What to Know about Greece Population?

The Greek population reflects historical and cultural heritage shaped by
centuries of tradition, migration, and societal development. The demographic
distribution varies across urban centers, rural areas, and islands, contributing
to the country’s diverse social and cultural landscape. Population trends in
Greece are influenced by factors such as economic conditions, regional
development, and migration patterns. The Greek population offers insights into
the nation’s cultural fabric, societal structure, and the dynamics shaping its
modern identity.

As of December 2024, Greece’s population is approximately 10,280,708, reflecting
a 0.4% decline from 2023 due to low birth rates (1.3 per woman) and emigration.
Projections for 2025 estimate the population will drop further to 10.44 million,
driven by an aging demographic and negative natural growth. The male-to-female
ratio is 0.98, with females outnumbering males due to longer life expectancy.
Children (0-14) comprise 14.1% of the population, while 22.6% are over 65,
highlighting a demographic shift. Greek is the primary language, and Greek
Orthodoxy remains dominant (81-90%). Literacy rates are high, with 97.68% of
adults literate. Challenges such as rural depopulation and climate impacts on
agriculture emphasize the need for strategic policies to stabilize Greece’s
population.

Find below an image with a chart of what you need to know about the Greek Population,

What is Greece’s Total Population in 2024?

As of December 1, 2024, Greece’s total population is estimated to be 10,280,708
people. The population represents a decrease of about 0.4% from the previous
year, indicating a continuing trend of population decline due to factors such as
low birth rates and emigration. The demographic structure shows a slight
imbalance in gender, with a sex ratio of approximately 0.98, meaning there are
about 980 males for every 1,000 females.

What will the Greece Population Be in 2025?

Looking ahead to 2025, projections suggest that Greece’s population will decline
further to around 10,440,000. This anticipated figure reflects ongoing
demographic trends, including an aging population and negative natural growth
rates where the number of deaths exceed births. The government may need to
implement policies aimed at encouraging immigration or supporting families to
counteract these demographic challenges and stabilize the population in the
coming years.

What is the Rate of Change of the Greece Population by Years?

The rate of change in Greece’s population has been negative in recent years. In
2023, the population was approximately 10,341,277, marking a decline of about
0.42% from 2022. The annual percentage change indicates a consistent downward
trend: from -0.58% in 2022 to -0.64% in 2021. These figures highlight the
demographic pressures facing Greece, including an aging populace and significant
emigration rates that contribute to this decline.

Find below an image of a chart explaining the rate of change of the Greece Population by Years.

How is the Population Density in Greece?

Greece’s current density is estimated at approximately 78 people per square
kilometre (approximately 30.1 people per square mile) in 2024. This figure
represents a slight decrease from previous years as the total land area remains
constant while the population continues to decline. The density reflects both
urbanization trends and the distribution of the population across various
regions of Greece, with urban areas experiencing higher concentrations compared
to rural regions.

Is Every Region of Greece Livable?

Yes, every region of Greece is generally considered livable, but the quality of
life can vary significantly depending on the area. Urban centers like Athens and
Thessaloniki offer better access to healthcare, education, and employment
opportunities, making them attractive for residents. Rural areas and certain
islands may face challenges such as limited access to services, economic
opportunities, and population decline. Regions with higher life expectancy, such
as Crete and the North Aegean, demonstrate that some areas provide a
particularly high standard of living, while others struggle with issues like
depopulation and lack of infrastructure.

What is the Male to Female Ratio in Greece?

In Greece, the male-to-female ratio is approximately 0.98, meaning there are
about 980 males for every 1,000 females. This ratio reflects a slight imbalance
in gender distribution, which is common in many countries. The sex ratio at
birth tends to be higher, with about 1.06 male births for every female birth.
This demographic pattern indicates that while males are born at a higher rate,
the overall population shows a larger number of females due to longer female
life expectancy.

What is the Adults to Children Ratio in Greece?

The adults-to-children ratio in Greece indicates a significant demographic
shift. As of 2024, around 14.1% of the population is aged 0-14 years, while
approximately 63.3% falls within the 15-64 age range, and 22.6% are aged 65 and
over. This translates to a child dependency ratio of about 21.5%, suggesting
that there are fewer children relative to the working-age population compared to
older adults.

Find below an image of a chart explaining the Adults to Children Ratio in Greece.

Why is Greece’s Population Low?

Greece’s low population growth can be attributed to several factors, including
very low fertility rates—around 1.3 children per woman, which is significantly
below the replacement level of 2.1 necessary for stable population numbers.
Additionally, economic hardships have led to mass emigration of young people
seeking better opportunities abroad, further exacerbating the demographic
decline.

How Greece’s Geography Affected the Population?

