ABSTRACT
This study examines the growth and changing demographic structure of Greece, highlighting the main sources of criticality and weaknesses in depopulation and local development decline. A special attention is deserved to the dynamic of fertility, which is a relevant issue in Greece. A punctual comparative analysis of demographic statistics of neighboring Mediterranean countries permits to depict the uniqueness of the Greek case whose historical pattern in term of demographic policy interventions is surveyed. Given the repercussion of the demographic situation on social and economic development and on the territorial imbalance, some policies advice is put forward. Policies should be set up in a comprehensive, long–term policy to preserve motherhood, the family, and children. They should define a strategy with quantified objectives, stemming from a systematic research and scientific analysis, including also the regional dimension of demographic issues. In addition, interventions should embrace a comprehensive coverage of pregnancy, facilities and convincing motherhood and childcare subsidization during a period of sharp declines in fertility rates.
