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Projections estimate that the population in Italy will decrease in the following years. In January 2026, the Italian population numbered 59 million people, but in 2030, Italians will be 58 million individuals. Twenty years later, the population will be around 52 million people. 

Low birth rate and old population

°Õ³ó±ðÌýbirth rate in Italy has consistently declined over the last few years. In 2023, 6.4 children were born per 1,000 inhabitants, three babies fewer 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, 740 million people were 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.