'All the villages will be deserted’: The crisis emptying Greek islands and towns

The Greek government has officially designated the country's demographic decline as a 'national threat.' Projections indicate that the population could shrink by 20% by 2050. This crisis is most visible in rural towns and islands, where aging populations and low birth rates are leading to the abandonment of entire villages. Officials are warning of long-term impacts on the economy, social security, and national stability as the workforce shrinks and the dependency ratio increases.