The Greek Islands are actually composed of over six thousands islands of varying sizes, but only about two hundred and twenty are inhabited and only 80 of those have more than 100 inhabitants. Barely 10 percent of the population of just over ten million lives on the islands. The largest of the Greek islands, Crete lies in the Mediterranean, just south of the Aegean Sea.

Greece is perhaps one of the most visited of the European countries, but also one of the least known, although there are half as many Greeks living outside the country as there are living in within it.

The economic news concerning the Greek islands has not been encouraging as the deteriorating conditions appear to be affecting it citizens in multiple areas as there are some worrisome developing trends, but hope remains eternal. There has been a recent trend of reverse immigration, with expatriates returning to the Greek islands to influence the architecture and cuisine and assist in stabilizing the economy.

The Modern Greek state actually dates from 1830 and combines the elements of the Balkans, Middle East and the Mediterranean. The lifestyle urban life in contemporary Greece has undergone a relatively recent transformation, and many of the islands have upgraded facilities in infrastructure. Greece still bears the hallmarks of a developing economy, with the majority of profits being derived from the service sector and agriculture.

The Greek islands are recognized as the birthplace of the Olympics, but there are much more facets to Greek lifestyle. Throughout the islands, the tendency is for long dry summers and mild but rainy winters. Tourism still ranks as the largest hard currency earner, compensating for the depression in world shipping and the duplication that exists in many of the agricultural sectors within the EU.

The lifestyle of the Greek islands remains largely rooted in tradition, and revolves around the seasons. Easter is still the most important Orthodox festival of the year, but there are lively pre-Lenten carnivals on some islands as well.

The Greeks mix piety, with pleasure along with a great enthusiasm for celebrations. There are festivals with ancient roots in pagan revelry. Other festivals celebrate harvests of local produce for which Greece is recognized such as grapes, olives and corn. Visitors have come to appreciate the simplicity and health of the traditional Greek cuisine, which includes olive oil, yoghurt, vegetables, a little meat or fish and some wine always shared with friends.