Greek censuses differ from census records from other countries in that they generally do not include genealogical information. Statistical overviews of census data may be available at the General Archives of Greece (GAK) or the National Library of Greece.
As a rule, copies of the original census records are not available to the public. There are some exceptions to this: for example, the 1856 Farmers Census is available at MyHeritage. This collection typically includes the name of the individual, their year of birth, residence, and may include the name of the father.
Census records in modern Greece have a significant history that reflects the country's social, political, and demographic changes over time. The systematic collection of population data through censuses began in the 19th century, and the practice has continued with various modifications up to the present day. Here's an overview of the history of census records in modern Greece:
18th century through early 19th century: The Ottoman Empire, under which Greece was a part, conducted censuses in certain regions. However, these censuses were often inconsistent and incomplete due to administrative challenges and political turmoil.
1836: Greece, after gaining independence from the Ottoman Empire, conducted an official census in 1836 under the supervision of the Bavarian King Otto. This census aimed to establish a proper administrative framework and gather data for taxation purposes.
1861: Another census was conducted in 1861, providing more comprehensive and accurate data on population, occupations, and land ownership. This census was influenced by European models and aimed to establish a modern administrative system.
National Library of GreeceLate 19th to early 20th century: Censuses were conducted periodically, often influenced by political and social changes, including the Balkan Wars and World War I. These censuses aimed to track demographic shifts due to migration, war, and other factors.
1928: A significant census was conducted in 1928, providing data on population, occupation, and other socioeconomic aspects. This census was important for shaping public policies during the interwar period.
1940s: The turmoil of World War II and the Greek Civil War disrupted census-taking activities, leading to a lack of accurate data during this period.
1951: A post-war census was conducted in 1951, which provided information on population, occupation, and housing. This census aimed to gather data to aid in post-war reconstruction and development planning.
1971 and onward: Greece established a regular ten-year census cycle starting in 1971, collecting data on population, households, education, and other social and economic variables. These censuses provided valuable insights into Greece's changing demographics and societal characteristics.
21st century: Greece continued its census activities, focusing on more detailed and diverse data collection to address emerging social and economic challenges.
"The Evolution of Population Census Methodology in Greece." (2013). Anna Michailidou, The European Journal of Public Health, Volume 23, Issue suppl_1, Pages 62.
"Statistical Development of the Greek Statistical Service 1840-2010." (2011). Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT).
"The Politics of Numbers: Population Census and Nation Formation in Modern Greece" by Anastasia Giannakopoulou.
"The Population of Modern Greece: The Sources," Hē Epistēmē, vol. 2, pp. 157-193, 2007.
