not official statistics about Free Apostolic Church of Pentecost, but the Orthodox Church estimates the followers as 20,000. The Jehovah's Witnesses report having 28,874 active members. In recent years there has been a small-scale revival of the ancient Greek religion, with estimates of 2,000 people active practitioners, and 100,000 "sympathisers".

How many Greek natural citizens are Catholic?

How many Roman Catholic immigrants are in Greece?

How many Protestants live in Greece?

How many churches does the biggest Protestant denomination have?

How many Jehovah's Witnesses are in Greece?


During the 19th and 20th centuries there was a major dispute known as the Greek language question, on whether the official language of Greece should be the archaic Katharevousa, created in the 19th century and used as the state and scholarly language, or the Dimotiki, the form of the Greek language which evolved naturally from Byzantine Greek and was the language of the people. The dispute was finally resolved in 1976, when Dimotiki was made the only official variation of the Greek language, and Katharevousa fell to disuse.

When did the Greek Language dispute take place?

During the 19th and 20th centuries

When was the Greek language Katharevousa created?

the 19th century

Which language was considered the language of the people?

Dimotiki

What language was made the only official variation in 1976?

Dimotiki

From which language did Dimotiki evolve?

Byzantine Greek


Greece is today relatively homogeneous in linguistic terms, with a large majority of the native population using Greek as their first or only language. Among the Greek-speaking population, speakers of the distinctive Pontic dialect came to Greece from Asia Minor after the Greek genocide and constitute a sizable group. The Cappadocian dialect came to Greece due to the genocide as well, but is endangered and is barely spoken now. Indigenous Greek dialects include the archaic Greek spoken by the Sarakatsani, traditionally transhument mountain shepherds of Greek Macedonia and other parts of Northern Greece. The Tsakonian language, a distinct Greek language deriving from Doric Greek instead of Ionic Greek, is still spoken in some villages in the southeastern Peloponnese.

What is the language spoken by most Greeks?

Greek

Greeks who speak the Pontic dialect came from where?

Asia Minor

Which Greek dialect is barely spoken currently?

Cappadocian

From which language did the Tsakonian language derive?

Doric Greek


The Muslim minority in Thrace, which amounts to approximately 0.95% of the total population, consists of speakers of Turkish, Bulgarian (Pomaks) and Romani. Romani is also spoken by Christian Roma in other parts of the country. Further minority languages have traditionally been spoken by regional population groups in various parts of the country. Their use has decreased radically in the course of the 20th century through assimilation with the Greek-speaking majority. Today they are only maintained by the older generations and are on the verge of extinction. This goes for the Arvanites, an Albanian-speaking group mostly located in the rural areas around the capital Athens, and for the Aromanians and Moglenites, also known as Vlachs, whose language is closely related to Romanian and who used to live scattered across several areas of mountainous central Greece. Members of these groups ethnically identify as Greeks and are today all at least bilingual in Greek.

Muslims make up how much of the Greek population?

Minority languages have been reduce due to what?

assimilation with the Greek-speaking majority

In parts of the country, Romani is spoken by who?

Christian Roma

What groups are called Vlachs?

Aromanians and Moglenites


Near the northern Greek borders there are also some Slavic–speaking groups, locally known as Slavomacedonian-speaking, most of whose members identify ethnically as Greeks. Their dialects can be linguistically classified as forms of either Macedonian Slavic or Bulgarian. It is estimated that after the population exchanges of 1923, Macedonia had 200,000 to 400,000 Slavic speakers. The Jewish community in Greece traditionally spoke Ladino (Judeo-Spanish), today maintained only by a few thousand speakers. Other notable minority languages include Armenian, Georgian, and the Greco-Turkic dialect spoken by the Urums, a community of Caucasus Greeks from the Tsalka region of central Georgia and ethnic Greeks from southeastern Ukraine who arrived in mainly Northern Greece as economic migrants in the 1990s.

Where are Slavic speaking groups generally found?

northern Greek borders

Macedonia has how many Slavic speakers?

200,000 to 400,000

Greece's Jewish community spoke what language traditionally?

Ladino

The Urums are known to speak what dialect?

Greco-Turkic


A study from the Mediterranean Migration Observatory maintains that the 2001 census recorded 762,191 persons residing in Greece without Greek citizenship, constituting around 7% of total population. Of the non-citizen residents, 48,560 were EU or European Free Trade Association nationals and 17,426 were Cypriots with privileged status. The majority come from Eastern European countries: Albania (56%), Bulgaria (5%) and Romania (3%), while migrants from the former Soviet Union (Georgia, Russia, Ukraine, Moldova, etc.) comprise 10% of the total. Some of the immigrants from Albania are from the Greek minority in Albania centred on the region of Northern Epirus. In addition the total Albanian national population which includes temporary migrants and undocumented persons is around 600,000.

In 2001, how many Greek residents were not citizens?

In 2001, what was the population percentage of resident non-citizens?

From where did most non-citizen residents come?

Eastern European countries

What is the total Albanian population in Greece?


Greece, together with Italy and Spain, is a major entry point for illegal immigrants trying to enter the EU. Illegal immigrants entering Greece mostly do so from the border with Turkey at the Evros River and the islands of the eastern Aegean across from Turkey (mainly Lesbos, Chios, Kos, and Samos). In 2012, the majority of illegal immigrants entering Greece came from Afghanistan, followed by Pakistanis and Bangladeshis. In 2015, arrivals of refugees by sea have increased dramatically mainly due to the ongoing Syrian civil war. There were 856,723 arrivals by sea in Greece, an almost fivefold increase to the same period of 2014, of which the Syrians represent almost 45%. An estimated 8% of the arrivals applied for asylum in Greece.

Greece is a major destination for what to enter?

illegal immigrants

In 2012, most illegal immigrants entered Greece from where?

Afghanistan

Immigrants arriving by sea are coming mainly for what reason?

Syrian civil war

How many immigrants arrived by sea in 2015?

What percentage of sea immigrants asked for asylum in Greece?


Greeks have a long tradition of valuing and investing in paideia (education). Paideia was one of the highest societal values in the Greek and Hellenistic world while the first European institution described as a university was founded in 5th century Constantinople and operated in various incarnations until the city's fall to the Ottomans in 1453. The University of Constantinople was Christian Europe's first secular institution of higher learning since no theological subjects were taught, and considering the original meaning of the world university as a corporation of students, the world’s first university as well.

Paideia is also known as what?

education

The first European university was created in what city?

Constantinople

When was Constantinople taken over by the Ottoman?


Greece's post-compulsory secondary education consists of two school types: unified upper secondary schools (Γενικό Λύκειο, Genikό Lykeiό) and technical–vocational educational schools (Τεχνικά και Επαγγελματικά Εκπαιδευτήρια, "TEE"). Post-compulsory secondary education also includes vocational training institutes (Ινστιτούτα Επαγγελματικής Κατάρτισης, "IEK") which provide a formal but unclassified level of education. As they can accept both Gymnasio (lower secondary school) and Lykeio (upper secondary school) graduates, these institutes are not classified as offering a particular level of education.

Greece's secondary education has how many school types?

two

What is one type of Greece's secondary education?

unified upper secondary schools

What type of institute does secondary education also include?

vocational training

What type of education do vocational institutes provide?

formal but unclassified


According to the Framework Law (3549/2007), Public higher education "Highest Educational Institutions" (Ανώτατα Εκπαιδευτικά Ιδρύματα, Anótata Ekpaideytiká Idrýmata, "ΑΕΙ") consists of two parallel sectors:the University sector (Universities, Polytechnics, Fine Arts Schools, the Open University) and the Technological sector (Technological Education Institutions (TEI) and the School of Pedagogic and Technological Education). There are also State Non-University Tertiary Institutes offering vocationally oriented courses of shorter duration (2 to 3 years) which operate under the authority of other Ministries. Students are admitted to these Institutes according to their performance at national level examinations taking place after completion of the third grade of Lykeio. Additionally, students over twenty-two years old may be admitted to the Hellenic Open University through a form of lottery. The Capodistrian University of Athens is the oldest university in the eastern Mediterranean.

