Since 2019, the population between 18 and 35 years old living in the southern regions has decreased by 7.6%, while in Northern Italy it has grown by 4.8%. "A gap that captures one of the most persistent phenomena of recent years: the exodus of young people from the South to the country's more economically dynamic areas."
Il Sole 24 Ore reports this, having processed ISTAT data, noting that Southern Italy's residents between the ages of 18 and 35 have fallen from over 4.1 million in 2019 to approximately 3.8 million in 2026, a loss of more than 313,000 people . Over the same period, the North has gained nearly 240,000 young people, rising from 4.95 to 5.19 million. Central Italy has remained essentially stable. The socioeconomic divide between North and South is fueling internal migration, and the North is becoming a magnet, the newspaper emphasizes.
The provincial map makes this polarization even more evident. Among the areas that have seen the most significant growth in the youth population are Gorizia (+10.9%), Genoa (+8.4%), Bologna (+8.1%), Pavia (+7.2%), and Reggio Emilia (+6.6%). They are followed by Modena, Monza and Brianza, Milan, and Bergamo.
These areas share dynamic job markets, a strong manufacturing or university presence, and a greater capacity to attract younger generations.
On the other hand, the provinces are almost exclusively southern, with opposite percentages. The most significant declines are in Southern Sardinia (-13%) , Isernia (-12.2%), Oristano (-12.1%) , Crotone (-12.1%), Potenza (-12%), and Reggio Calabria (-11.9%). However, the phenomenon isn't just about numbers. It's increasingly the most qualified profiles who are leaving.
(Unioneonline/AD)