Greece faces deepening population crisis: 'Births decline, deaths surge'
According to 2024 data, birth rates are rapidly declining, while the number of deaths has doubled the number of births. Alarmingly, one out of every nine Greek citizens was born abroad last year.
Data from the Ministry of Interior’s Civil Registry reveal that there were 62,624 births in Greece in 2024, compared to 125,423 deaths. This stark imbalance highlights the country’s rapidly aging and shrinking population.
Over the past 20 years, around 160,000 Greek citizens have been born outside Greece. Experts note that these individuals are typically of working age, and young Greek couples living abroad are often able to have more children thanks to better living conditions.
Meanwhile, birth rates among migrant families within Greece are also declining. In 2008, over 9,000 children were born to migrant families, but by 2024, this number had fallen to 5,223.
Shrinking Working-Age Population
Individuals aged 19–49 now make up only 36.5% of Greece’s population. Moreover, the crucial 30–40 age group—when most people have children—is relatively small, further driving down birth rates.
Statistics suggest that financial incentives alone are insufficient. Experts emphasize the need for comprehensive social policies to encourage childbearing, highlighting the importance of family-friendly initiatives in areas such as education, healthcare, and housing to help reverse the downward trend.