What is one of the education sectors according to the Framework Law?

University sector

How long do the Tertiary institute courses last?

2 to 3 years

Examinations for Tertiary institutes are given at what grade level?

third grade

At what age may students be admitted to Hellenic university through lottery?

over twenty-two years old

What is the oldest university in the eastern Mediterranean?

The Capodistrian University of Athens


Greece has universal health care. In a 2000 World Health Organization report, its health care system ranked 14th in overall performance of 191 countries surveyed. In a 2013 Save the Children report, Greece was ranked the 19th best country (out of 176 countries surveyed) for the state of mothers and newborn babies. In 2010, there were 138 hospitals with 31,000 beds in the country, but on 1 July 2011, the Ministry for Health and Social Solidarity announced its plans to decrease the number to 77 hospitals with 36,035 beds, as a necessary reform to reduce expenses and further enhance healthcare standards.[disputed – discuss] Greece's healthcare expenditures as a percentage of GDP were 9.6% in 2007 according to a 2011 OECD report, just above the OECD average of 9.5%. The country has the largest number of doctors-to-population ratio of any OECD country.

What kind of health care exists in Greece?

universal health care

Where does Greece's health care system rank out of 191 countries surveyed?

What rank does Greece hold for the condition of mothers and new born babies?

In 2010, how many hospitals were there in Greece?

In 2011, plans were made to decrease hospitals to how many?


The culture of Greece has evolved over thousands of years, beginning in Mycenaean Greece and continuing most notably into Classical Greece, through the influence of the Roman Empire and its Greek Eastern continuation, the Eastern Roman or Byzantine Empire. Other cultures and nations, such as the Latin and Frankish states, the Ottoman Empire, the Venetian Republic, the Genoese Republic, and the British Empire have also left their influence on modern Greek culture, although historians credit the Greek War of Independence with revitalising Greece and giving birth to a single, cohesive entity of its multi-faceted culture.

Where did Greece culture begin?

Mycenaean Greece

What do historians credit with revitalizing Greek culture?

Greek War of Independence

The evolution of Grecian culture has evolved over what time period?

thousands of years


In ancient times, Greece was the birthplace of Western culture. Modern democracies owe a debt to Greek beliefs in government by the people, trial by jury, and equality under the law. The ancient Greeks pioneered in many fields that rely on systematic thought, including biology, geometry, history, philosophy, physics and mathematics. They introduced such important literary forms as epic and lyric poetry, history, tragedy, and comedy. In their pursuit of order and proportion, the Greeks created an ideal of beauty that strongly influenced Western art.

Ancient Greece was the birthplace of what?

Western culture

What did Greece's political philosophy affect?

Modern democracies

Greeks were pioneers in many scientific fields that require what?

systematic thought


The modern Greek theatre was born after the Greek independence, in the early 19th century, and initially was influenced by the Heptanesean theatre and melodrama, such as the Italian opera. The Nobile Teatro di San Giacomo di Corfù was the first theatre and opera house of modern Greece and the place where the first Greek opera, Spyridon Xyndas' The Parliamentary Candidate (based on an exclusively Greek libretto) was performed. During the late 19th and early 20th century, the Athenian theatre scene was dominated by revues, musical comedies, operettas and nocturnes and notable playwrights included Spyridon Samaras, Dionysios Lavrangas, Theophrastos Sakellaridis and others.

Modern Greek theater began when?

early 19th century

Modern Greek theater was influenced by what?

Heptanesean theatre and melodrama

What was the first theater of modern Greece?

Nobile Teatro di San Giacomo di Corfù

What was the first Greek opera?

The Parliamentary Candidate

Who created the first opera, The Parliamentary Candidate?

Spyridon Xyndas


Aristotle of Stagira, the most important disciple of Plato, shared with his teacher the title of the greatest philosopher of antiquity. But while Plato had sought to elucidate and explain things from the supra-sensual standpoint of the forms, his pupil preferred to start from the facts given us by experience. Except from these three most significant Greek philosophers other known schools of Greek philosophy from other founders during ancient times were Stoicism, Epicureanism, Skepticism and Neoplatonism.

Which disciple of Plato was considered the most important?

Aristotle of Stagira

Plato's philosophy attempted to explain life from what standpoint?

the supra-sensual

Aristotle's philosophy was based from what standpoint?

experience

What is the name of two schools of philosophy?

Skepticism and Neoplatonism


At the beginning of Greek literature stand the two monumental works of Homer: the Iliad and the Odyssey. Though dates of composition vary, these works were fixed around 800 BC or after. In the classical period many of the genres of western literature became more prominent. Lyrical poetry, odes, pastorals, elegies, epigrams; dramatic presentations of comedy and tragedy; historiography, rhetorical treatises, philosophical dialectics, and philosophical treatises all arose in this period. The two major lyrical poets were Sappho and Pindar. The Classical era also saw the dawn of drama.

What are two works by Homer?

Iliad and the Odyssey

During what time period did Homer write the Iliad and the Odyssey?

800 BC

Who were two major lyrical poets?

Sappho and Pindar

When did drama first begin in history?

Classical era


Cinema first appeared in Greece in 1896 but the first actual cine-theatre was opened in 1907. In 1914 the Asty Films Company was founded and the production of long films began. Golfo (Γκόλφω), a well known traditional love story, is considered the first Greek feature film, although there were several minor productions such as newscasts before this. In 1931 Orestis Laskos directed Daphnis and Chloe (Δάφνις και Χλόη), containing the first nude scene in the history of European cinema; it was also the first Greek movie which was played abroad. In 1944 Katina Paxinou was honoured with the Best Supporting Actress Academy Award for For Whom the Bell Tolls.

What year did cinema first appear in Greece?

In what year did the first cinema theater open in Greece?

In 1914 what was the name of the film company that was founded?

Asty Films

What was the first Greek feature film?

Golfo

Who directed the first nude scene in Greek film history?

Orestis Laskos


The 1950s and early 1960s are considered by many to be a golden age of Greek cinema. Directors and actors of this era were recognized as important historical figures in Greece and some gained international acclaim: Irene Papas, Melina Mercouri, Mihalis Kakogiannis, Alekos Sakellarios, Nikos Tsiforos, Iakovos Kambanelis, Katina Paxinou, Nikos Koundouros, Ellie Lambeti, and others. More than sixty films per year were made, with the majority having film noir elements. Notable films were Η κάλπικη λίρα (1955 directed by Giorgos Tzavellas), Πικρό Ψωμί (1951, directed by Grigoris Grigoriou), O Drakos (1956 directed by Nikos Koundouros), Stella (1955 directed by Cacoyannis and written by Kampanellis).

Which time period is considered the golden age of Greek cinema?

1950s and early 1960s

During the Greek cinema golden age, how many films were made each year?

More than sixty

Who directed the movie O Drakos in 1956?

Nikos Koundouros

Who directed the movie Stella in 1955?

Cacoyannis

Who wrote the movie Stella in 1955?

Kampanellis


Cacoyannis also directed Zorba the Greek with Anthony Quinn which received Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Film nominations. Finos Film also contributed to this period with movies such as Λατέρνα, Φτώχεια και Φιλότιμο, Madalena, Η Θεία από το Σικάγο, Το ξύλο βγήκε από τον Παράδεισο and many more. During the 1970s and 1980s Theo Angelopoulos directed a series of notable and appreciated movies. His film Eternity and a Day won the Palme d'Or and the Prize of the Ecumenical Jury at the 1998 Cannes Film Festival.

What other famous movie did Cacoyannis direct?

Zorba the Greek

Who starred in the movie Zorba the Greek?

Anthony Quinn

What film won the Palme d'Or at Cannes in 1998?

Eternity and a Day

Who directed the film Eternity and a Day?

