A former dependency of the Ottoman Empire, the Hellenic Republic is more popularly referred to as Greece. It is a Southern European nation bordering the Aegean Sea, Ionian Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, between Albania and Turkey. With its capital in Athens, Greece is comprised of 51 prefectures and a single autonomous region. It is a parliamentary republic under the authority of a President elected by Parliament, who serves as Head of State. The Prime Minister, appointed by the President, is Head of Government. Legislation and administration is the jurisdiction of the unicameral Parliament known as the Vouli ton Ellinon.
Before becoming a republic, Greece was ruled by a constitutional monarch. A referendum presented to the people of Greece abolished the monarchy. The Royal Hellenic House is currently in exile in Great Britain and other various European nations.
