Greece’s debt crisis has hit the country hard, pushing unemployment up and, in an interesting twist, young Greeks away from corporate jobs into agriculture. Although rural areas have also been hard hit, the number of young Greeks returning to their village roots has risen by more than seven per cent in the last two years. One reason many give is the lower cost of living.

41.5 per cent rise in joblessness in Attica in 2010 over 2009
40 per cent rise in joblessness in central Macedonia in 2010 over 2009
32.5 per cent rise in joblessness in Peloponnese in 2010 over 2009
38 per cent rise in joblessness nationwide in 2010 over 2009
11.8 per cent drop in bank deposits in Attica in June 2010 over June 2009
5.10 per cent drop in bank deposits in central Macedonia in June 2010 over June 2009
3.78 per cent drop in bank deposits in Peloponnese in June 2010 over June 2009
8.8 per cent drop in bank deposits nationwide in June 2010 over June 2009
26.0 per cent drop in construction in Attica in 2010 over previous year
12.7 per cent drop in construction in central Macedonia in 2010 over previous year
18.3 per cent drop in construction in Peloponnese in 2010 over previous year
20.0 per cent drop in construction nationwide in 2010 over previous year

Source: National Statistical Service