Italy's Birthrate Crisis: A Nation on the Brink

Italy faces a historic low in birth rates, marking a demographic crisis. The fertility rate has dropped, and despite government efforts, the decline persists. An aging population and rising retirement age are set to change workforce dynamics significantly by 2050.

Italy is poised to face a further decline in birth rates this year, setting new historical lows and exacerbating the nation's demographic crisis. According to the national statistics bureau, ISTAT, only 370,000 births were recorded last year, the lowest since Italy's unification in 1861.

In the first seven months of 2025, the negative trend persisted with under 198,000 newborns, marking a 6.3% decrease compared to the same period in 2024. The fertility rate, which measures the average number of children born to each woman, fell to 1.13 in this period, dropping from last year's low.

Italy's declining birthrate is deemed a national emergency, yet no government has successfully countered it. With an aging population, workforce demographics are set to shift significantly. By 2050, the proportion of workers aged 55-64 will climb to 70%, while those aged 65-74 will see an increase to 16%.

(With inputs from agencies.)