(ANSA) - ROME, AUG 11 - The population of Venice's historic
centre has fallen below 50,000 for the first time, the city
council said Thursday.
As of yesterday, August 10, the number of residents in the
centre of the iconic lagoon city, including the Giudecca island,
was 49,997.
On Monday the resident population count was 50,011.
The de-population of Venice's centre has been the subject of
debate for years amid a hollowing out of local people due to
mass tourism.
The phenomenon now appears to be unstoppable, the council said.
Twenty years ago, in 2002, Venice's population was 64,000.
Ten years ago, in 2012, it had fallen to 58,200. (ANSA).
Venice population falls below 50,000 for first time
14,000 residents lost in 20 years, 8,000 in last 10 years