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Greece demographic decline: Births fall 42% since 2009

Research from the Institute of Demographic Research and Studies (IDEM) reveals a significant demographic contraction in Greece. Between 2009 and 2024, annual births fell by approximately 42%, dropping from roughly 117,000 to 68,000. This long-term decline is attributed to falling intergenerational fertility, a shrinking population of women in reproductive ages (a 28% decrease in the 25-44 age group), and an increase in the average age of mothers from 26.2 to 32.2 years.

The decline is geographically uneven. Six mainland prefectures—Thesprotia, Grevena, Phthiotis, Kozani, Evrytania, and Florina—saw birth rates plummet by more than 50%. In contrast, island regions like the Cyclades and Zakynthos experienced much lower declines, staying below 15%.

Recent data from the first eight months of 2026 suggests a potential slowdown in the rate of decline. While annual births are still expected to be lower than in 2025, the year-on-year drop may be significantly less severe than in previous years, potentially due to recent economic and social support measures for families.

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Byron Kotzamanis · Dimitra-Ines Angeli · Greece · Institute of Demographic Research and Studies · Ministry of Interior · Supreme Confederation of Large Families of Greece · Vyron Kotzamanis

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