Fewer births, more villages without young people

Greece’s demographic problem is becoming increasingly acute in the country’s regions, with births declining and the population ageing. According to a report by the Institute of Demographic Research, around 67,000 births were recorded in 2024-2025, compared with more than 148,000 45 years ago.

The situation is particularly stark in northern Greece. In Western Macedonia, the regional units of Grevena, Kozani and Kastoria have recorded declines in births of more than 50%, while significant losses have also been recorded in Serres, Thessaloniki, Kilkis, Imathia and Pieria.

The case of Pieria is particularly indicative, with its population falling from 33,500 in 2001 to 25,200 in 2021. In several villages along the border, the average age has now exceeded 60, with Mayor Konstantinos Sionidis warning of the risk of depopulation over the next two decades.

At the same time, people are having children later in life. The average age at childbearing has risen significantly, while increased financial and professional pressures on households are also cited among the factors contributing to the decline in births.