INFORMAL HOUSING IN GREECE: A QUANTITATIVE SPATIAL ANALYSIS

During the last 50 years in Greece growing demand for urban (residential and industrial) space has resulted in unplanned residential development and informal dwelling construction to the expense of agricultural and forest land uses. Despite the fact that the post-war challenge faced by the state in providing minimal housing for their citizens has been met the informal settlements phenomenon still proceeds. This situation tents to become an acute problem with serious economic, social and environmental implications. Impacts are great and pressuring ranging from aesthetic deteriorations of landscape qualities, biotic diversity threats, desertification and forest and open land “squeeze” to increased vulnerability to human settlements. In this article, the issue of informal settlements is approached in an integrated manner although some emphasis is placed upon its spatial dimension. In particular, by using official data we curry out a comparative analysis regarding the Greek prefectures. The most problematic areas are identified and the major driving forces that fuel the phenomenon of informal development are described. The article concludes by commenting on likely policy action to be taken in order to contain or eliminate the problem.