Government, Defense

Military service, ranging from 19 to 23 months, is compulsory for all males. Female volunteers may serve in certain branches of the armed forces. The government recognizes some conscientious objectors and excepts them from military duty. In 2001 the Greek army consisted of 110,000 members; the air force had 30,170 members and the navy had 19,000. The armed forces are well equipped. In 2000 military expenditures amounted to 5 percent of the GDP.