Greece is located in Southern Europe. It gained independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1821 and became a republic in 1975. Greece has a population of around 12 million people and its capital and largest city is Athens. Some of Greece's most important islands that are popular tourist destinations include Mykonos, Santorini, Kos, and Rhodes. These islands are known for their beaches, nightlife, and historical sites. Traditional Greek customs and culture include Easter celebrations, baptisms, weddings, and famous Greek foods like souvlaki, feta cheese, and baklava.