Schools in Greece are closed by the authorities, with 721 institutions affected, as education officials label the current demographic situation in the country as "Armageddon."

In a concerning turn of events, the Greek Education Ministry has announced the closure of 721 schools for the 2025-2026 academic year due to insufficient enrollment. This drastic measure comes as the country grapples with a demographic collapse, a decline that has been accelerated by multiple intersecting factors.

The total student population for the upcoming academic year has dropped to approximately 1.21 million, a decline of over 150,000 students since the 2018-2019 school year. Primary schools will bear the brunt of the closures, with 324 elementary schools and 358 kindergartens set to suspend operations.

The exodus of young, educated Greeks seeking opportunities abroad, known as the "brain drain," and the 2008 financial crisis are key contributors to the population decline. The fertility rate in Greece is well below the 2.1 replacement level needed to maintain population stability, recording one of the European Union's lowest fertility rates at approximately 1.3 births per woman.

Schools in rural villages, remote islands, and urban areas, including Athens, will be affected. For instance, 43 schools in Epirus (northwest Greece, near the Albanian border) and 44 schools in large parts of the Peloponnese peninsula will be temporarily closed. Schools that fail to meet the student threshold for three consecutive years face permanent closure under Greek law, which mandates that schools must maintain at least 15 students to remain open.

The school closures are forcing remaining students, particularly those in remote areas, to travel distances of up to 50 miles daily to reach alternative schools. Ministry officials describe the situation as "Armageddon" and the demographic trends as "terrifying."

The closure of schools is not the only impact of this demographic crisis. Economic hardship, driven by the decline in population, is a significant concern for the Greek government. The sharp increase in the number of kindergartens closing, from 312 in the 2018-2019 school year to 358 in the upcoming academic year, underscores the severity of the situation.

As Greece navigates these challenging times, the government and the education system are working to adapt and find solutions to ensure that all students continue to receive quality education despite the shrinking student population.

Schools in Greece are closed by the authorities, with 721 institutions affected, as education officials label the current demographic situation in the country as "Armageddon."