Sensitive topics to avoid in Greece
Do not claim that Greece is a part of Eastern Europe; in a region of communist neighbors, both pro-Soviet and neutral, Greece was the only one that openly supported the West. Geographically speaking, it is incorrect as well. Greeks resent being referred to as a Balkan nation because of the unfavorable perception of the region, despite the fact that Greece is located inside the Balkans and is the southernmost point of the Balkan peninsula.
Greece is nearly often regarded and defined by Greeks and foreigners alike as a Southern European country because it is a part of Southern Europe.The Macedonian issue is seen as a very sensitive subject by Greeks, who believe that Tito's supporters in southern Yugoslavia have appropriated their name and are using it to refer to the nation Tito established as a new constituent republic within Yugoslavia during World War II.
When speaking with foreigners, Greeks refer to it as "FYRoM" or the "Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia," yet among themselves, they call it Skopia (the Greek name for the Macedonian capital, Skopje). Whenever you are in the country, be aware of the fact that even the friendliest of people can become irrational by the simple mention of "Macedonia(n)" rather than "FYRoM".
