Italy is facing a growing flight of young people abroad. Between 2011 and 2023, around 377 people aged 18 to 34 left the country, according to a study by the Nord Est Foundation.
The trend is more pronounced in the North, with Lombardy — Italy's richest region — being the most affected: between 2011 and 2023, more than 63 young people left the region. Last year, the number rose to 5,7.
A country with fewer young people
The exodus contributes to the reduction in the total number of young people in Italy, a country already facing significant demographic decline. The migratory flow is not offset by the arrival of foreigners: for every eight young italians who leave, only one immigrant of the same age group settles in the country.
Furthermore, the numbers could be even higher, since many of those leaving Italy do not update their residence in official records.
Profiles and destinations
The profile of emigrants is varied. Around 40% of young people who leave the country have a university degree, while 30% have only completed compulsory education. The reasons also vary: 28% say they leave out of necessity, 23% out of personal choice and 10% in search of better salaries.
The most popular destinations include the United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland and France, which offer more professional opportunities and better living conditions.
Consequences for Italy
The phenomenon reinforces economic and social challenges. The departure of qualified young people reduces the workforce and could impact economic growth in the long term. Experts warn that more effective public policies are needed to reverse this trend and make Italy a more attractive country for its own citizens.
