When you need to send a parcel to Greece, there are many reliable and efficient companies ready to ensure that it doesn’t turn out a tragedy. As one of the world’s foremost shipping nations – about one in every five ships in the world sails under a Greek flag – the country has earned a significant amount of its fortune from arranging the trading of goods between nations, and in the past this has brought it considerable wealth.
However, the global economic crisis of 2008 and 2009 resulted in the country accumulating massive debts, and being ranked among the four nations – which became widely known as PIGS, the other constituents being Italy, Portugal and Spain – whose deficits had grown the largest among the countries of Europe. As of 2010, major efforts were under way to shore up the economy, helped in large part by a loan package worth around US$160billion, and substantial cuts in public spending in the country.
Greece replaced the drachma with the euro as its unit of currency in 2001, two years after the single currency was first adopted. As a result of its EU membership, there are very few barriers to trade between the country and partners in the UK, with machinery, chemicals and fuels making up the lion’s share of Greek imports.
Tourism is also vital to Greece’s economy, contributing about 15 per cent of the country’s total income every year. The ancient city of Athens, in particular, is a magnet for visitors from around the world, while the country’s warm climate makes it a popular location for retirees from all over northern Europe in particular.
However, the influx of foreigners was more than matched by the departure of Greek natives throughout the 20th century, with the result that significant Greek communities now exist in the UK, USA, Germany, Australia and Canada. These Greek expatriates nevertheless remain in close contact with their family and friends in their native land, and make heavy use of reliable and good value parcel delivery and courier services to send regular gifts, birthday and Christmas presents, and simple reminders that they are being thought of.
Settling in a different country always brings new stresses and worries, but when staying in touch by sending a parcel is so easy, it is unsurprising that demand on international parcel delivery services is steadily rising.
