Italy’s population has stopped shrinking for the first time in over a decade, thanks largely to increased migration, according to new data from the ISTAT.
Preliminary figures show the population of Italy stood at 58.94 million as of January 1, 2026—virtually unchanged from the previous year—marking a pause after 12 consecutive years of decline.
The stabilization comes as strong immigration nearly компенসেট করেছে a significant natural population decline, with deaths continuing to outnumber births.
“Italy remains a country where only very positive net migration can offset a largely negative natural change,” ISTAT said in its annual demographic report, warning that without continued inflows, the population will likely resume shrinking.
The rise in migration has occurred under the government of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, whose administration has taken a firm stance on undocumented migration while expanding legal work visas for non-EU citizens.
Despite the population stability, Italy’s birth rate continues to fall sharply. In 2025, births dropped to just 355,000—a 3.9% decline from the previous year and the lowest level since Italy’s unification in 1861.
At the same time, deaths remained high at around 652,000, resulting in a natural population decrease of nearly 300,000 people.
The fertility rate also declined further to 1.14 children per woman—far below the replacement level of 2.1—reflecting delayed parenthood and a shrinking base of potential parents.
Net migration reached 296,000, with 440,000 people arriving from abroad, while emigration fell to 144,000, the lowest level in a decade. The foreign resident population rose to 5.56 million.
However, experts warn that Italy’s demographic challenges are far from over. The population continues to age rapidly, increasing pressure on the labor market and public finances.
In a positive trend, life expectancy in Italy has risen again following the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. It now stands at 81.7 years for men and 85.7 years for women—among the highest in the European Union.
While migration has provided short-term relief, policymakers face growing pressure to address long-term demographic decline and ensure sustainable economic growth in the years ahead.