Greece lies at the juncture of Europe, Asia, and Africa. It is heir to the heritages of ancient Greece, the Byzantine Empire, and nearly four centuries of Ottoman rule. Greece has a particularly long and eventful history and a cultural heritage that has influenced the Middle East, Northern Africa, and Europe. It is usually regarded as the birthplace of the first major democracy, Western philosophy, the Olympic Games, Western literature and political science. Tourists flock to the Greek Islands to lap up the sun, sea and culture of Island life. Steeped in history and religion Greece is a fantastic example of the divide between Europe and its neighbouring countries.