1. Greece: This is the obvious one! Modern Greek is the official language of Greece, spoken by the vast majority of its population.
2. Cyprus: Greek is one of the two official languages of Cyprus, alongside Turkish.
3. Other Countries with Significant Greek-Speaking Populations:
* United States: Large Greek-American communities exist in many cities, particularly on the East Coast.
* Australia: There are significant Greek populations in major cities like Melbourne and Sydney.
* Canada: Canada has a sizable Greek diaspora, particularly in Toronto and Montreal.
* United Kingdom: The UK also has a history of Greek immigration, with communities present in London and other cities.
* Germany: Germany has a growing Greek population, largely due to economic migration.
* Albania: There is a sizable Greek minority in the southern part of Albania.
* Italy: Southern Italy has a long history of Greek influence, and Greek-speaking communities still exist in some areas.
* Turkey: While Turkish is the official language, there are significant Greek-speaking communities in the western regions of Turkey.
4. Historical Use of Greek:
* Ancient Greek was spoken across a vast region in the ancient world, including areas of modern-day Greece, Turkey, Bulgaria, Albania, Cyprus, and Egypt.
* Byzantine Greek was the language of the Byzantine Empire, which lasted from the 4th to the 15th centuries.
* Greek was also used in the Ottoman Empire, particularly in areas with Greek populations.
It's important to note that the specific dialects and forms of Greek spoken vary significantly between these locations, reflecting the historical and cultural influences on each community.