Theo Angelopoulos


Greek cuisine is characteristic of the healthy Mediterranean diet, which is epitomized by dishes of Crete. Greek cuisine incorporates fresh ingredients into a variety of local dishes such as moussaka, stifado, Greek salad, fasolada, spanakopita and souvlaki. Some dishes can be traced back to ancient Greece like skordalia (a thick purée of walnuts, almonds, crushed garlic and olive oil), lentil soup, retsina (white or rosé wine sealed with pine resin) and pasteli (candy bar with sesame seeds baked with honey). Throughout Greece people often enjoy eating from small dishes such as meze with various dips such as tzatziki, grilled octopus and small fish, feta cheese, dolmades (rice, currants and pine kernels wrapped in vine leaves), various pulses, olives and cheese. Olive oil is added to almost every dish.

What is a characteristic of the Mediterranean diet?

Greek cuisine

The epitome of the Mediterranean diet are dishes from where?

Crete

What food can be traced back to ancient Greece?

skordalia

What is added to almost every dish in Greece?

Olive oil


Sweet desserts such as galaktoboureko, and drinks such as ouzo, metaxa and a variety of wines including retsina. Greek cuisine differs widely from different parts of the mainland and from island to island. It uses some flavorings more often than other Mediterranean cuisines: oregano, mint, garlic, onion, dill and bay laurel leaves. Other common herbs and spices include basil, thyme and fennel seed. Many Greek recipes, especially in the northern parts of the country, use "sweet" spices in combination with meat, for example cinnamon and cloves in stews.

What is the name of one sweet dessert in Greece?

galaktoboureko

What is one of the flavorings commonly used in Greek Mediterranean food?

oregano

What is one of the sweet spices Greeks like to use with meat?

cinnamon


Greek vocal music extends far back into ancient times where mixed-gender choruses performed for entertainment, celebration and spiritual reasons. Instruments during that period included the double-reed aulos and the plucked string instrument, the lyre, especially the special kind called a kithara. Music played an important role in the education system during ancient times. Boys were taught music from the age of six. Later influences from the Roman Empire, Middle East, and the Byzantine Empire also had effect on Greek music.

Greek vocal music goes back how far in history?

ancient times

What is one of the musical instruments used in ancient Greece?

lyre

During ancient Greece, at what age were boys taught music?

six


While the new technique of polyphony was developing in the West, the Eastern Orthodox Church resisted any type of change. Therefore, Byzantine music remained monophonic and without any form of instrumental accompaniment. As a result, and despite certain attempts by certain Greek chanters (such as Manouel Gazis, Ioannis Plousiadinos or the Cypriot Ieronimos o Tragoudistis), Byzantine music was deprived of elements of which in the West encouraged an unimpeded development of art. However, this method which kept music away from polyphony, along with centuries of continuous culture, enabled monophonic music to develop to the greatest heights of perfection. Byzantium presented the monophonic Byzantine chant; a melodic treasury of inestimable value for its rhythmical variety and expressive power.

The Eastern Orthodox Church resisted what change in music?

polyphony

Music without any form of instrumental accompaniment is known as what?

monophonic

One type of music derived from Byzantine is called what?

Byzantine chant


Along with the Byzantine (Church) chant and music, the Greek people also cultivated the Greek folk song which is divided into two cycles, the akritic and klephtic. The akritic was created between the 9th and 10th centuries and expressed the life and struggles of the akrites (frontier guards) of the Byzantine empire, the most well known being the stories associated with Digenes Akritas. The klephtic cycle came into being between the late Byzantine period and the start of the Greek War of Independence. The klephtic cycle, together with historical songs, paraloghes (narrative song or ballad), love songs, mantinades, wedding songs, songs of exile and dirges express the life of the Greeks. There is a unity between the Greek people's struggles for freedom, their joys and sorrow and attitudes towards love and death.

What are the two cycles of the Greek folk song?

akritic and klephtic

Between what centuries was the akritic cycle of Greek song created?

9th and 10th

Which Greek song cycle expresses the life of the Greeks?

klephtic


The Heptanesean kantádhes (καντάδες 'serenades'; sing.: καντάδα) became the forerunners of the Greek modern song, influencing its development to a considerable degree. For the first part of the next century, several Greek composers continued to borrow elements from the Heptanesean style. The most successful songs during the period 1870–1930 were the so-called Athenian serenades, and the songs performed on stage (επιθεωρησιακά τραγούδια 'theatrical revue songs') in revue, operettas and nocturnes that were dominating Athens' theater scene.

What was the forerunner of Greek modern song?

Heptanesean kantádhes

Athenian serenades were most successful during what time period?

What influenced Greek modern song considerably?

Heptanesean kantádhes


Rebetiko, initially a music associated with the lower classes, later (and especially after the population exchange between Greece and Turkey) reached greater general acceptance as the rough edges of its overt subcultural character were softened and polished, sometimes to the point of unrecognizability. It was the base of the later laïkó (song of the people). The leading performers of the genre include Apostolos Kaldaras, Grigoris Bithikotsis, Stelios Kazantzidis, George Dalaras, Haris Alexiou and Glykeria.

What music began associated with the lower classes?

Rebetiko

Rebetiko was the base of what?

laïkó

One of the leading performers of the laiko genre is who?

Apostolos Kaldaras


Regarding the classical music, it was through the Ionian islands (which were under western rule and influence) that all the major advances of the western European classical music were introduced to mainland Greeks. The region is notable for the birth of the first School of modern Greek classical music (Heptanesean or Ionian School, Greek: Επτανησιακή Σχολή), established in 1815. Prominent representatives of this genre include Nikolaos Mantzaros, Spyridon Xyndas, Spyridon Samaras and Pavlos Carrer. Manolis Kalomiris is considered the founder of the Greek National School of Music.

Through which islands was European classical music introduced to the Greeks?

Ionian

When was the first school of modern Greek classical music formed?

Who is considered the Greek National School of Music founder?

Manolis Kalomiris


In the 20th century, Greek composers have had a significant impact on the development of avant garde and modern classical music, with figures such as Iannis Xenakis, Nikos Skalkottas, and Dimitri Mitropoulos achieving international prominence. At the same time, composers and musicians such as Mikis Theodorakis, Manos Hatzidakis, Eleni Karaindrou, Vangelis and Demis Roussos garnered an international following for their music, which include famous film scores such as Zorba the Greek, Serpico, Never on Sunday, America America, Eternity and a Day, Chariots of Fire, Blade Runner, among others. Greek American composers known for their film scores include Yanni and Basil Poledouris. Notable Greek opera singers and classical musicians of the 20th and 21st century include Maria Callas, Nana Mouskouri, Mario Frangoulis, Leonidas Kavakos, Dimitris Sgouros and others.

Who is one 20th century Greek composers that has had an impact on modern classical music?

Iannis Xenakis

What is one of the famous movies Greek composers has scored?

Zorba the Greek

Who is one of the Greek composers known for their film scores?

Yanni

Who is one of the notable Greek opera singers in the 20th century?

Maria Callas


Greece participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 35 times after its debut at the 1974 Contest. In 2005, Greece won with the song "My Number One", performed by Greek-Swedish singer Elena Paparizou. The song received 230 points with 10 sets of 12 points from Belgium, Bulgaria, Hungary, the United Kingdom, Turkey, Albania, Cyprus, Serbia & Montenegro, Sweden and Germany and also became a smash hit in different countries and especially in Greece. The 51st Eurovision Song Contest was held in Athens at the Olympic Indoor Hall of the Athens Olympic Sports Complex in Maroussi, with hosted by Maria Menounos and Sakis Rouvas.

How many time has Greece participated in the Eurovision Song Contest?

In what year did Greece win the Eurovision Song Contest?

What Greek song won the Eurovision Song Contest in 2005?

My Number One

Who performed the song, My Number One, in the 2005 Eurovision Song Contest?

Elena Paparizou

Where was the 51st Eurovision Song Contest held?

Athens


Greece is the birthplace of the ancient Olympic Games, first recorded in 776 BC in Olympia, and hosted the modern Olympic Games twice, the inaugural 1896 Summer Olympics and the 2004 Summer Olympics. During the parade of nations Greece is always called first, as the founding nation of the ancient precursor of modern Olympics. The nation has competed at every Summer Olympic Games, one of only four countries to have done so. Having won a total of 110 medals (30 gold, 42 silver and 38 bronze), Greece is ranked 32nd by gold medals in the all-time Summer Olympic medal count. Their best ever performance was in the 1896 Summer Olympics, when Greece finished second in the medal table with 10 gold medals.

