Greece Population Decreases in 2023

The population of Greece has experienced a decrease in 2023 compared to the previous year. In 2022, the population was 10,461,627, according to the Greek Statistical Authority. The 0.5 percent decrease can be attributed to a low birth rate in contrast to natural deaths and net migration.

The Statistics of the Greek Population

As of January 1, 2023, Greece’s population fell to 10,413,982, a 0.5 percent 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.

The population is segmented by age. Those aged zero to fourteen years old account for 13.4 percent of the total population, while those between the ages of fifteen and sixty-four comprise 63.7 percent of the population. People who are sixty-five and older constitute 22.9 percent of the populace.

In comparing those over sixty-five to those who are in the zero to fourteen bracket, the aging ratio is found to be 171.8. Net migration in 2023 saw 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. This includes 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 five years, the birth rate in Greece has consistently dropped over two percent annually with the transitional period from 2022 to 2023 being the worst with a 2.56 percent decline.

Recently, the Greek government has taken initiatives to balance out the negative migration net. One of the solutions 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 such as Italy and Spain, as well.

Possible Solutions for Greece

A possible solution to this crisis includes domestic policies such as offering tax exemptions to families with children, thus subsidizing families.

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, the birth rate has increased by twenty-five percent, or 1.5 births per woman, since 2010.

The country invests about five percent of its GDP in policies that promote family formation. The Hungarian government provides tax breaks and low-interest loans for families with children, as well as free in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment.