A new demographic study published on September 21 has shown a 42% drop in the number of births in Greece between 2009 and 2024, as reported by Greek newspapers. The country's annual birth rate has fallen from 117,000 to 67,000, marking a significant decline in population. This decrease is attributed to several factors, including fewer women of childbearing age, fewer children per family, and a trend of delaying motherhood. The study also points to regional differences, with northern and central Greece experiencing the most dramatic declines. In specific areas like Kozáni and Flórina in Western Macedonia, as well as Eurytania in Central Greece, there has been a 50% reduction in births over the same period. Byron Kotzamanis, a researcher at the Institute of Demographic Research, explains that a combination of economic, social, and public service-related challenges, along with uncertainties about the future, are contributing to this trend. The cost of raising a child varies significantly by region, particularly in comparison to urban centers. In some islands, the decline is less severe, and in a few cases, there are more births than deaths. The island of Naxos, located in the Cyclades, is one of the few regions in Greece that recorded a population increase in the last census. This is partly due to economic dynamism and a better quality of life, which help maintain birth rates. The Dodecanese, the Cyclades, and Crete have preserved their birth rates not only because of tourism but also due to primary production and developed services that support living year-round. On Naxos, economic activity is not seasonal, allowing for permanent settlement. In Crete, employment opportunities and a better quality of life have attracted both visitors and students who choose to settle there. Giorgos Marinakis, the mayor of Rethymnon, notes that many prefer living in Crete over large cities. Overall, Greece's population has decreased from 11.1 million in 2010 to 10.4 million in 2025. The demographic changes are not uniform across the country, leading to a transformation in the country's population map.