Demographic collapse in Greece in 15 years – The prefectures that are being deserted

Dramatic population decline across the country over a two-decade period is reflected in the latest data published by Byron Kotzamanis, Professor of Demography and Director of Research at the Institute of Demographic Research and Studies.

An analysis of the data shows that, from 117,700 births in the two-year period 2008-09, the country fell to just 66,700 in 2024-25. This decline is attributed to a combination of factors, including falling fertility rates, rising age at childbearing and the wave of emigration.

Nationwide, births fell by 42% between 2009 and 2024, with particularly pronounced differences from one region to another. In mainland Greece, six prefectures — Thesprotia, Grevena, Phthiotis, Kozani, Evrytania and Florina — recorded a decline of more than 50%, while in another ten prefectures the decrease ranged between 45% and 50%.

By contrast, the Greek islands experienced milder pressures. In six island prefectures, the decline was limited to less than 30%, while in the Cyclades and Zakynthos it remained below 15%.

The data also highlight the few areas where the balance between births and deaths remains positive. During the period examined, the Dodecanese, Xanthi and three prefectures in Crete — Chania, Rethymno and Heraklion — recorded more births than deaths.