Greece faces severe demographic crisis and aging population

Greece is facing a severe demographic crisis characterized by a sharp decline in birth rates and a rapidly aging population. Research by demographer Vyrōn Kotzamánis indicates that annual births have dropped from an average of 148,000 in 1979-1980 to approximately 67,000 in 2024-2025. This decline is attributed to falling fertility rates among women and significant migration, with many young adults aged 25 to 50 leaving the country.

The natural population balance has turned negative since 2010, with deaths significantly outnumbering births. Regional impacts vary; Northern Greece, particularly Western Macedonia and Thrace, has seen substantial population shrinkage, which is affecting school enrollments and regional planning. Conversely, Crete remains a demographic exception, with several prefectures reporting more births than deaths.

OECD data warns of a looming “pension storm.” The ratio of elderly citizens (65+) to the working-age population (20-64) is projected to rise from approximately 40 today to over 70 by 2054. This shift places immense pressure on the national pension and social security systems as the workforce is expected to shrink by more than 30% by 2064.