Greek island Antikythera hit with declining population crisis
The rural area faces an uncertain future due to ageing locals and low fertility rates.
Antikythera, a tiny Greek island, faces an uncertain future as its population dwindles to just 39 residents as of 2021. Photo: AFPWhen winter begins in Antikythera, its population shrinks to almost nothing. Antikythera is a rural, isolated island in Greece.
Antikythera, like many rural parts of the country, has suffered steady depopulation. When the last national census was held in 2021, it had just 39 people living there. In 2011, it had 120 residents.
In winter, the island has only one cafe, which is both a tavern and a small store. It is run by a man in his 80s.
“The native population is ageing, and the future of the island is in doubt,” said Catherine Dechosal, who lives on the island.
Greece’s fertility rate is below the European Union average of 1.53 children, according to data agency Eurostat.