Greece is a parliamentary democracy. Legislative power is exercised by the Vouli, the parliament, and the president of the republic, who approves and promulgates the laws.
Executive power is exercised jointly by the president and the government.
The National Ministry of Education and Religions carries responsibility for the implementation of educational laws, decrees and directives. Despite recent restructuring, Greek education is still governed by national laws voted by parliament affecting the organisation of educational institutions and curriculum. Private institutions are of limited importance in Greek education today as many institutions which were formerly run by private bodies have been taken over by the State. The total area is 131,957 sq km, of which about one-fifth is composed of islands in the Aegean and Ionian seas. Athens is the capital and largest city.