Economy

Until the 1970s, the economy of Crete was primarily based on farming and stock breeding. Today this has been overtaken by the services industry, primarily tourism. More than two million tourists visit Crete each year and a large segment of the labour force is employed in the tourist industry. The cultivation of olive trees for the production of olive oil and related products continues to play major role in the local economy. Vineyards supply grapes for wine  production and raisins and fresh produce including tomatoes, potatoes and citrus fruit is exported to Athens and parts of Europe. The production of honey, cheese and herbs also contribute to the rural economy as does the raising of sheep and goats. The real estate and construction sector is undergoing a boom and there are some industries involved in the production of building materials such as ready mixed concrete and bricks. In addition, there are many shops catering to the tastes and demands of both locals and tourists. Unemployment is low on Crete, approximately 4%, which is half of the Greek average. In contrast, the per capita income is close to 100% of that of Greece as a whole. 

Society

Contemporary Cretan society was strongly affected by Greece's entry in the EU in 1981 and the interven-ing years have brought modernisation to all facets of daily life. However, the two main characteristics of the people of the island remain unchanged by time or outside influences. The first of these is their love of freedom and independence: they are Cretans first, then Greeks. The other is their renowned hospitality to strangers. It takes many forms: a small carafe of raki offered by the owner of a taverna; an invitation to a Cretan home for a lavish meal; neighbours bringing you home-grown fruit and vegetables or fresh eggs from their hens. While the younger generation here is well-educated and fairly independent, time honoured customs and traditions are still observed by Cretans of all ages.

The family remains at the centre of Cretan society and much of the culture revolves around the church: 97% of the population are Greek Orthodox. Religious holidays are faithfully observed (the most important are designated as national holidays) and they are celebrated with festivities that have remained  unchanged for centuries. The influence of tourism, mostly along the north coast of Crete, has brought a certain level of sophistication to the cities and larger towns. This is where you will find banks, supermarkets, home furnishing centres and a full range of modern conveniences.

In many of the villages, however, life still retains its old rhythms. There  people are primarily involved farming and raising livestock. For the most part, the men socialise in the kafenions or coffee houses while women sit, singly or with a few friends, in their ourtyards or just outside the front door of their houses, chatting companionably while their hands are kept busy with traditional needlework and crocheting. The distinctive music of Crete and the traditional dances that accompany them continue to play a significant role in Cretan society. You will see them  performed at all important social events, such as weddings and baptisms, where everyone from 7 - 70 knows the intricate steps.

Crete's distinctive society has produced a culture that remains unique, not only within Europe, but even within Greece. Schools Compulsory education in Crete, as in the rest of Greece, begins at age 6; many children attend either a public or private crèche as early as 2½ years of age. Most start, though, by attending kindergarten at age 5 and then enter primary school the following year. Primary education lasts for six years. From 12 - 15 years of age students attend gymnaseio, or lower secondary school, which completes their required education. Most children, however, carry on with their studies, attending three years of upper secondary school, either in unified studies or at a technical vocational school.

Public higher education is divided into Universities and Technological Training Institutes. Admission is based on national exams which take place in the second and third years of upper secondary school. A large number of Greek students elect to do their university studies abroad. English speaking children who enter the Greek public school system at an early age tend to adapt better and learn the language quickly.

The situation is more difficult for older children who do not speak Greek, but much depends on the individual child. At this time there are no English language, British curriculum schools on Crete. If you want to ensure that your children do not lose touch with their native culture, the Cross Cultural Centre in Chania specialises in part-time English language and cultural programs for English speaking and bilingual children.