Projections published in 2022 estimated that the population in Italy will decrease in the following years. In January 2024, the Italian population added up to 59 million people, but in 2030 Italians will be 57.5 million individuals. Twenty years later, the population will be around 52.3 million people. Low birth rate and old population The birth rate in Italy has constantly dropped in the last years. In 2023, 6.4 children were born per 1,000 inhabitants, three babies less than in 2002. Nationwide, the highest number of births was registered in the southern regions, whereas central Italy had the lowest number of children born every 1,000 people. More specifically, the birth rate in the south stood at 7 infants, while in the center it was equal to 5.9 births. Consequently, the population in Italy has aged over the last decade. Between 2002 and 2024, the age distribution of the Italian population showed a growing share of people aged 65 years and older. As a result, the share of young people decreased. The European exception Similarly, the population in Europe is estimated to decrease in the coming years. In 2024, there were 740 million people living in Europe. In 2100, the figure is expected to drop to 586 million inhabitants. However, projections of the world population suggest that Europe might be the only continent experiencing a population decrease. For instance, the population in Africa could grow from 1.41 billion people in 2022 to 3.92 billion individuals in 2100, the fastest population growth worldwide.

As of January 2024, Italy had a population of around 59 million people. Over the past years, Italy's population experienced a decrease. An aging population and a very low birth rate are the main causes of such a contraction. Population forecasts predict that the number of residents in the country will be roughly 52.3 million by 2050. Birth rates and foreign population The birth rate in Italy declined continuously from 2002, when 9.4 babies per 1,000 inhabitants were born, to 2023, when this number dropped to 6.4. However, there was one increasing demographic trend in the country over the last years. The foreign-born population, in fact, increased from 2009 to 2022, surpassing six million people. Regional and gender distribution In Italy, female citizens were slightly more numerous than their male counterparts. The most populated region in 2024 was Lombardy, accounting for a sixth of the whole Italian population. Lazio and Campania followed, both around 5.6 million inhabitants. On the other hand, the smallest Italian region in terms of population was Aosta Valley, with only around 123,000 inhabitants.

Chart and table of Italy population from 1950 to 2025. United Nations projections are also included through the year 2100.

In 2024, Italy’s resident population is estimated to be almost 59 million inhabitants. About one-sixth of them lived in Lombardy, the most populous region in the country. Lazio and Campania followed, with roughly 5.7 million and 5.6 million inhabitants, respectively. These figures are mainly driven by Rome and Naples, the administrative capitals of these regions, and two of the largest metropolitan areas in the country. Which region has the oldest population?  The population in Italy has become older and older over the last years. The average age in the country is equal to 46.6 years, but in some regions this figure is even higher. Liguria records an average age of 49.5 years and has one of the lowest birth rates in the country. Demographic trends for the future Liguria’s case, however, is not an outlier. Italy is already the country with the highest share of old people in Europe. At the same time, the very low number of new births means that, despite an always-increasing life expectancy, the Italian population is declining. Indeed, projections estimate that the country will have five million fewer inhabitants by 2050.

About this dataset

Context

The dataset tabulates the Italy population over the last 20 plus years. It lists the population for each year, along with the year on year change in population, as well as the change in percentage terms for each year. The dataset can be utilized to understand the population change of Italy across the last two decades. For example, using this dataset, we can identify if the population is declining or increasing. If there is a change, when the population peaked, or if it is still growing and has not reached its peak. We can also compare the trend with the overall trend of United States population over the same period of time.

Key observations

In 2023, the population of Italy was 2,079, a 1.71% increase year-by-year from 2022. Previously, in 2022, Italy population was 2,044, an increase of 1.24% compared to a population of 2,019 in 2021. Over the last 20 plus years, between 2000 and 2023, population of Italy increased by 65. In this period, the peak population was 2,189 in the year 2009. The numbers suggest that the population has already reached its peak and is showing a trend of decline. Source: U.S. Census Bureau Population Estimates Program (PEP).

Content

When available, the data consists of estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau Population Estimates Program (PEP).

