Since the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Italy, started in February 2020, many people who contracted the infection died. The number of deaths amounted to 198,683 as of January 8, 2025. On December 3, 2020, 993 patients died, the highest daily toll since the start of the pandemic. The region with the highest number of deaths was Lombardy, which is also the region that registered the highest number of coronavirus cases. Italy's death toll was one of the most tragic in the world. In the last months, however, the country saw the end to this terrible situation: as of November 2023, roughly 85 percent of the total Italian population was fully vaccinated. For further information about the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, please visit our dedicated Facts and Figures page.

In March 2020, during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Italy recorded the highest monthly number of deaths across the period January 2019-October 2024. The number of individuals who died in March 2020 was 86,500. Another critical month was November 2020, when 78,500 deaths were reported. By contrast, in September 2019, 46,500 deaths were recorded, the lowest number of fatalities within the past five years. The deaths registered from February to June 2024 were the lowest since 2019.

Since the beginning of the 2000s, the number of deaths in Italy remained rather stable. In 2020, on the contrary, the death rate reached 12.5 per 1,000 inhabitants, a notable increase compared to previous years. Four years after the pandemic, the figure remains above 10 deaths per 1,000 residents. From the perspective of the single regions, the highest number of deaths was registered in Liguria, whereas the lowest death rate in the country was reported in Trentino-Alto Adige. Coronavirus in Italy In Italy, the first cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) were registered at the end of January 2020. Then, since the end of February, the virus started to spread among the Italian population. Data on the infected patients show that COVID-19 has hit every age group uniformly, but the mortality rate appears to be much higher for elderly patients. Death rates in Europe Despite being the fourth-largest country in Europe in terms of population size, Italy was the state with the second-highest number of deaths, preceded only by Germany, the most populated country on the continent.

After entering Italy, the coronavirus (COVID-19) spread fast. The strict lockdown implemented by the government during the Spring 2020 helped to slow down the outbreak. However, in the following months the country had to face four new harsh waves of contagion. As of January 1, 2025, 198,638 deaths caused by COVID-19 were reported by the authorities, of which approximately 48.7 thousand in the region of Lombardy, 20.1 thousand in the region of Emilia-Romagna, and roughly 17.6 thousand in Veneto, the regions mostly hit. The total number of cases reported in the country reached over 26.9 million. The north of the country was mostly hit, and the region with the highest number of cases was Lombardy, which registered almost 4.4 million of them. The north-eastern region of Veneto counted about 2.9 million cases. Italy's death toll was one of the most tragic in the world. In the last months, however, the country saw the end to this terrible situation: as of November 2023, 85 percent of the total Italian population was fully vaccinated. For a global overview, visit Statista's webpage exclusively dedicated to coronavirus, its development, and its impact.

In 2024, the Italian region with the highest death rate was Liguria. By contrast, Trentino-South Tyrol was the area where the lowest death rate was registered in the whole country. In the period between 2010 and 2019, the annual death rate in Italy remained rather stable. In 2020, instead, the death rate increased compared to previous years. Coronavirus deaths In Italy, the first cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) were registered at the end of January 2020. Then, since the end of February, the virus started to spread among the Italian population. As of October 2021, Italy recorded 4.7 million cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) and over 130,000 deaths. Death rates in other European countries In 2019, Italy was the European country which registered the second-highest number of deaths. The state with the highest number of deceased was Germany, which is also the most populous country on the continent. On the contrary, Italy ranked only fourth, considering the size of the population.

The spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Italy has hit every age group uniformly and claimed over 190 thousand lives since it entered the country. As the chart shows, however, mortality rate appeared to be much higher for the elderly patient. In fact, for people between 80 and 89 years of age, the fatality rate was 6.1 percent. For patients older than 90 years, this figure increased to 12.1 percent. On the other hand, the death rate for individuals under 60 years of age was well below 0.5 percent. Overall, the mortality rate of coronavirus in Italy was 0.7 percent.

Italy's death toll was one of the most tragic in the world. In the last months, however, the country started to see the end of this terrible situation: as of May 2023, roughly 84.7 percent of the total Italian population was fully vaccinated.

Since the first case was detected at the end of January in Italy, coronavirus has been spreading fast. As of May, 2023, the authorities reported over 25.8 million cases in the country. The area mostly hit by the virus is the North, in particular the region of Lombardy.

For a global overview visit Statista's webpage exclusively dedicated to coronavirus, its development, and its impact.