Greece is the birthplace of what sporting event?

Olympic Games

The first Olympic games was recorded in what year?

776 BC

Where were the first Olympic games in 775 BC held?

Olympia

During the Olympic parade of nations, who is always called first?

Greece

What ranking does Greece hold in all-time summer Olympics gold medal count?


The Greek national football team, ranking 12th in the world in 2014 (and having reached a high of 8th in the world in 2008 and 2011), were crowned European Champions in Euro 2004 in one of the biggest upsets in the history of the sport and became one of the most successful national teams in European football, being one of only nine national teams to have won the UEFA European Championship. The Greek Super League is the highest professional football league in the country comprising eighteen teams. The most successful are Olympiacos, Panathinaikos, AEK Athens and PAOK.

What ranking did the Greek national football team hold in 2014.

Greek was crowned the European champions in what event?

Euro 2004

How many national teams have won the UEFA European Championship?

nine

How many teams are in the Greek Super League?

eighteen

Who is one of the most successful teams in the Greek Super League?

Olympiacos


The Greek national basketball team has a decades-long tradition of excellence in the sport, being considered among the world's top basketball powers. As of 2012, it ranked 4th in the world and 2nd in Europe. They have won the European Championship twice in 1987 and 2005, and have reached the final four in two of the last four FIBA World Championships, taking the second place in the world in 2006 FIBA World Championship, after a spectacular 101–95 win against Team USA in the tournament's semifinal. The domestic top basketball league, A1 Ethniki, is composed of fourteen teams. The most successful Greek teams are Olympiacos, Panathinaikos, Aris Thessaloniki, AEK Athens and P.A.O.K. Greek basketball teams are the most successful in European basketball the last 25 years, having won as many as 9 Euroleagues since the establishment of the modern era Euroleague Final Four format in 1988, while no other nation has won more than 4 Euroleague championships in this period. Besides the 9 Euroleagues, Greek basketball teams (Panathinaikos, Olympiacos, Aris Thessaloniki, AEK Athens, P.A.O.K, Maroussi) have won 3 Triple Crowns, 5 Saporta Cups, 2 Korać Cups and 1 FIBA Europe Champions Cup. After the 2005 European Championship triumph of the Greek national basketball team, Greece became the reigning European Champion in both football and basketball.

The Greek national basketball team held what world ranking in 2012?

The Greek national basketball in 2012 held what ranking in Europe?

How many times has the Greek national basketball team won the European championship?

twice

Who did the Greek basketball team beat in the 2006 FIBA World Championship?

Team USA

What is the name of Greece's top domestic basketball league?

A1 Ethniki


The Greece women's national water polo team have emerged as one of the leading powers in the world, becoming World Champions after their gold medal win against the hosts China at the 2011 World Championship. They have also won the silver medal at the 2004 Summer Olympics, the gold medal at the 2005 World League and the silver medals at the 2010 and 2012 European Championships. The Greece men's national water polo team became the third best water polo team in the world in 2005, after their win against Croatia in the bronze medal game at the 2005 World Aquatics Championships in Canada. The domestic top water polo leagues, Greek Men's Water Polo League and Greek Women's Water Polo League are considered amongst the top national leagues in European water polo, as its clubs have made significant success in European competitions. In men's European competitions, Olympiacos has won the Champions League, the European Super Cup and the Triple Crown in 2002 becoming the first club in Water polo history to win every title in which it has competed within a single year (National championship, National cup, Champions League and European Super Cup), while NC Vouliagmeni has won the LEN Cup Winners' Cup in 1997. In women's European competitions, Greek water polo teams (NC Vouliagmeni, Glyfada NSC, Olympiacos, Ethnikos Piraeus) are amongst the most successful in European water polο, having won as many as 4 LEN Champions Cups, 3 LEN Trophies and 2 European Supercups.

In what year did Greece's women's water polo team win the World Championship?

Which medal did Greece's women's water polo team win at the 2004 Summer Olympics?

silver

Which medal did Greece's women's water polo team win at the 2005 World League?

gold

The Greece Men's water polo team held which world ranking in 2005?

third

Who did Greece Men's water polo team beat in the 2005 World Aquatics Championships?

Croatia


The Greek men's national volleyball team has won two bronze medals, one in the European Volleyball Championship and another one in the European Volleyball League, a 5th place in the Olympic Games and a 6th place in the FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship. The Greek league, the A1 Ethniki, is considered one of the top volleyball leagues in Europe and the Greek clubs have made significant success in European competitions. Olympiacos is the most successful volleyball club in the country having won the most domestic titles and being the only Greek club to have won European titles; they have won two CEV Cups, they have been CEV Champions League runners-up twice and they have played in as many as 12 Final Fours in the European competitions, making them one of the most traditional volleyball clubs in Europe. Iraklis have also seen significant success in European competitions, having been three times runners-up of the CEV Champions League.

The Greek Men's national volleyball team has won how many bronze medals?

two

The Greek Men's national volleyball team came in what place in the Olympic games?

What Greek volleyball club is the most successful in the country?

Olympiacos

Who is the only Greek volleyball club to win European titles?

Olympiacos


The principal gods of the ancient Greek religion were the Dodekatheon, or the Twelve Gods, who lived on the top of Mount Olympus. The most important of all ancient Greek gods was Zeus, the king of the gods, who was married to Hera, who was also Zeus's sister. The other Greek gods that made up the Twelve Olympians were Demeter, Ares, Poseidon, Athena, Dionysus, Apollo, Artemis, Aphrodite, Hephaestus and Hermes. Apart from these twelve gods, Greeks also had a variety of other mystical beliefs, such as nymphs and other magical creatures.

Where did the mythical Greek gods live?

Mount Olympus

The main gods of ancient Greece known as the what?

Dodekatheon

The most important of the ancient gods was who?

Zeus

Zeus was married to which goddess?

Hera

Who was Zeus's sister?

Hera


According to Greek law, every Sunday of the year is a public holiday. In addition, there are four mandatory official public holidays: 25 March (Greek Independence Day), Easter Monday, 15 August (Assumption or Dormition of the Holy Virgin), and 25 December (Christmas). 1 May (Labour Day) and 28 October (Ohi Day) are regulated by law as being optional but it is customary for employees to be given the day off. There are, however, more public holidays celebrated in Greece than are announced by the Ministry of Labour each year as either obligatory or optional. The list of these non-fixed national holidays rarely changes and has not changed in recent decades, giving a total of eleven national holidays each year.

Greek law says that every Sunday of the year is a what?

holiday

How many official Greek mandatory public holidays are there?

four

How many Greek national holidays are there each year?

eleven

What is one of the holidays regulated by law as optional?

Labour Day


In 2011, it became apparent that the bail-out would be insufficient and a second bail-out amounting to €130 billion ($173 billion) was agreed in 2012, subject to strict conditions, including financial reforms and further austerity measures. As part of the deal, there was to be a 53% reduction in the Greek debt burden to private creditors and any profits made by Eurozone central banks on their holdings of Greek debt are to be repatriated back to Greece. Greece achieved a primary government budget surplus in 2013. In April 2014, Greece returned to the global bond market as it successfully sold €3 billion worth of five-year government bonds at a yield of 4.95%. Greece returned to growth after six years of economic decline in the second quarter of 2014, and was the Eurozone's fastest-growing economy in the third quarter.

in 2012, what was the amount of the bailout?

$173 billion

How much debt to creditors was Greece suppose to reduce?

In what year did Greece realize a budget surplus?

How much did Greece make from a bond sale in 2014?

