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Italy has one of the oldest
populations in the world, and is second only to Germany in the
28 nations of the European Union, national statistical agency
Istat said Wednesday.
In its annual report, the agency said that on average,
there are 151.4 people over 65 years for every 100 youngsters
under 15.
Only Germany has more older people, with an average 158
senior citizens for every 100 young people.
Both are significantly higher than the EU average of 116.6
people over 65 for every 100 under 15.
Part of that is due to Italy's falling birth rate, which
Istat noted has fallen to a record low.
It said that last year, just 515,000 babies were born in
the entire country, and lower than the previous low in 1995.
Italy has registered low birth rates for many years, with
experts saying the high levels of unemployment and job
instability that young people face is causing couples to have
children later and later in life.
Istat noted that average life expectancy in Italy is 79.6
years for men and 84.4 years for women.
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