Italy IT: Death Rate: Crude: per 1000 People data was reported at 10.100 Ratio in 2016. This records a decrease from the previous number of 10.700 Ratio for 2015. Italy IT: Death Rate: Crude: per 1000 People data is updated yearly, averaging 9.800 Ratio from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2016, with 57 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 10.700 Ratio in 2015 and a record low of 9.300 Ratio in 1961. Italy IT: Death Rate: Crude: per 1000 People data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Italy – Table IT.World Bank.WDI: Population and Urbanization Statistics. Crude death rate indicates the number of deaths occurring during the year, per 1,000 population estimated at midyear. Subtracting the crude death rate from the crude birth rate provides the rate of natural increase, which is equal to the rate of population change in the absence of migration.; ; (1) United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects: 2017 Revision. (2) Census reports and other statistical publications from national statistical offices, (3) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, (4) United Nations Statistical Division. Population and Vital Statistics Reprot (various years), (5) U.S. Census Bureau: International Database, and (6) Secretariat of the Pacific Community: Statistics and Demography Programme.; Weighted average;

Italy recorded 190080 Coronavirus Deaths since the epidemic began, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). In addition, Italy reported 25828252 Coronavirus Cases. This dataset includes a chart with historical data for Italy Coronavirus Deaths.

Italy Vital Statistics: Deaths: Center data was reported at 133,710.000 Person in 2017. This records an increase from the previous number of 126,889.000 Person for 2016. Italy Vital Statistics: Deaths: Center data is updated yearly, averaging 121,553.000 Person from Dec 2002 (Median) to 2017, with 16 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 133,710.000 Person in 2017 and a record low of 112,846.000 Person in 2004. Italy Vital Statistics: Deaths: Center data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by National Institute of Statistics. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Italy – Table IT.G005: Vital Statistics: By Region and Sex: Annual.

Italy Vital Statistics: Death: North East: Friuli Venezia Giulia data was reported at 1,130.000 Person in Dec 2017. This records a decrease from the previous number of 1,167.000 Person for Nov 2017. Italy Vital Statistics: Death: North East: Friuli Venezia Giulia data is updated monthly, averaging 1,164.500 Person from Jan 2003 (Median) to Dec 2017, with 180 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 2,416.000 Person in Aug 2003 and a record low of 918.000 Person in Sep 2007. Italy Vital Statistics: Death: North East: Friuli Venezia Giulia data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by National Institute of Statistics. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Italy – Table IT.G005: Vital Statistics: By Region and Sex.

The primary source of the data relating to the causes of death is represented by the "death card" prepared by the National Statistical Institute (Istat) which must be filled in by the attending physician or by the physician who assisted the deceased patient. This form, according to the 1990 Mortuary Police (Rpm) regulation (Presidential Decree 285/90), is in duplicate and must be sent by the Municipality of death to Istat and to the Local Health Unit of death.

Italy Vital Statistics: Deaths: North West data was reported at 176,464.000 Person in 2017. This records an increase from the previous number of 167,523.000 Person for 2016. Italy Vital Statistics: Deaths: North West data is updated yearly, averaging 161,904.000 Person from Dec 2002 (Median) to 2017, with 16 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 177,519.000 Person in 2015 and a record low of 150,517.000 Person in 2004. Italy Vital Statistics: Deaths: North West data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by National Institute of Statistics. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Italy – Table IT.G006: Vital Statistics: By Region and Sex: Annual.

Italy Vital Statistics: Death: Center: Umbria data was reported at 760.000 Person in Jul 2018. This records an increase from the previous number of 724.000 Person for Jun 2018. Italy Vital Statistics: Death: Center: Umbria data is updated monthly, averaging 821.000 Person from Jan 2003 (Median) to Jul 2018, with 187 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 1,310.000 Person in Jan 2017 and a record low of 648.000 Person in Sep 2004. Italy Vital Statistics: Death: Center: Umbria data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by National Institute of Statistics. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Italy – Table IT.G004: Vital Statistics: By Region and Sex.

Italy Vital Statistics: Death: North East: Emilia Romagna data was reported at 4,221.000 Person in Dec 2017. This records an increase from the previous number of 4,113.000 Person for Nov 2017. Italy Vital Statistics: Death: North East: Emilia Romagna data is updated monthly, averaging 3,930.000 Person from Jan 2003 (Median) to Dec 2017, with 180 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 6,043.000 Person in Jan 2017 and a record low of 3,244.000 Person in Sep 2004. Italy Vital Statistics: Death: North East: Emilia Romagna data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by National Institute of Statistics. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Italy – Table IT.G005: Vital Statistics: By Region and Sex.

Italy Vital Statistics: Deaths: Islands: Sardegna data was reported at 16,773.000 Person in 2017. This records an increase from the previous number of 16,143.000 Person for 2016. Italy Vital Statistics: Deaths: Islands: Sardegna data is updated yearly, averaging 14,804.000 Person from Dec 2002 (Median) to 2017, with 16 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 16,773.000 Person in 2017 and a record low of 13,397.000 Person in 2004. Italy Vital Statistics: Deaths: Islands: Sardegna data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by National Institute of Statistics. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Italy – Table IT.G006: Vital Statistics: By Region and Sex: Annual.

After entering Italy, coronavirus (COVID-19) has been spreading fast. An analysis of the individuals who died after contracting the virus revealed that the vast majority of deaths occurred among the elderly. As of May, 2023, roughly 85 percent were patients aged 70 years and older.

