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Italian emigration reaches 6.5 million, report finds
More than 6.5 million Italians now live abroad, according to the latest Migrantes Report, with two regions accounting for the largest share of emigrants.
By Eleanor Ellington · 4 min read
More than 6.5 million Italians now live outside the country, according to the latest Migrantes Report, a figure that underscores the scale of emigration from Italy in recent decades. The report, which tracks the movement of Italian citizens abroad, identifies two regions as the primary sources of this exodus, each contributing the highest number of emigrants to the national total.
The findings highlight a demographic trend that has reshaped communities across the country, as younger generations in particular continue to seek opportunities beyond Italy's borders. The report's data, compiled from consular registries and official records, offers a detailed picture of where Italians are going and which parts of the country they are leaving behind.
The two regions leading the emigration figures reflect a mix of historical migration patterns and more recent economic pressures. Both have long-standing ties to emigration, with waves of departures dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, but the current numbers also point to contemporary factors such as employment prospects, wage levels, and career opportunities for graduates and skilled workers.
The Migrantes Report, published annually by the Migrantes Foundation in collaboration with the Italian Bishops' Conference, serves as a key reference for understanding the country's diaspora. This year's edition records a steady increase in the number of Italians registered as residing abroad, continuing a trend that has seen the figure grow consistently over the past decade.
The destinations chosen by Italian emigrants vary widely, with significant communities established across Europe, the Americas, and Australia. European countries, particularly Germany, France, and the United Kingdom, remain popular choices due to their proximity and labour market conditions, while the United States, Canada, and Argentina continue to host large Italian populations from earlier migration waves.
The report also notes that emigration is no longer confined to traditional sending regions. While the two leading regions dominate the overall numbers, other areas of Italy, including parts of the south and the islands, have seen rising rates of departure in recent years. This broader pattern has prompted discussion among policymakers about the long-term implications for Italy's population, economy, and social fabric.
Demographic experts have pointed to the combination of low birth rates and sustained emigration as a challenge for the country's future, with implications for the labour force, pension systems, and regional development. The report's data adds to a growing body of evidence that Italy's population decline is being accelerated by the departure of working-age citizens.
The full Migrantes Report provides a breakdown of emigration by region, age group, and destination country, offering a comprehensive overview of a phenomenon that continues to shape Italian society. The figures serve as a reminder of the enduring appeal of opportunities abroad and the factors that drive citizens to leave their homeland in search of work, study, or a different quality of life.
