Greeks

Greeks, or Greek people, are individuals who identify with the Greek nation, either through citizenship of Greece or through Greek ethnicity and cultural heritage. The modern Greek state unites many such populations, while the term also covers the Greek diaspora around the world. The Greek language, in its ancient and modern forms, is a central element of Greek identity.

Historically, the term also refers to the ancient Hellenic civilizations of the Aegean and the wider Mediterranean, beginning in the first millennium BCE with city-states such as Athens, Sparta, and Corinth. Classical Greece produced foundational contributions to philosophy, politics, drama, mathematics, and the sciences, influencing later Roman and Byzantine civilizations. The Hellenistic era spread Greek culture across vast areas. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, the region became part of the Byzantine Empire, preserving Greek language and Orthodox Christianity; Ottoman rule lasted several centuries until independence in the 19th century.

Language and religion: Modern Greek is the official language of Greece and Cyprus, while ancient Greek is the ancestor of modern forms. The majority of Greeks belong to the Greek Orthodox Church, with other religious groups present.

Demographics and culture: Greece's population is concentrated in the country of Greece and in Cyprus, with sizable communities abroad in Europe, North America, and Australia. Greek culture has a long tradition in literature, philosophy, art, music, cuisine, and sport. Greek contributions include enduring philosophical ideas, classical literature, and ongoing archaeological and historical research.