€3 billion

After how many years did it take for Greece to gain back growth in the economy?

six years


Following the assassination of Phillip II, his son Alexander III ("The Great") assumed the leadership of the League of Corinth and launched an invasion of the Persian Empire with the combined forces of all Greek states in 334 BC. Undefeated in battle, Alexander had conquered the Persian Empire in its entirety by 330 BC. By the time of his death in 323 BC, he had created one of the largest empires in history, stretching from Greece to India. His empire split into several kingdoms upon his death, the most famous of which were the Seleucid Empire, Ptolemaic Egypt, the Greco-Bactrian Kingdom and the Indo-Greek Kingdom. Many Greeks migrated to Alexandria, Antioch, Seleucia and the many other new Hellenistic cities in Asia and Africa. Although the political unity of Alexander's empire could not be maintained, it resulted in the Hellenistic civilization and spread the Greek language and Greek culture in the territories conquered by Alexander. Greek science, technology and mathematics are generally considered to have reached their peak during the Hellenistic period.

Alexander III was the son of whom?

Phillip II

Alexander III invaded what empire after his father was killed?

Persian

What year did Alexander III Invade Persia?

334 BC

The Persian Empire was conquered by Alexander by what year?

330 BC

In which year did Alexander III die?

323 BC


Shell was vertically integrated and is active in every area of the oil and gas industry, including exploration and production, refining, distribution and marketing, petrochemicals, power generation and trading. It has minor renewable energy activities in the form of biofuels and wind. It has operations in over 90 countries, produces around 3.1 million barrels of oil equivalent per day and has 44,000 service stations worldwide. Shell Oil Company, its subsidiary in the United States, is one of its largest businesses.

In how many countries does Shell have operations?

over 90

How many barrels of oil equivalent does Shell produce per day?

3.1 million

Shell has how many service stations worldwide?

What is the name of Shell's subsidiary in the United States?

Shell Oil Company

Shell has minor renewable energy activities in which two areas?

biofuels and wind

How many barrels of gas does Shell produce per day?

I'm not sure.

How many service stations does Shell have in the US?

I'm not sure.

What does Shell sell 3.1 million barrels of per day?

I'm not sure.

How many countries does Shell have renewable energy activities in?

I'm not sure.

Which aspect of the oil and gas industry is Shell not active in?

I'm not sure.


In February 1907, the Royal Dutch Shell Group was created through the amalgamation of two rival companies: the Royal Dutch Petroleum Company of the Netherlands and the "Shell" Transport and Trading Company Ltd of the United Kingdom. It was a move largely driven by the need to compete globally with Standard Oil. The Royal Dutch Petroleum Company was a Dutch company founded in 1890 to develop an oilfield in Sumatra, and initially led by August Kessler, Hugo Loudon, and Henri Deterding. The "Shell" Transport and Trading Company (the quotation marks were part of the legal name) was a British company, founded in 1897 by Marcus Samuel, 1st Viscount Bearsted, and his brother Samuel Samuel. Their father had owned an antique company in Houndsditch, London, which expanded in 1833 to import and sell sea-shells, after which the company "Shell" took its name.

The Royal Dutch Shell Group was created through the merger of which two rival companies?

the Royal Dutch Petroleum Company of the Netherlands and the "Shell" Transport and Trading Company Ltd of the United Kingdom

What was the main reason for the creation of the Royal Dutch Shell Group?

the need to compete globally with Standard Oil

In what year was the Royal Dutch Shell Group created?

In what year was the Royal Dutch Petroleum Company founded?

Why was the Royal Dutch Petroleum Company created?

to develop an oilfield in Sumatra

What was August Kessler born?

I'm not sure.

What was Hugo Loudon's brother?

I'm not sure.

When was the Samuel brothers' father's antique company created?

I'm not sure.

What was the name of Marcus Samuel's father's antique company?

I'm not sure.


For various reasons, the new firm operated as a dual-listed company, whereby the merging companies maintained their legal existence, but operated as a single-unit partnership for business purposes. The terms of the merger gave 60 percent ownership of the new group to the Dutch arm and 40 percent to the British. National patriotic sensibilities would not permit a full-scale merger or takeover of either of the two companies. The Dutch company, Koninklijke Nederlandsche Petroleum Maatschappij, was in charge at The Hague of production and manufacture. A British company was formed, called the Anglo-Saxon Petroleum Company, based in London, to direct the transport and storage of the products.

What percent of ownership did the merger award the Dutch branch?

What prevented a full-scale merger of the two companies?

National patriotic sensibilities

What was the primary function of the Anglo-Saxon Petroleum Company?

to direct the transport and storage of the products

The new firm operated as what type of company?

a dual-listed company

What percent of ownership of the new company was awarded to the British?

What encouraged a full-scale merger of the two companies?

I'm not sure.

What british company was in charge at The Hague?

I'm not sure.

What city were both branches of the new firm located in?

I'm not sure.

What was the name of the Dutch company in charge of transportation and storage?

I'm not sure.

Why did the two companies function as a dual-unit partnership for business purposes?

I'm not sure.


In November 2004, following a period of turmoil caused by the revelation that Shell had been overstating its oil reserves, it was announced that the Shell Group would move to a single capital structure, creating a new parent company to be named Royal Dutch Shell plc, with its primary listing on the London Stock Exchange, a secondary listing on the Amsterdam Stock Exchange, its headquarters and tax residency in The Hague, Netherlands and its registered office in London. The unification was completed on 20 July 2005 and the original owners delisted their companies from the respective exchanges. On 20 July 2005, the Shell Transport & Trading Company plc was delisted from the LSE, where as, Royal Dutch Petroleum Company from NYSE on 18 November 2005. The shares of the company were issued at a 60/40 advantage for the shareholders of Royal Dutch in line with the original ownership of the Shell Group.

In what year was it announced that the Shell Group would move to a single capital structure?

What was the name of the Shell Group's new parent company?

Royal Dutch Shell plc

On what exchange was the Shell Group's new parent company primarily listed?

the London Stock Exchange

Where was the Royal Dutch Shell plc headquartered?

The Hague, Netherlands

What was the cause of the period of turmoil prior to the announcement that the Shell Group would move to a single capital structure?

the revelation that Shell had been overstating its oil reserves

When was it discovered Shell had been overstating its oil reserves?

I'm not sure.

When was Shell listed on the LSE?

I'm not sure.

When was Royal Dutch Petroleum added to the NYSE?

I'm not sure.

Contrary to the original ownership, shareholders were given what disadvantage of the Shell group?

I'm not sure.

What Netherlands city housed the registered office?

I'm not sure.


In February 2010 Shell and Cosan formed a 50:50 joint-venture, Raízen, comprising all of Cosan's Brazilian ethanol, energy generation, fuel distribution and sugar activities, and all of Shell's Brazilian retail fuel and aviation distribution businesses. In March 2010, Shell announced the sale of some of its assets, including its liquid petroleum gas (LPG) business, to meet the cost of a planned $28bn capital spending programme. Shell invited buyers to submit indicative bids, due by 22 March, with a plan to raise $2–3bn from the sale. In June 2010, Royal Dutch Shell agreed to acquire all the business of East Resources for a cash consideration of $4.7 billion. The transaction included East Resources' tight gas fields.

In what year did Shell and Cosan form a 50:50 joint venture?

What was the name of the 50:50 joint venture formed by Shell and Cosan?

Raízen

Why did Shell sell some of its assets in March 2010?

to meet the cost of a planned $28bn capital spending programme

How much did Shell plan to raise from the sale of its assets?

Royal Dutch Shell agreed to acquire all the business of what entity in June 2010?

East Resources

Who did Shell split with in 2010?

I'm not sure.

When did Shell form a joint venture with Raizen?

I'm not sure.

How much were the East Resources' gas fields worth?

I'm not sure.

How much was Shell's liquid petroleum gas business worth?

I'm not sure.

What did Shell buy from Cosan for $4.7 million?

I'm not sure.


Over the course of 2013, the corporation began the sale of its US shale gas assets and cancelled a US$20 billion gas project that was to be constructed in the US state of Louisiana. A new CEO Ben van Beurden was appointed in January 2014, prior to the announcement that the corporation's overall performance in 2013 was 38 per cent lower than 2012—the value of Shell's shares fell by 3 per cent as a result. Following the sale of the majority of its Australian assets in February 2014, the corporation plans to sell a further US$15 billion worth of assets in the period leading up to 2015, with deals announced in Australia, Brazil and Italy.

