Which ethnic and linguistic communities live in Greece?
The population of Greece is characterized by significant cultural diversity, though the official position of the Greek government is that there are no ethnic or national minorities in the country, with the exception of the Muslim minority in Thrace, which was recognized by the 1923 Treaty of Lausanne.1
Despite this official stance, the population includes various groups who identify as Turks, Macedonians, Albanians, Aromanians, and Roma.1
Linguistically, Greek is the official state language. However, several minority languages are spoken throughout the country, including:23
- Turkish3
- Macedonian3
- Albanian (notably the ArvanĆtika dialect)3
- Bulgarian3
- Romany3
- Aromanian (Macedo-Romanian) and Megleno-Romanian3
Additionally, certain varieties of Greek, such as Tsakonian, Pontic, and Cappadocian, are distinct enough that they are sometimes considered separate languages. It is important to acknowledge that the recognition and protection of cultural and linguistic diversity are fundamental human rights, and the suppression of such identities remains a sensitive and significant issue in modern society.31