Italy recorded another negative record in 2023, with just 379.890 births. A drop of 3,4% compared to 2022 — a reduction of 13 compared to the previous year.
The data from Istat indicate that, between January and July 2024, the number fell even further, with 4.600 fewer births compared to the same period the previous year.
Additionally, 42,4% of babies were born out of wedlock, an increase of 0,8% compared to 2022.
Falling and aging trend
Since 2008, when Italy had more than 576 births, the number of children has fallen by 34,1%.
The average age of mothers at the time of their first child rose to 31,7 years, with the overall average being 32,5 years. Even among foreign couples, there was a 3,1% drop in births, according to the newspaper. Il Sole 24 Ore .
Change in family patterns
Despite the overall decline, the percentage of births outside marriage continues to rise.
In 2008, only 19,7% of children were born to unmarried parents, while in 2023 this share rose to 42,4%, reflecting new family dynamics in the country.