Which assets did the corporation begin to sell in 2013?

US shale gas

What was the value of the cancelled gas project that was to be contstructed in Louisiana?

US$20 billion

The appointment of a new CEO in 2014 came prior to what announcement?

the corporation's overall performance in 2013 was 38 per cent lower than 2012

In what year did the corporation sell the majority of its Australian assets?

What was the value of assets the corporation planned to sell leading up to 2015?

US$15 billion

Who was the CEO in 2013?

I'm not sure.

How much was the 2013 sale of US shale gas assets worth?

I'm not sure.

Where did Shell begin selling US shale gas assets?

I'm not sure.

How much higher was the company's performance in 2013?

I'm not sure.

What is the worth of the Australian assets Shell sold in US dollars?

I'm not sure.


The presence of companies like Shell in the Niger-Delta has led to extreme environmental issues in the Niger Delta. Many pipelines in the Niger-Delta owned by Shell are old and corroded. Shell has acknowledged its responsibility for keeping the pipelines new but has also denied responsibility for environmental causes. This has led to mass protests from the Niger-Delta inhabitants and Amnesty International against Shell and Friends of the Earth Netherlands. It has also led to action plans to boycott Shell by environmental groups, and human rights groups. In January 2013, a Dutch court rejected four out of five allegations brought against the firm over oil pollution in the Niger Delta but found a subsidiary guilty of one case of pollution, ordering compensation to be paid to a Nigerian farmer.

What is a cause of severe environmental issues in the Niger Delta?

The presence of companies like Shell

Many pipelines owned by Shell in the Niger Delta are described as what?

old and corroded

Shell has accepted responsibility for keeping its pipelines in what condition?

new

In contrast to its acceptance of responsibility for keeping the pipelines new, Shell has denied what?

responsibility for environmental causes

Environmental and human rights groups have created action plans to do what?

boycott Shell

Where has Shell tried to keep its pipelines in pristine conditions?

I'm not sure.

When did Friends of the Earth begin protesting Shell?

I'm not sure.

How many allegations did the Dutch court approve?

I'm not sure.

Who did Amnesty International have to pay for one count of pollution?

I'm not sure.

When did Shell acknowledge responsibility for the environmental issues?

I'm not sure.


The name Shell is linked to The "Shell" Transport and Trading Company. In 1833, the founder's father, Marcus Samuel, founded an import business to sell seashells to London collectors. When collecting seashell specimens in the Caspian Sea area in 1892, the younger Samuel realised there was potential in exporting lamp oil from the region and commissioned the world's first purpose-built oil tanker, the Murex (Latin for a type of snail shell), to enter this market; by 1907 the company had a fleet. Although for several decades the company had a refinery at Shell Haven on the Thames, there is no evidence of this having provided the name.

The name Shell is connected to what company?

The "Shell" Transport and Trading Company

What was the purpose of the created of The "Shell" Transport and Trading Company?

to sell seashells to London collectors

What did the younger founder of The "Shell" Transport and Trading company discover while collecting seashell specimens in the Caspian Sea area?

there was potential in exporting lamp oil from the region

By what year did the company have a fleet of oil tankers operating in the Caspian Sea region?

The company operated a refinery on what river for several decades?

Thames

Where was the Murex built?

I'm not sure.

When was the refinery at Shell Haven built?

I'm not sure.

What river did Marcus collect shells from in 1907?

I'm not sure.

When was Marcus Samuel born?

I'm not sure.

How long did the younger Samuel collect specimens from the Caspian Sea?

I'm not sure.


Shell's primary business is the management of a vertically integrated oil company. The development of technical and commercial expertise in all stages of this vertical integration, from the initial search for oil (exploration) through its harvesting (production), transportation, refining and finally trading and marketing established the core competencies on which the company was founded. Similar competencies were required for natural gas, which has become one of the most important businesses in which Shell is involved, and which contributes a significant proportion of the company's profits. While the vertically integrated business model provided significant economies of scale and barriers to entry, each business now seeks to be a self-supporting unit without subsidies from other parts of the company.

What is Shell's primary business?

the management of a vertically integrated oil company

The development of what two types of exptertise established the core competencies on which the company was founded?

technical and commercial

One of the most important business in which Shell is involved is what?

natural gas

Each business now seeks to become what type of unit?

self-supporting

The business model that provided significant economies of scale and barriers to entry is called what?

vertically integrated

What is the least important business for Shell?

I'm not sure.

What did self-supporting units provide for the company?

I'm not sure.

What types of expertise have been removed from the business?

I'm not sure.

Which stage does not require technical and commercial expertise?

I'm not sure.

What company is moving away from having self-supported units?

I'm not sure.


Traditionally, Shell was a heavily decentralised business worldwide (especially in the downstream) with companies in over 100 countries, each of which operated with a high degree of independence. The upstream tended to be far more centralised with much of the technical and financial direction coming from the central offices in The Hague. Nevertheless, there were very large "exploration and production" companies in a few major oil and gas production centres such as the United Kingdom (Shell Expro, a Joint Venture with Exxon), Nigeria, Brunei, and Oman.

Shell was traditionally considered what type of business worldwide?

heavily decentralised

Shell operated companies in how many countries?

over 100

A good deal of technical and financial direction for the upstream came from what entity?

the central offices in The Hague

What types of companies existed in a few major oil and gas production centers?

"exploration and production"

How many centralised businesses does Shell have?

I'm not sure.

Where did much of the direction come for the downstream come from?

I'm not sure.

What production centre was located in Nigeria?

I'm not sure.

How many countries were large exploration and production companies in?

I'm not sure.

What company did Shell partner with in Brunei for the joint venture Shell Expro?

I'm not sure.


Downstream operations, which now also includes the chemicals business, generates a third of Shell's profits worldwide and is known for its global network of more than 40,000 petrol stations and its 47 oil refineries. The downstream business, which in some countries also included oil refining, generally included a retail petrol station network, lubricants manufacture and marketing, industrial fuel and lubricants sales and a host of other product/market sectors such as LPG and bitumen. The practice in Shell was that these businesses were essentially local and that they were best managed by local "operating companies" – often with middle and senior management reinforced by expatriates. In the 1990s, this paradigm began to change, and the independence of operating companies around the world was gradually reduced. Today, virtually all of Shell's operations in various businesses are much more directly managed from London and The Hague. The autonomy of "operating companies" has been largely removed, as more "global businesses" have been created.

Downstream operations currently includes what type of business?

chemicals

Downstream operations produces what percent of Shell's profits worldwide?

a third

How many petrol stationsare included in Shell's downstream operations global network?

more than 40,000

Prior to the 1990s, Shell's downstream businesses were essentially considered what kind of businesses?

local

In what way did the business paradigm of Shell's downstream operations begin to change?

the independence of operating companies around the world was gradually reduced

How much of Shell's profits did Downstream account for in 1990?

I'm not sure.

When did Shell switch to treating businesses as local, independent companies?

I'm not sure.

How many oil refineries does Shell have?

I'm not sure.

How many total petrol stations does Shell have?

I'm not sure.

How many of Shell's operations are controlled in London instead of Hague?

I'm not sure.


In April 2010, Shell announced its intention to divest from downstream business of all African countries except South Africa and Egypt to Vitol and "Helios". In several countries such as Tunisia, protests and strikes broke out. Shell denied rumours of the sellout. Shell continues however upstream activities/extracting crude oil in the oil-rich Niger Delta as well as downstream/commercial activities in South Africa. In June 2013, the company announced a strategic review of its operations in Nigeria, hinting that assets could be divested. In August 2014, the company disclosed it was in the process of finalizing the sale of its interests in four Nigerian oil fields.

What did Shell announce in April 2010?

its intention to divest from downstream business of all African countries except South Africa and Egypt to Vitol and "Helios"

What happened in several countries in response to Shell's April 2010 announcement?

protests and strikes broke out

In June 2013, Shell announced a review of its operations in which country?