Greece’s mountainous terrain and numerous islands have significantly influenced
its population distribution and density. The rugged landscape has historically
isolated communities from one another, leading to smaller populations in remote
areas while concentrating larger populations in urban centers like Athens and
Thessaloniki.

How Greece’s Climate Affected the Population?

Greece’s climate also plays a crucial role in its demographic patterns. The
country experiences hot, dry summers and mild winters, which can impact
agricultural productivity and living conditions. Climate change has introduced
challenges such as increased droughts and heatwaves, affecting rural populations
more severely than urban ones due to limited resources and infrastructure in
remote areas. These climatic conditions can influence migration patterns within
Greece as individuals move toward regions with more favorable living conditions.

What Languages Does the Greek Population Speak?

The primary language spoken in Greece is Greek (Demotic), which is used by
approximately 99% of the population as either a first or second language. In
addition to Greek, several regional languages and dialects are spoken, including
Cretan and Pontic Greek. Minority languages such as Albanian, Turkish, Russian,
Romani, Bulgarian, Macedonian, and Armenian are also present due to immigration
and historical communities within Greece. Furthermore, many Greeks speak foreign
languages; English is the most widely spoken foreign language (by about 51% of
the population), followed by German (9%), French (8.5%), and Italian (8%).

What Religions Does the Greek Population Believe?

In Greece, the predominant religion is Greek Orthodoxy, which is a branch of
Eastern Orthodox Christianity. 81-90% of the population identifies
as Greek Orthodox, and the Greek Orthodox Church is constitutionally recognized
as the prevailing religion. Other religious groups include Muslims, who make up
about 2-5% of the population, primarily due to historical and demographic
factors, including the presence of minority communities in regions like Thrace.
There are small populations of Roman Catholics, Jews, Protestants, and followers
of Hellenic paganism. Religion plays a significant role in Greek identity, with
many Greeks associating their national identity closely with their Orthodox
faith.

Find below an image of a chart explaining what Religions Does the Greek Population Believe.

What are the Demographic Statistics on the Greece Population?

Demographic statistics for Greece indicate a total population of approximately
10.3 million as of January 2024. The population has been experiencing a gradual
decline, with a decrease of about 0.4% from the previous year. The age
distribution shows that about 14.1% of the population is aged 0-14 years, while
22.6% are aged 65 and older, reflecting an aging population trend. The median
age in Greece is around 45.6 years, and the sex ratio stands at approximately
51.2% female to 48.8% male. Urbanization is significant, with around 80.8% of
the population living in urban centers.

Find below an image of a chart explaining the Demographic Statistics on the Greece Population.

What are the Ethnic Structures that Make up the Greece Population?

The ethnic structure of Greece is predominantly Greek, comprising about 98% of
the population. There are several minority ethnic groups that
contribute to the country’s diversity. These include Albanian, Romani,
Aromanian, and Macedonian communities, among others. The Albanian community is
one of the largest minority groups, estimated at around 445,000, followed by
Romani people at approximately 205,000 and Aromanians at about 200,000. Other
minorities include Turks and Pomaks in Thrace.

Does Greece Have a Mixed Population of Foreign Citizens?

Greece has a mixed population of foreign citizens, with approximately 900,000
foreign nationals residing in the country as of January 2024. This includes a
diverse group of immigrants primarily from neighboring countries such as
Albania, Bulgaria, and Romania, as well as other regions. The foreign-born
population contributes significantly to the labor force and cultural diversity
within Greece. Many of these individuals have settled in urban areas,
particularly in Athens and Thessaloniki, where they often fill essential roles
in various sectors of the economy.

What are Birth and Death Rates in Greece?

The birth and death rates in Greece reflect significant demographic challenges.
As of 2024, the birth rate is estimated at about 1.26 births per woman, which is
one of the lowest in Europe and well below the replacement level needed for
population stability. In contrast, the crude death rate is approximately 13.4
deaths per 1,000 people. This disparity results in a natural decrease in the
population, with more deaths than births recorded annually. For instance, Greece
recorded just over 71,400 births in 2023, marking the lowest number since
records began nearly a century ago.

What is the Literacy Rate of the Greece Population?

Greece boasts a high literacy rate among its population, with approximately
97.68% of adults aged 15 and above being able to read and write. The literacy
rate for males is slightly higher at around 98.53%, while for females it stands
at about 96.88%. This high level of literacy reflects the country’s strong
educational system and commitment to education throughout its history. The youth
literacy rate is even higher, with nearly 99.45% of individuals aged 15 to 24
being literate, indicating effective educational policies that have successfully
reached younger generations.

Find below an image of a chart explaining the Literacy Rate of the Greece Population.

Last updated on January 13th, 2025