Italy Faces Record Low Births in 2025, Deepening Demographic Crisis

Post by : Saif Nasser

Italy is expected to see a further drop in the number of births this year, reaching a new historical low, national statistics agency ISTAT reported on Tuesday. The country is facing a serious demographic crisis as its population continues to age.

In 2024, Italy recorded just 370,000 births, the lowest number since the country was unified in 1861. This marked the 16th consecutive year of declining births. The first seven months of 2025 show the trend continuing, with just under 198,000 newborns, down 6.3% compared to the same period in 2024.

ISTAT also reported that the fertility rate, which measures the average number of children born to each woman, fell to 1.13 in January–July 2025 from last year’s record low of 1.18. Experts say a fertility rate below 2.1 is not enough to maintain a stable population.

Despite repeated promises by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and previous governments to address the declining birth rate, no significant improvements have been seen. The drop in births has been called a national emergency.

The agency also highlighted that Italy’s workforce is gradually getting older. By 2050, the share of people aged 55–64 who are working or looking for work is expected to rise to 70% from 61% in 2024. The share of people aged 65–74 in the workforce will increase to 16% from 11%.

This ageing population could strain public services, pensions, and the economy in the coming decades. ISTAT’s findings underline the urgent need for policies that support families and encourage childbirth, as well as strategies to manage an older workforce.

Italy’s declining birth rate, combined with longer life expectancy, is making it one of the fastest-ageing countries in Europe. Analysts warn that without immediate measures, the country may face serious challenges in maintaining economic growth and social stability.