Data Coverage:

• From 2000 to 2023

Variables / Data Columns

• Year: This column displays the data year (Measured annually and for years 2000 to 2023)
• Population: The population for the specific year for the Italy is shown in this column.
• Year on Year Change: This column displays the change in Italy population for each year compared to the previous year.
• Change in Percent: This column displays the year on year change as a percentage. Please note that the sum of all percentages may not equal one due to rounding of values.

Good to know

Margin of Error

Data in the dataset are based on the estimates and are subject to sampling variability and thus a margin of error. Neilsberg Research recommends using caution when presening these estimates in your research.

Custom data

If you do need custom data for any of your research project, report or presentation, you can contact our research staff at research@neilsberg.com for a feasibility of a custom tabulation on a fee-for-service basis.

Inspiration

Neilsberg Research Team curates, analyze and publishes demographics and economic data from a variety of public and proprietary sources, each of which often includes multiple surveys and programs. The large majority of Neilsberg Research aggregated datasets and insights is made available for free download at https://www.neilsberg.com/research/.

Recommended for further research

This dataset is a part of the main dataset for Italy Population by Year. You can refer the same here

At the beginning of the 19th century, the area of modern-day Italy, at the time a collection of various states and kingdoms, was estimated to have a population of nineteen million, a figure which would grow steadily throughout the century, and by the establishment of the Kingdom of Italy in 1861, the population would rise to just over 26 million.

Italy’s population would see its first major disruption during the First World War, as Italy would join the Allied Forces in their fight against Austria-Hungary and Germany. In the First World War, Italy’s population would largely stagnate at 36 million, only climbing again following the end of the war in 1920. While Italy would also play a prominent role in the Second World War, as the National Fascist Party-led country would fight alongside Germany against the Allies, Italian fatalities from the war would not represent a significant percentage of Italy’s population compared to other European countries in the conflict. As a result, Italy would exit the Second World War with a population of just over 45 million.

From this point onwards the Italian economy started to recover from the war, and eventually boomed, leading to increased employment and standards of living, which facilitated steady population growth until the mid-1980s, when falling fertility and birth rates would cause growth to largely cease. From this point onward, the Italian population would remain at just over 57 million, until the 2000s when it began growing again due to an influx of migrants, peaking in 2017 at just over 60 million people. In the late 2010s, however, the Italian population began declining again, as immigration slowed and the economy weakened. As a result, in 2020, Italy is estimated to have fallen to a population of 59 million.

About this dataset

Context

The dataset tabulates the Italy town population over the last 20 plus years. It lists the population for each year, along with the year on year change in population, as well as the change in percentage terms for each year. The dataset can be utilized to understand the population change of Italy town across the last two decades. For example, using this dataset, we can identify if the population is declining or increasing. If there is a change, when the population peaked, or if it is still growing and has not reached its peak. We can also compare the trend with the overall trend of United States population over the same period of time.

Key observations

In 2022, the population of Italy town was 1,074, a 0.74% decrease year-by-year from 2021. Previously, in 2021, Italy town population was 1,082, a decline of 0.73% compared to a population of 1,090 in 2020. Over the last 20 plus years, between 2000 and 2022, population of Italy town decreased by 26. In this period, the peak population was 1,170 in the year 2017. The numbers suggest that the population has already reached its peak and is showing a trend of decline. Source: U.S. Census Bureau Population Estimates Program (PEP).

Content

When available, the data consists of estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau Population Estimates Program (PEP).

Data Coverage:

• From 2000 to 2022

Variables / Data Columns

• Year: This column displays the data year (Measured annually and for years 2000 to 2022)
• Population: The population for the specific year for the Italy town is shown in this column.
• Year on Year Change: This column displays the change in Italy town population for each year compared to the previous year.
• Change in Percent: This column displays the year on year change as a percentage. Please note that the sum of all percentages may not equal one due to rounding of values.

Good to know

Margin of Error

Data in the dataset are based on the estimates and are subject to sampling variability and thus a margin of error. Neilsberg Research recommends using caution when presening these estimates in your research.

Custom data

If you do need custom data for any of your research project, report or presentation, you can contact our research staff at research@neilsberg.com for a feasibility of a custom tabulation on a fee-for-service basis.

Inspiration

Neilsberg Research Team curates, analyze and publishes demographics and economic data from a variety of public and proprietary sources, each of which often includes multiple surveys and programs. The large majority of Neilsberg Research aggregated datasets and insights is made available for free download at https://www.neilsberg.com/research/.

Recommended for further research

This dataset is a part of the main dataset for Italy town Population by Year. You can refer the same here

In Italy, the crude birth rate in 1850 was 38.4 live births per thousand people, meaning that 3.8 percent of the population had been born in that year. Apart from some slight fluctuation in the 1860s, between 1850 and the Second World War, Italy's crude birth rate decreased very gradually. 38.9 was the highest recorded figure in 1865, and it decreased to 27.1 in 1930. Over the next 35 years (including the Second World War and Italian Civil War) the birth rate fluctuated, but overall it dropped to 18.6, and then the decline fell consistently to 10.9 in 1985, where it then plateaued. In the 2000s, the crude birth rate did increase in the first decade, to 9.7 in 2010, before dropping again, and it is expected to fall to it's lowest level of 7.6 in 2020.

About this dataset

Context

The dataset tabulates the data for the Italy, New York population pyramid, which represents the Italy town population distribution across age and gender, using estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. It lists the male and female population for each age group, along with the total population for those age groups. Higher numbers at the bottom of the table suggest population growth, whereas higher numbers at the top indicate declining birth rates. Furthermore, the dataset can be utilized to understand the youth dependency ratio, old-age dependency ratio, total dependency ratio, and potential support ratio.

Key observations

• Youth dependency ratio, which is the number of children aged 0-14 per 100 persons aged 15-64, for Italy, New York, is 17.6.
• Old-age dependency ratio, which is the number of persons aged 65 or over per 100 persons aged 15-64, for Italy, New York, is 46.2.
• Total dependency ratio for Italy, New York is 63.8.
• Potential support ratio, which is the number of youth (working age population) per elderly, for Italy, New York is 2.2.

Content

When available, the data consists of estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates.

Age groups:

• Under 5 years
• 5 to 9 years
• 10 to 14 years
• 15 to 19 years
• 20 to 24 years
• 25 to 29 years
• 30 to 34 years
• 35 to 39 years
• 40 to 44 years
• 45 to 49 years
• 50 to 54 years
• 55 to 59 years
• 60 to 64 years
• 65 to 69 years
• 70 to 74 years
• 75 to 79 years
• 80 to 84 years
• 85 years and over

Variables / Data Columns

• Age Group: This column displays the age group for the Italy town population analysis. Total expected values are 18 and are define above in the age groups section.
• Population (Male): The male population in the Italy town for the selected age group is shown in the following column.
• Population (Female): The female population in the Italy town for the selected age group is shown in the following column.
• Total Population: The total population of the Italy town for the selected age group is shown in the following column.

Good to know

Margin of Error

Data in the dataset are based on the estimates and are subject to sampling variability and thus a margin of error. Neilsberg Research recommends using caution when presening these estimates in your research.

Custom data

If you do need custom data for any of your research project, report or presentation, you can contact our research staff at research@neilsberg.com for a feasibility of a custom tabulation on a fee-for-service basis.

Inspiration

Neilsberg Research Team curates, analyze and publishes demographics and economic data from a variety of public and proprietary sources, each of which often includes multiple surveys and programs. The large majority of Neilsberg Research aggregated datasets and insights is made available for free download at https://www.neilsberg.com/research/.

Recommended for further research

This dataset is a part of the main dataset for Italy town Population by Age. You can refer the same here

People aged between 45 and 54 years made up the largest age group among the Italian population in 2024, counting around 9.14 million individuals, closely followed by those aged 55 to 64 years, who were 9.13 million people. Infants aged up to two years were 1.19 million, the less numerous age category. As these data show, Italy suffers from a deep demographic and natality crisis. The country's population is one of the oldest in the world. In recent years, the share of Italians aged 65 years and over constantly grew, whereas the percentage of younger people declined.

In 2023, Trentino-South Tyrol was the region in Italy with the highest birth rate nationwide, with 7.9 births per 1,000 inhabitants. The following three positions in the ranking were occupied by Southern regions: Campania, Sicily, and Calabria. Indeed, south Italy was the macro-region with the largest birth-rate in Italy. Population change in Italy Over the last years, the natural increase in population dropped and the number of deaths exceeded the number of births. This phenomenon can be observed in every region of the country, with the number of births being lower than those of deaths in 2022. Consequently, on a national scale, the share of people aged over 65 years and over grew constantly, whereas the young population declined over the last decade. The median age is increasing as well. High lifespans for Italians Another factor that contributes to making the population older is that people are living longer than ever before. Data about life expectancy reveal that the expected lifespan at birth is rising: in 2023, it stood at 81.1 years for men and 85.2 years for women. In fact, lifespans in Italy are one of the highest worldwide, even above the European average.

In 2024, 24.3 percent of the total population in Italy is estimated to be 65 years and older. According to data, the share of elderly people in the Italian society has been growing constantly since 2009. Consequently, the share of young population experienced a decrease in the last years. As a result, the average age of Italians has risen. In 2011, it was 43.6 years, whereas in 2024 it was estimated to be 46.6 years. The oldest country in Europe Italy and Portugal are the European countries with the largest percentage of elderly citizens. In 2023, 24 percent of the total population was aged 65 years and older. Bulgaria and Czechia followed in the ranking, while Türkiye had the lowest share of elder population. An increasingly longer lifespan might provide an explanation for such a high share of citizens over 65 years in Italy. The Republic ranks among the countries with the highest life expectancy worldwide. In Europe, only people in Switzerland, Spain, and Sweden can expect to live longer. Fewer babies than ever The share of young people is getting slimmer, not only because the elderly are living longer than ever before. In fact, Italians are having fewer children compared to previous years. The birth rate in the country has been constantly decreasing: in 2023, only 6.5 babies were born per 1,000 inhabitants, three children less than in 2010. In the south of Italy, in 2023 the birth rate stood at seven infants per 1,000 inhabitants, whereas in the Center this figure reached only 5.9, the highest and lowest rates in the country, respectively.

Italy urban population for 2023 was 42,292,160, a 0.14% increase from 2022.

• Italy urban population for 2022 was 42,234,940, a 0.11% increase from 2021.
• Italy urban population for 2021 was 42,189,154, a 0.08% decline from 2020.
• Italy urban population for 2020 was 42,224,765, a 0.06% decline from 2019.

Urban population refers to people living in urban areas as defined by national statistical offices. It is calculated using World Bank population estimates and urban ratios from the United Nations World Urbanization Prospects. Aggregation of urban and rural population may not add up to total population because of different country coverages.

In 2024, Italy's foreign population was 5.3 million individuals. Compared to the previous year, it increased by around 166,000 people. While the Italian population is progressively aging and shrinking, the number of immigrants residing in the country has been constantly raising since 2010.

For most of the past two centuries, falling birth rates have been associated with societal progress. During the demographic transition, where pre-industrial societies modernize in terms of fertility and mortality, falling death rates, especially among infants and children, are the first major change. In response, as more children survive into adulthood, women have fewer children as the need to compensate for child mortality declines. This transition has happened at different times across the world and is an ongoing process, with early industrial countries being the first to transition, and Sub-Saharan African countries being the most recent to do so. Additionally, some Asian countries (particularly China through government policy) have gone through their demographic transitions at a much faster pace than those deemed more developed. Today, in countries such as Japan, Italy, and Germany, birth rates have fallen well below death rates; this is no longer considered a positive demographic trend, as it leads to natural population decline, and may create an over-aged population that could place a burden on healthcare systems.

This statistic shows the decrease in population’s number of children per couple in Italy in 1951, 1993 and 2016. During the years considered, the average number of children per couple dropped from almost three children in 1951 to around one per couple in 2016.

In 2021, the Italy's population was below 60 million. More specifically, it was estimated that the population reached 59,140,798 individuals in May 2021. Overall, the Italian population experienced a decrease in the last years.

Between 2002 and 2023, the natural increase was negative and steadily declined. Hence, the number of deaths exceeded the number of births. In 2020, the population increase stood at a negative rate of 5.6 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and settled around 5 in the following years. In 2023, 6.4 children were born per 1,000 inhabitants, three infants less than in 2002.

The working age population is defined as those aged 15 to 64 years. The share of working age individuals in Italy decreased over the years. In 2024, this figure is estimated to 63.5 percent, the lowest share recorded since 2010.

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.