We know that almost everywhere in the world the birth crisis is causing major problems. In this country neighboring France, there is great concern: almost 50% of the population could disappear by the end of the century. Several factors are involved.
In France, the birth rate has reached historically low levels in recent years. Last year, the number of births was falling again: with 663,000 births, it fell by 2.2% to reach the lowest level observed since the end of the Second World War, according to INSEE data. And elsewhere in Europe? Among our neighbors, the situation is also alarming…
Indeed, one country should be particularly worried: Italy. The birth rate in the Boot is significantly lower than the European Union average, making it one of the countries most affected by demographic decline. In Italy, the fertility rate is around 1.2 children per woman. This figure is the lowest ever recorded in the country’s history, even falling in 2024 below the previous minimum of 1995…
A situation that has consequences. As reported Italianismo“Italy could lose up to half of its population by 2100 (…) According to United Nations (UN) projections, the Italian population could fall from around 59 million to 27.4 million by the end of the century, in the low fertility scenario. Even in the medium scenario, the number is expected to fall to 35.4 million.”
This phenomenon is accentuated by several factors: high unemployment, particularly among young people, low salaries while a child costs a lot of money as well as difficulties in finding affordable and dignified housing to live in as a family. Furthermore, Italy has one of the oldest populations in the world. The number of deaths exceeds the number of births, leading to a negative natural balance. Finally, the emigration of qualified young people, who seek better opportunities abroad, accentuates this crisis by reducing the number of people of childbearing and working age.
In Italy, it is especially in the South of the country – in regions such as Puglia, Basilicata or Calabria – that the risks are greatest. “According to new estimates (…) the South of Italy, poorer than the rest of the country, could lose up to half of its population, or 8 million people, by 2080“, specifies International Mail. To combat this decline, the current public authorities have put in place various financial aids. It remains to be seen in the long term whether they will bear fruit.