Nigeria

In August 2014, Shell announced it was in the process of doing what?

finalizing the sale of its interests in four Nigerian oil fields.

What did Shell indicate was a reason for the strategic review of operations in Nigeria?

assets could be divested

What did Shell switch from South Africa and Egypt to?

I'm not sure.

When did protests break out in South Africa?

I'm not sure.

How many Egyptian fields did Shell sell in 2014?

I'm not sure.

Where did Shell divest its upstream activities from?

I'm not sure.

When did the company announce a review of South Africa?

I'm not sure.


On 27 August 2007, Royal Dutch Shell and Reitan Group, the owner of the 7-Eleven brand in Scandinavia, announced an agreement to re-brand some 269 service stations across Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark, subject to obtaining regulatory approvals under the different competition laws in each country. On April 2010 Shell announced that the corporation is in process of trying to find a potential buyer for all of its operations in Finland and is doing similar market research concerning Swedish operations. On October 2010 Shell's gas stations and the heavy vehicle fuel supply networks in Finland and Sweden, along with a refinery located in Gothenburg, Sweden were sold to St1, a Finnish energy company, more precisely to its major shareholding parent company Keele Oy. Shell branded gas stations will be rebranded within maximum of five years from the acquisition and the number of gas stations is likely to be reduced. Until then the stations will operate under Shell brand licence.

What company was the owner of the 7-Eleven brand in Scandinavia?

Reitan Group

In what year did Royal Dutch Shell and Reitan Group announce an agreement?

How many service stations did Royal Dutch Shell and Reitan Group agree to re-brand?

some 269

Shell announced it was in the process of doing what in April 2010?

trying to find a potential buyer for all of its operations in Finland

In October 2010, Shell sold what to St1?

gas stations and the heavy vehicle fuel supply networks in Finland and Sweden, along with a refinery located in Gothenburg, Sweden

How many service stations did Royal Dutch Shell and Reitan Group re-brand in Norway alone?

I'm not sure.

How long will it take to rebrand the service stations in Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Denmark?

I'm not sure.

Who did Shell by gas stations and heavy vehicle supply networks from?

I'm not sure.

When did St1 and Reitan Group announce an agreement?

I'm not sure.

What parent company did Shell sell to in April 2010?

I'm not sure.


Through most of Shell's early history, the Shell Oil Company business in the United States was substantially independent with its stock being traded on the NYSE and with little direct involvement from the group's central offices in the running of the American business. However, in 1984, Royal Dutch Shell made a bid to purchase those shares of Shell Oil Company it did not own (around 30%) and despite opposition from some minority shareholders, which led to a court case, Shell completed the buyout for a sum of $5.7 billion.

Shell Oil Company's United States business throughout its early history is described as what?

substantially independent

On which exchange was Shell Oil Company's U.S. stock historically traded?

the NYSE

Shell Oil Company historically had little direct involvement from what entity in the running of its American businesses?

the group's central offices

In what year did Royal Dutch Shell make a bid to purchase approximately 30% of Shell Oil Company's shares?

What did Royal Dutch Shell's bid to purchase Shell Oil Company's shares lead to?

a court case

Shell's early history involved a lot of involvement from what?

I'm not sure.

What percentage of the Shell Oil Company did Royal Dutch Shell own in 1984?

I'm not sure.

How much did the court case cost?

I'm not sure.

When did Royal Dutch Shell try to sell its shares?

I'm not sure.

Who approved of the Royal Dutch shell buyout?

I'm not sure.


On 20 May 2011, Royal Dutch Shell's final investment decision for the world's first floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) facility was finalized following the discovery of the remote offshore Prelude field—located off Australia's northwestern coast and estimated to contain about 3 trillion cubic feet of natural gas equivalent reserves—in 2007. FLNG technology is based on liquefied natural gas (LNG) developments that were pioneered in the mid-20th century and facilitates the exploitation of untapped natural gas reserves located in remote areas, often too small to extract any other way.

The final investment decision for what was finalized by Royal Dutch Shell in May 2011?

the world's first floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) facility

The remote offshore Prelude field was discovered where?

off Australia's northwestern coast

The Prelude field was estimated to contain how many cubic feet of natural gas reserves?

3 trillion

On what developments was FLNG technology based?

liquefied natural gas (LNG)

FLNG technology faciliates what?

the exploitation of untapped natural gas reserves located in remote areas

When did Royal Dutch Shell make its first investment into FLNG?

I'm not sure.

When was FLNG technology created?

I'm not sure.

What is located off Australia's southwestern coast?

I'm not sure.

Where were FLNG technologies pioneered?

I'm not sure.

When was the FLNG facility built?

I'm not sure.


Shell sold 9.5% of its 23.1% stake in Woodside Petroleum in June 2014 and advised that it had reached an agreement for Woodside to buy back 9.5% of its shares at a later stage. Shell became a major shareholder in Woodside after a 2001 takeover attempt was blocked by then federal Treasurer Peter Costello and the corporation has been open about its intention to sell its stake in Woodside as part of its target to shed assets. At a general body meeting, held on 1 August 2014, 72 percent of shareholders voted to approve the buy-back, short of the 75 percent vote that was required for approval. A statement from Shell read: "Royal Dutch Shell acknowledges the outcome of Woodside Petroleum Limited's shareholders' negative vote on the selective buy-back proposal. Shell is reviewing its options in relation to its remaining 13.6 percent holding."

What percent of its stake in Woodside Petroleum did Shell sell in June 2014?

Shell became a major shareholder in Woodside after a takeover attempt was blocked in what year?

Who blocked the takeover attempt?

then federal Treasurer Peter Costello

What percentage of shareholders voted to approve the 2014 buy-back?

What percentage of shareholder votes was need to approve the 2014 buy-back?

How much Woodside stock in Shell sell in 2001?

I'm not sure.

What Shell treasurer try to takeover Woodside in 2001?

I'm not sure.

What percentage of shareholders approved the takeover attempt?

I'm not sure.

What percentage of shareholders was required to block the Woodside takeover?

I'm not sure.

When was the meeting to decide whether or not to sell 9.5% of its Woodside Petroleum stock?

I'm not sure.


Following the purchase of an offshore lease in 2005, Shell initiated its US$4.5 billion Arctic drilling program in 2006, after the corporation purchased the "Kulluk" oil rig and leased the Noble Discoverer drillship. At inception, the project was led by Pete Slaiby, a Shell executive who had previously worked in the North Sea. However, after the purchase of a second offshore lease in 2008, Shell only commenced drilling work in 2012, due to the refurbishment of rigs, permit delays from the relevant authorities and lawsuits. The plans to drill in the Arctic led to protests from environmental groups, particularly Greenpeace; furthermore, analysts in the energy field, as well as related industries, also expressed skepticism due to perceptions that drilling in the region is "too dangerous because of harsh conditions and remote locations".

Shell purchased what in 2005?

an offshore lease

What did Shell initate after its 2005 purchase?

its US$4.5 billion Arctic drilling program

What executive initially led the Artic drilling project?

Pete Slaiby

What caused the delay in drilling after Shell's 2008 purchase?

the refurbishment of rigs, permit delays from the relevant authorities and lawsuits

Shell's plans to drill in the Artic led to protests from which particular environmental group?

Greenpeace

How much did the purchase of an offshore lease cost?

I'm not sure.

What Greenpeace executive protested the Arctic drilling?

I'm not sure.

What oil rig cost Shell $4.5bil?

I'm not sure.

When was Pete Slaiby taken off of the Arctic drilling program?

I'm not sure.

When was Pete Slaiby working in the North Sea?

I'm not sure.


Further problems hampered the Arctic project after the commencement of drilling in 2012, as Shell dealt with a series of issues that involved air permits, Coast Guard certification of a marine vessel and severe damage to essential oil-spill equipment. Additionally, difficult weather conditions resulted in the delay of drilling during mid-2012 and the already dire situation was exacerbated by the "Kulluk" incident at the end of the year. Royal Dutch Shell had invested nearly US$5 billion by this stage of the project.

