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Greece is a country that has always loomed large in the American imagination. With its beautiful Mediterranean landscape, towering mountains and over 6,000 islands, it is a nation where magical memories are made.

It’s also a nation steeped in rich history. One of the world’s great ancient civilizations, it made pivotal contributions to government, philosophy, literature and the arts, forming the world’s first democracy in Athens in 508 BC.

With a large and vibrant population of Greek Americans, Greek cuisine has spread far and wide. From rich lamb dishes, moussaka, spanakopita and souvlaki, to gyros topped with Greece’s signature sauce, the yogurt-based tzatziki, Greek dining features many classics that have reached international acclaim.

Baklava, a rich pastry of honey and a blend of nuts and spices, is as associated with Greece as ouzo, the national spirit, an anise-flavored aperitif that is almost an essential to accompany any meal.

EXPLORE GREEK CUISINE: DIVERSE FLAVORS, RICH HISTORY, AND FRESH INGREDIENTS

The Greek flag (Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

In the modern era, Greece saw occupation by Italian and German forces during World War II but emerged as a democratic market-based economy during the post-war reconstruction of Europe.

As the Iron Curtain of