The Population of Greece has experienced a decrease in 2023 from 2022. In 2022, the population was 10,461,627, according to the Hellenic Statistical Authority. The 0.5% decrease can be attributed to a low birth rate in contrast to natural deaths and net migration.
The Statistics of the Population
As of January 1, 2023, Greece’s population fell to 10,413,982, a 0.5% drop from 2022. The decline includes 5,090,591 men and 5,323,391 women. Natural decrease accounted for a loss of 64,000 people, this includes 75,921 births and 139,921 deaths in Greece. Net migration added 16,355 individuals to the population.
The population is segmented by age: 13.4% are 0-14 years old. People aged 15-64 make up 63.7% of the population, whereas, those 65 and older constitute 22.9% of the populace. The aging ratio is 171.8, comparing those over 65 to those 0-14. Net migration in 2023 was a gain of 16,355 people. This reflects 96,662 immigrants minus 80,307 emigrants.
In 2021, net migration was -22,476, with fewer immigrants and more emigrants. Immigration data also covers those in Greece seeking international or temporary asylum or protection. This demographic change highlights Greece’s aging population and fluctuating migration patterns. The decrease in population impacts a variety of socio-economic aspects. It affects labor market dynamics and social security systems. It also has implications for urban planning and healthcare services.
Government Response to the Population Decrease
Over the last 5 years, the birth rate in Greece has consistently dropped over 2% annually with the transitional period from 2022 to 2023 being the worst with a 2.56% decline.
Recently, the Greek government has taken initiatives to balance out the negative migration net. One of the acts was to provide working permits for residence to undeclared immigrants who seek employment. However, many people, including former Prime Minister Antonis Samaras, have criticized this policy.
While Greece is suffering direly with low birth rates, it is not the only western nation dealing with this crisis. Academics such as Nektarios Miltiades have noted this trend in Western countries like Italy and Spain.
Possible Solutions
Domestic policies that could include tax exemptions for families with children, thus subsidizing families, are possible solutions to this crisis.
Hungary is one of the countries that has successfully tackled the birth rate crisis. In 2010, when Viktor Orban was elected Hungary had the lowest birth rate in the European Union. However, currently from 2010 the birth rate has increased by 25% at 1.5 births per woman. The country invests about 5% of its GDP in policies that promote family formation, such as tax breaks and low-interest loans for families with children, as well as free in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment.