Mezzogiorno Faces Significant Population Decline by 2050

Rome: The south of Italy, commonly referred to as Mezzogiorno, is projected to see a significant reduction in its population, with 3.4 million fewer inhabitants by the year 2050. This stark prediction was highlighted by Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti during a recent address.

According to Ansa News Agency, Giorgetti emphasized that Italy’s population is not only aging but also shrinking, with the demographic challenges being particularly acute in the southern regions. He further elaborated that if current trends persist, the South could face an even more dramatic population decline of 7.9 million by 2080. This information was shared during Giorgetti’s testimony at the Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry on the demographic transition.

Giorgetti also noted variations in fertility rates across different regions of Italy. In 2024, fertility rates remained stable in the Centre at 1.12, a figure consistent with the previous year. However, both the North and South of Italy experienced declines in fertility rates. The South reached a new low at 1.20, while the North’s rate stood at 1.19. These figures highlight the ongoing demographic challenges faced by the country, particularly in the Mezzogiorno region.