A demographic crisis is quietly unfolding across Greece.
Greece’s long-term population decline is set to be examined in an upcoming episode of Foreign Correspondent, highlighting a growing demographic challenge that sits in contrast to the country’s strong tourism performance.
The programme, titled Vanishing Greece, airs Tuesday at 8pm on ABC TV and follows reporter Rhiannon Shine-Papantoniou as she travels across the country to document the impact of population loss in both urban and regional areas. Travelling to the birthplace of her grandparents, she speaks with Greeks along the way as she sees the issue firsthand.
While the data points to a sustained and complex issue, the programme also presents Greece at its best, with sweeping cinematography capturing the country’s landscapes, alongside stories of individuals and communities working to turn the trend around.
A shrinking population
According to the Hellenic Statistical Authority, Greece’s population has been in decline for more than a decade, with deaths consistently outnumbering births.
In 2023, Greece recorded approximately 71,000 births compared to more than 120,000 deaths, continuing a trend that has persisted since the financial crisis.
Eurostat projections indicate that Greece’s population could decline by between 15 and 20 percent by 2050.
The country’s fertility rate remains around 1.3 children per woman, well below the replacement level of 2.1.
Ageing and regional decline
More than 22 percent of the population is aged 65 and over, placing Greece among the fastest-ageing countries in Europe.
The impact is particularly visible in regional and island communities, where population loss has accelerated. In some areas, ghost towns are becoming increasingly common as younger residents move to larger cities or leave the country entirely.
Research from the Bank of Greece highlights that migration following the financial crisis significantly reduced the working-age population, particularly among younger groups.
The legacy of the financial crisis
Between 2010 and 2020, an estimated 400,000 to 500,000 people left Greece, many of them young and highly skilled.
While migration flows have stabilised in recent years, the long-term effects remain evident in reduced birth rates and a smaller workforce.
Tourism growth contrasts demographic decline
Greece continues to attract more than 30 million international visitors each year, with tourism contributing around 20 percent of GDP.
This contrast between a strong tourism sector and a declining resident population is one of the central themes explored in Vanishing Greece.
A broader European trend
Population ageing and declining birth rates are not unique to Greece, but the scale and pace of change place it among the more affected countries in Europe.
European Commission analysis identifies demographic decline as a structural challenge, with implications for economic growth, labour markets and regional sustainability.
Beyond the data
While the figures outline the scale of the issue, the programme also focuses on the people behind the statistics.
Across Greece, it highlights communities and individuals attempting to stabilise population loss, support families and create opportunities that encourage younger generations to remain or return.
Vanishing Greece airs Tuesday at 8pm on ABC TV, ABC iview and the ABC In-Depth YouTube channel.
Read also: Greece Sees Rise in Travel Demand as Middle East Tensions Shift Tourism Patterns
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