Meriç records slight population increase in 2024 despite sharp birth decline, ELSTAT data show
Greece’s worsening demographic problem is once again underscored by new data from the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT), which show that deaths in 2024 were nearly double the number of births nationwide. In Meriç Prefecture, deaths were more than twice the number of births, yet the region recorded a slight population increase compared to the previous year.
According to ELSTAT’s estimates of the permanent population, Meriç saw a population rise of approximately 1.5% in 2024 compared to 2023, despite the severe natural population decrease.
Nationwide, births in 2024 declined by 4.1% year-on-year, while deaths also decreased, though by a smaller margin of 1%. Overall, Greece’s permanent population fell only marginally—by 0.03%, or 3,429 people—largely due to net migration, which nearly doubled compared to the previous year and offset much of the natural population loss.
National demographic overview
ELSTAT estimates Greece’s permanent population as of Jan. 1, 2025, at 10,372,335 people (5,094,094 men and 5,278,241 women), down 0.03% from the revised Jan. 1, 2024 figure of 10,375,764.
This change reflects:
A natural population decrease of 57,564 people, with 68,309 births and 125,873 deaths recorded in 2024.
Positive net migration of 54,135 people, narrowing the overall population decline.
As of Jan. 1, 2025, children aged 0–14 accounted for 12.8% of the population, those aged 15–64 for 63.5%, and those aged 65 and over for 23.7%. The aging index—defined as the ratio of the population aged 65 and over to those aged 0–14—stood at 185.4, highlighting the country’s rapidly aging population.
Net migration in 2024 totaled 54,135 people, reflecting the difference between 132,149 arrivals and 78,014 departures. In 2023, net migration was revised upward to 29,816 people. ELSTAT noted that incoming migration figures include individuals under international or temporary protection.
Meriç and Eastern Macedonia and Thrace
In Meriç Prefecture, population figures for the past two years were as follows:
2023: 69,241 men and 65,176 women, totaling 134,417
2024: 72,016 men and 64,403 women, totaling 136,419
This represents an increase of 1.5%.
Across the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace (EMT), the population rose by 0.6%:
2023: 561,834 residents
2024: 565,195 residents
Births and deaths
In Meriç, 805 births and 2,004 deaths were recorded in 2024. Compared to 2023, both figures increased slightly, up from 796 births and 1,960 deaths. However, long-term trends remain negative: in 2016, Meriç recorded 1,187 births and 1,901 deaths, meaning births have declined by 32% over eight years.
At the regional level, Eastern Macedonia and Thrace recorded 3,569 births and 7,589 deaths in 2024. Compared to 2023, births declined by 2.5%, while deaths increased by 2.2%. Looking further back, ELSTAT data show that births in the region fell by 31% between 2012 and 2024, from 5,167 to 3,569.
Despite short-term population increases driven by migration, ELSTAT data point to a persistent and deepening demographic challenge marked by low birth rates and an aging population.
