 |
Italy's growing demographic crisis, with falling birth rates and increased life expectancy, is one of the reasons for the chronic stagnation of the economy and the situation is worsening.
The National Statistics Agency of Italy known as ISTAT said last year there were 435,000 births, or 5,000 fewer than in 2018, the lowest level ever recorded in Italy. Deaths in 2019 totaled 647,000, about 14,000 more than a year earlier.
"This is a problem that has to do with our very existence as a country," President Mattarella said shortly after the data was released.
"Our country's tissue is weakening and must be done everything to counteract this phenomenon."
"As an elderly person, I am aware of the falling of birth rates," added Mr. Mattarella, who is 78 years old.
Italy's total population dropped to 60.3 million or 116,000 less than a year ago, while the number of births among immigrants continues to rise.
Many other European countries are facing similar challenges, especially the former communist Eastern Europe.
Germany, too, is experiencing a decline in births that is partially compensated by the rising of births levels among immigrants.
Birth rates have been somewhat more stable in France and Britain.
Italy's population has grown almost every year since World War I, peaking in 2015 at 60.8 million.