Italy's death toll was one of the most tragic in the world. In the last months, however, the country saw the end to this terrible situation: as of May 2023, roughly 84.7 percent of the total Italian population was fully vaccinated.

As of May, 2023, the total number of cases reported in the country were over 25.8 million. The North of the country was the mostly hit area, and the region with the highest number of cases was Lombardy.

For a global overview visit Statista's webpage exclusively dedicated to coronavirus, its development, and its impact.

Context

Due to the coronavirus epidemic, and following the measures adopted by the Government to contain it, Istat has implemented a series of actions to ensure the continuity and quality of statistical production even in the emergency situation.

Content

TheThe Italian National Institute of Statistics has reorganized data collection by sustainable acquisition techniques, innovative methodologies and use of data sources; it also provided most appropriate solutions to support statistical production processes, in full protection of workers’ health.

Official statistics are fundamental for measuring the evolution of economy and society; their production and dissemination at the service of institutions, policy-makers, families and businesses, therefore, cannot be stopped, but need to be rethought to be ready to provide the country with all necessary answers, and above all to support and monitor the future country’s recovery.

Reference period: 01/01-04/04, Years 2015-2020. Collected data thanks to Istat Survey Deaths of resident population, that uses administrative source to collect main individual characteristics of deaths, and to processing ANPR (National Resident Population Register) source data for deaths referring to the 2020 year.

Processing data of municipalities (1,689) where ANPR data are considered reliable and migrated in ANPR database before January 1st, 2020.

Record: 1. CODES NUTS2 = Istat code of NUTS2
2. CODES NUTS3 = Istat code of NUTS3 3. CODES_NUTS3_LAU2 = Istat code of LAU2 4. NUTS 2 = Region of residence 5. NUTS 3 = Province of residence 6. LAU 2 = Municipality of residence 7. DATA_INIZIO_DIFF = Date of first dissemination of data in 2020 8. WEEK= Week of death (first considered period, from January 1st to January 11th, is 11 days) 9. AGE CLASS = Age class at the time of death 10. MALES_2015: total male deaths in 2015 11. MALES_2016: total male deaths in 2016 12. MALES_2017: total male deaths in 2017 13. MALES_2018: total male deaths in 2018 14. MALES_2019: total male deaths in 2019 15. MALES_2020: total male deaths in 2020 16. FEMALES_2015: total female deaths in 2015 17. FEMALES_2016: total female deaths in 2016 18. FEMALES_2017: total female deaths in 2017 19. FEMALES_2018: total female deaths in 2018 20. FEMALES_2019: total female deaths in 2019 21. FEMALES_2020: total female deaths in 2020 22. TOTAL_2015: total deaths in 2015 23. TOTAL_2016: total deaths in 2016 24. TOTAL_2017: total deaths in 2017 25. TOTAL_2018: total deaths in 2018 26. TOTAL_2019: total deaths in 2019 27. TOTAL_2020: total deaths in 2020

Acknowledgements

https://www.istat.it

https://www.istat.it/en/archivio/240106

Inspiration

These data also provides most appropriate solutions to support statistical production processes, in full protection of workers’ health.

Italy Vital Statistics: Deaths: Female: Center: Toscana data was reported at 23,566.000 Person in 2017. This records an increase from the previous number of 22,514.000 Person for 2016. Italy Vital Statistics: Deaths: Female: Center: Toscana data is updated yearly, averaging 21,835.500 Person from Dec 2002 (Median) to 2017, with 16 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 23,924.000 Person in 2015 and a record low of 19,752.000 Person in 2004. Italy Vital Statistics: Deaths: Female: Center: Toscana data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by National Institute of Statistics. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Italy – Table IT.G005: Vital Statistics: By Region and Sex: Annual.

After the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Italy, many people died after contracting the infection. As of May 2023, the mortality rate for female patients in Italy was 0.6 percent, the corresponding figure for male patients was 0.9 percent. The chart shows how this gap was recorded among all age groups.

Italy's death toll was one of the most tragic in the world. In the last months, however, the country saw the end to this terrible situation: as of May 2023, roughly 84.7 percent of the total Italian population was fully vaccinated.

The virus originated in Wuhan, a Chinese city populated by millions and located in the province of Hubei. More statistics and facts about the virus in Italy are available here. For a global overview visit Statista's webpage exclusively dedicated to coronavirus, its development, and its impact.

Italy Vital Statistics: Deaths: Female: Center: Marche data was reported at 9,853.000 Person in 2017. This records an increase from the previous number of 8,980.000 Person for 2016. Italy Vital Statistics: Deaths: Female: Center: Marche data is updated yearly, averaging 8,297.500 Person from Dec 2002 (Median) to 2017, with 16 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 9,853.000 Person in 2017 and a record low of 7,564.000 Person in 2002. Italy Vital Statistics: Deaths: Female: Center: Marche data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by National Institute of Statistics. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Italy – Table IT.G005: Vital Statistics: By Region and Sex: Annual.