İskeçe shows greater demographic resilience as birth-death gap remains relatively narrow

The study highlights major regional differences in Greece’s demographic decline. Nationally, births fell by about 42% between 2009 and 2024, from approximately 117,400 to 68,300, while several mainland regional units recorded declines of more than 50%.

İskeçe stands out because its decline in births has been less pronounced than in many mainland areas and because its natural population balance remains comparatively stronger.

İSKEÇE AMONG AREAS WITH STRONGER NATURAL BALANCE
Data from the Hellenic Statistical Authority show that İskeçe recorded 814 births and 1,218 deaths in 2024, producing a natural decrease of 404 people. Births fell 9.2% from the previous year, while deaths were broadly stable, increasing by 0.1%.

Although this means deaths still exceeded births in İskeçe in 2024, the district was among the areas identified in the recent demographic analysis as having a comparatively favourable natural balance.

The wider study found that only five of Greece’s 74 regional units recorded more births than deaths in 2024: Thira, Mykonos, Kos, Naxos and Rethymno. İskeçe was among a small group of areas that nevertheless maintained a relatively stronger position than much of mainland Greece.

LARGE REGIONAL DIFFERENCES
The demographic decline is particularly severe in several mainland areas. According to the IDEM analysis, births declined by more than 50% between 2009 and 2024 in Thesprotia, Grevena, Fthiotida, Kozani, Evrytania and Florina. By contrast, some island areas recorded substantially smaller declines.

The differences are not explained solely by fertility rates. The age structure of each population also plays a significant role. Areas with a larger share of younger residents and women of reproductive age can maintain comparatively higher numbers of births even amid a broader national decline.

DEMOGRAPHIC PRESSURES REMAIN
İskeçe's relatively stronger position should not be interpreted as an escape from Greece's wider demographic crisis.

Kotzamanis's analysis points to a substantial reduction in the number of women aged 25–44, with their population falling by nearly 480,000, or 28%. This decline is linked primarily to the smaller generations born after the long-term fall in births, with migration also contributing to the reduction.

The broader demographic picture is therefore one of regional divergence within a national decline. Greece recorded 68,467 births and 126,916 deaths in 2024, resulting in a natural decrease of more than 58,000 people.

For İskeçe, the current figures indicate a comparatively stronger demographic position than many mainland areas, but the same long-term pressures — fewer women of reproductive age, delayed childbearing and population ageing — remain relevant to its future demographic trajectory.