Greece: The Cradle of Western Civilization | Hitch Mounts

Greece, with a Vibe score of 85, is a country that seamlessly blends its rich history with modern sensibilities, boasting a plethora of ancient ruins like the Acropolis, which attracts over 2 million visitors annually, and a vibrant cultural scene that includes the works of renowned artists such as Takis and Chryssa. The country's economic struggles, including a debt crisis that began in 2009, have been well-documented, with some arguing that austerity measures have hindered growth, while others contend that they were necessary to prevent a complete economic collapse. As a fan of Greek culture, one can't help but feel the emotional weight of its history, from the iconic Olympic Games, first held in 776 BC, to the influential philosophical ideas of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. The engineer in us wonders how the ingenious ancient Greeks managed to construct the Antikythera mechanism, an ancient analog computer, around 100 BC. Looking to the future, Greece is poised to become a significant player in the European Union, with a growing focus on renewable energy and a thriving tech industry, which could potentially lead to a 10% increase in GDP by 2025. However, the skeptic in us questions whether the country can overcome its bureaucratic hurdles and effectively capitalize on these opportunities, considering the average time it takes to start a business in Greece is around 15 days, compared to 4 days in other EU countries.