Gregos

Gregos, or Greeks in English, refers to the ethnic group native to Greece and the broader Hellenic world. The term reflects a long and continuous cultural tradition that has shaped the history of Europe and the Mediterranean.

Language and identity are central to Greek identity. The Greek language belongs to the Indo-European family and has a long literary tradition dating back to ancient times. Modern Greek is spoken in Greece and Cyprus, with a variety of dialects and communities worldwide preserving the language through education and media.

Historically, Greek culture has roots in ancient Greece, widely regarded as the cradle of Western civilization for its contributions to philosophy, politics, theater, mathematics, and the arts. The classical era gave way to Hellenistic and Roman influence, followed by the Byzantine and Ottoman periods. Greece emerged as a modern state in the early 19th century, achieving independence in the 1820s and continuing to develop its national institutions and cultural life thereafter.

Culturally, Greeks have made lasting contributions in philosophy, literature, theater, science, and the arts. Religion has been predominantly Greek Orthodox since late antiquity, shaping rituals, holidays, and community life. Modern Greek culture also reflects regional traditions, cuisine, music, and celebrations that accompany community life in Greece and in Greek diaspora communities.

Demographically, the core Greek population resides in Greece and Cyprus, with substantial Greek communities across Europe, North America, Australia, and elsewhere. Estimates of the global Greek population range in the many millions, reflecting historical migration and contemporary mobility.