The different Italies of the demographic decline

Abstract

Italy's population decline is now more than a trend, it is an established (and accepted?) fact that policy seems unable to combat.

However, it does not affect the various territories in the same way: while the South and the Islands continue their significant population loss – as does the Centre, although to a much more limited extent – the North resists, even with some positive signs. This work aims to highlight the differences that have characterized the demographic trend in the Italian regions starting from 2014, the last year in which the national population was growing. The analysis of demographic trends and their effects on population structure will then be put in relation to the main socio-economic indicators released by Istat.

The statistical reading of territorial inequalities therefore aims to offer a useful cognitive contribution to identify any connections between demographic decline and economic vulnerability as well as the presumed links between some socio-economic and cultural characteristics and population decline.