What conditions caused the delay of drilling in mid-2012?

difficult weather

What worsened the situation at the end of 2012?

the "Kulluk" incident

What amount had Royal Dutch Shell invested in the project by the end of 2012?

nearly US$5 billion

In what year did drilling in the Arctic region begin?

When did the Arctic project end?

I'm not sure.

Who damaged essential oil-spill equipment?

I'm not sure.

How much was invested in the Kulluk incident?

I'm not sure.

What caused the Kulluk incident?

I'm not sure.

What certification was the Kulluk missing?

I'm not sure.


As the Kulluk oil rig was being towed to the American state of Washington to be serviced in preparation for the 2013 drilling season, a winter storm on 27 December 2012 caused the towing crews, as well as the rescue service, to lose control of the situation. As of 1 January 2013, the Kulluk was grounded off the coast Sitkalidak Island, near the eastern end of Kodiak Island. Following the accident, a Fortune magazine contacted Larry McKinney, the executive director at the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies at Texas A&M, and he explained that "A two-month delay in the Arctic is not a two-month delay ... A two-month delay could wipe out the entire drilling season."

Why was the Kulluk oil rig being towed to Washington?

to be serviced in preparation for the 2013 drilling season

What caused towing crews and rescue service to lose control while the Kulluk rig was in transport to Washington?

a winter storm

On January 1, 2013, the Kulluk was grounded off the coast of which island?

Sitkalidak

Following the incident, which magazine contacted Larry McKinney?

Fortune

Larry McKinney explained that a two-month delay in drilling could do what?

wipe out the entire drilling season

Where was the Kulluk oil rig being towed from?

I'm not sure.

Where was the Kullug grounded in December?

I'm not sure.

Who was the executive director of the Fortune magazine?

I'm not sure.

What magazine did Larry McKinney contact?

I'm not sure.

How long did it take to tow the Kulluk to Washington state?

I'm not sure.


It was unclear if Shell would recommence drilling in mid-2013, following the "Kulluk" incident and, in February 2013, the corporation stated that it would "pause" its closely watched drilling project off the Alaskan coast in 2013, and will instead prepare for future exploration. In January 2014, the corporation announced the extension of the suspension of its drilling program in the Arctic, with chief executive van Beurden explaining that the project is "under review" due to both market and internal issues.

Following what event was it uncertain if Shell would recommence drilling?

the "Kulluk" incident

In February 2013, Shell Corporation announced that it would pause what?

its closely watched drilling project off the Alaskan coast

Shell Corporation announced what in January 2014?

the extension of the suspension of its drilling program in the Arctic

Which Shell Corporation executive explained the reason for the January 2014 announcement?

van Beurden

What reason did the executive give for Shell's January 2014 announcement?

the project is "under review" due to both market and internal issues.

What project was based in Alaska?

I'm not sure.

When did van Beurden become the chief executive?

I'm not sure.

When was the original suspension of the drilling program?

I'm not sure.

When did shell announce it was resuming it Alaskan project?

I'm not sure.

Why was van Beurden under review?

I'm not sure.


In the 1990s, protesters criticised the company's environmental record, particularly the possible pollution caused by the proposed disposal of the Brent Spar platform into the North Sea. Despite support from the UK government, Shell reversed the decision under public pressure but maintained that sinking the platform would have been environmentally better. Shell subsequently published an unequivocal commitment to sustainable development, supported by executive speeches reinforcing this commitment.

For what particular reason did protesters criticize the company's environmental record in the 1990s?

the possible pollution caused by the proposed disposal of the Brent Spar platform into the North Sea

What entity supported Shell during the 1990s protests?

the UK government

Following the reversal of its decision, Shell published what?

an unequivocal commitment to sustainable development

When was the Brent Spar platform disposed into the North Sea?

I'm not sure.

What government opposed the Brent Spar platform?

I'm not sure.

What did Shell admit was a poor environmental decision?

I'm not sure.

What commitment did executives condemn?

I'm not sure.

What did protesters in the 1990s praise?

I'm not sure.


In the beginning of 1996, several human rights groups brought cases to hold Shell accountable for alleged human rights violations in Nigeria, including summary execution, crimes against humanity, torture, inhumane treatment and arbitrary arrest and detention. In particular, Shell stood accused of collaborating in the execution of Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight other leaders of the Ogoni tribe of southern Nigeria, who were hanged in 1995 by Nigeria's then military rulers. The lawsuits were brought against Royal Dutch Shell and Brian Anderson, the head of its Nigerian operation. In 2009, Shell agreed to pay $15.5m in a legal settlement. Shell has not accepted any liability over the allegations against it.

In 1996, multiple groups filed lawsuits to hold Shell accountable for what?

alleged human rights violations in Nigeria

Shell was accused of participating in the execution of which southern Nigerian tribal leader?

Ken Saro-Wiwa

In what year did Shell agree to settle the lawsuits filed in 1996?

For what amount did Shell agree to settle the 1996 lawsuits?

In contrast to its agreement to settle the 1996 lawsuits, Shell refused to do what?

accepted any liability over the allegations against it

When was Brian Anderson hanged?

I'm not sure.

Brian Anderson was the leader of what tribe?

I'm not sure.

What was Ken Saro-Wiwa accused of?

I'm not sure.

How much did Shell pay to the Ogoni tribe?

I'm not sure.

When did Shell sue Nigeria?

I'm not sure.


In 2010, a leaked cable revealed that Shell claims to have inserted staff into all the main ministries of the Nigerian government and know "everything that was being done in those ministries", according to Shell's top executive in Nigeria. The same executive also boasted that the Nigerian government had forgotten about the extent of Shell's infiltration. Documents released in 2009 (but not used in the court case) reveal that Shell regularly made payments to the Nigerian military in order to prevent protests.

A 2010 leaked communication revealed that Shell claimed to have inserted what into which entities?

staff into all the main ministries of the Nigerian government

The same leaked communication revealed Shell claimed to know what?

"everything that was being done in those ministries"

About what did the Shell executive boast in relation to the leaked communication?

the Nigerian government had forgotten about the extent of Shell's infiltration

Documents released in 2009 showed that Shell made regular payments to which entity?

the Nigerian military

For what purpose did Shell make regular payments to the entity cited in the documents released in 2009?

to prevent protests

When did Shell place informants in the Nigerian government?

I'm not sure.

Who boasted that Shell had forgotten about the invasion?

I'm not sure.

What year did the documents used in the court case come from?

I'm not sure.

What source of information from 2010 was not used in the court case?

I'm not sure.

Why did the Nigerian military regularly make payments to Shell?

I'm not sure.


On 16 March 2012, 52 Greenpeace activists from five different countries boarded Fennica and Nordica, multipurpose icebreakers chartered to support Shell's drilling rigs near Alaska. Around the same time period, a reporter for Fortune magazine spoke with Edward Itta, an Inupiat Eskimo leader and the former mayor of the North Slope Borough, who expressed that he was conflicted about Shell's plans in the Arctic, as he was very concerned that an oil spill could destroy the Inupiat Eskimo's hunting-and-fishing culture, but his borough also received major tax revenue from oil and gas production; additionally, further revenue from energy activity was considered crucial to the future of the living standard in Itta's community.

How many Greenpeace activists boarded Fennica and Nordica in March 2012?

How many countries did the group of Greenpeace activists represent?

five

What types of vehicles were the Fennica and Nordica?

multipurpose icebreakers

Why were the Fennica and Nordica chartered?

to support Shell's drilling rigs near Alaska

What was the main concern of Edward Itta?

an oil spill could destroy the Inupiat Eskimo's hunting-and-fishing culture

How many countries did the icebreakers support?

I'm not sure.

What was the name of the Fortune magazine reporter?

I'm not sure.

How many activists were on the Fennica alone?

I'm not sure.

Who was the mayor of North Slope Borough in March 2012?

I'm not sure.

What borough were the Greenpeace activists from?

I'm not sure.