With more people dying than being born, Greece has decided to try and find ways to help its citizens have more babies.

In 1997, Greece had 500 fewer births than its 98,700 deaths, the National Statistical Service reported this week - intensifying a debate about Greece’s shrinking population.

Greeks fear the country’s population will dip well below its current 10.2 million in the next century.

The Health Ministry has ordered a government panel to examine medical solutions for barren couples.

Sociologist Haris Symeonidou believes the government should also make it easier for working women to have more babies - including supporting more flexible working hours.