What is the population of Italy in 2026?
Italy has a population of 58,915,656 people (2025 estimate), which is 25th in the world and about 0.71% of the global total.
Officially Italian Republic
Population 2025
58,915,656
0.71% of world population
World Bank, 2025Annual Growth
−0.06%
−37,117 people a year
World Bank, 2025Density
199/km²
295,720 km² land area
World Bank, 2023Median Age
48.2 years
Life expectancy 84.0 years
Our World in Data, 2025About Italy
Italy, officially the Italian Republic, is a peninsula nation in Southern Europe extending into the Mediterranean Sea. It is the third-most populous EU member state and has the eighth-largest economy globally by nominal GDP. Italy is the birthplace of the Roman Empire, the Renaissance, and the Catholic Church's temporal seat. With 59 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Italy has more than any other country. Its contributions to art, architecture, music, cuisine, fashion, and science are immeasurable.
Country Facts
- Capital
- Rome
- Continent
- Europe
- ISO codes
- IT · ITA
- Demonym
- Italian
- Currency
- Euro (EUR €)
- Government
- Parliamentary republic, Unitary state
- State inception
- 476
- Driving side
- Right
- Calling code
- +39
- Internet TLD
- .it
- Land neighbours
- 6
Languages
- Italian
Religions
- Roman Catholic (80%)
- None (16%)
- Islam (2%)
- Other Christian (1.5%)
- Other (0.5%)
Demographics
Italy has one of Europe's oldest populations with a median age of 47.3 years and one of the world's lowest fertility rates (1.24 children per woman). The population is declining and aging rapidly. Immigration has partially offset decline, with significant communities from Romania, Albania, Morocco, China, and Ukraine. Regional disparities persist between the prosperous north and less developed south (Mezzogiorno).
Economy
Italy has a diversified industrial economy, the third-largest in the Eurozone. Key sectors include machinery, automobiles (Ferrari, Fiat, Lamborghini), fashion and luxury goods (Gucci, Prada, Armani), pharmaceuticals, and food processing. Tourism contributes significantly—Italy ranks 5th globally in tourist arrivals. The economy is characterized by small and medium enterprises, family-owned businesses, and strong regional specialization (industrial districts).
Major exports
- Machinery
- Pharmaceuticals
- Automobiles
- Refined petroleum
- Clothing
- Footwear
- Wine
- Luxury goods
Major imports
- Crude petroleum
- Automobiles
- Pharmaceuticals
- Natural gas
- Machinery
- Metals
- Chemicals
Health
Education
Environment
Infrastructure
Quality of Life
Geography
Italy comprises the boot-shaped peninsula, Sicily, Sardinia, and smaller islands. The Alps form the northern border, while the Apennines run the peninsula's length. Italy has 7,600 km of coastline along the Adriatic, Ionian, Tyrrhenian, and Ligurian seas. Active volcanoes include Vesuvius, Etna, and Stromboli. Landscapes range from Alpine peaks to Mediterranean beaches, Tuscan hills, and the Po Valley's fertile plains.
Natural resources
- Coal
- Mercury
- Zinc
- Potash
- Marble
- Barite
- Pumice
- Feldspar
- Natural gas
- Crude oil
- Fish
- Arable land
Climate
- Mediterranean, Alpine in the north
Military
Age & Gender Distribution
Population by five-year age band, UN World Population Prospects 2024.
Male Female
- Age 0–14
- 11.9%
- Age 15–64
- 63.5%
- Age 65+
- 24.6%
| Age band | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| 100+ | 3,699 | 18,448 |
| 95-99 | 42,705 | 137,951 |
| 90-94 | 215,944 | 472,928 |
| 85-89 | 580,221 | 948,554 |
| 80-84 | 936,449 | 1,278,864 |
| 75-79 | 1,336,044 | 1,610,395 |
| 70-74 | 1,542,846 | 1,751,284 |
| 65-69 | 1,785,138 | 1,951,580 |
| 60-64 | 2,138,358 | 2,268,995 |
| 55-59 | 2,372,583 | 2,459,742 |
| 50-54 | 2,351,271 | 2,400,823 |
| 45-49 | 2,151,185 | 2,154,403 |
| 40-44 | 1,853,660 | 1,831,439 |
| 35-39 | 1,692,191 | 1,664,552 |
| 30-34 | 1,689,200 | 1,612,171 |
| 25-29 | 1,625,830 | 1,477,175 |
| 20-24 | 1,564,211 | 1,459,856 |
| 15-19 | 1,494,220 | 1,410,716 |
| 10-14 | 1,379,370 | 1,301,677 |
| 5-9 | 1,206,548 | 1,142,248 |
| 0-4 | 1,042,120 | 985,271 |
Population History & Projection (1950–2100)
Observed population to 2024, then the UN medium-variant projection.
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 1950 | 46,391,673 |
| 1960 | 49,514,555 |
| 1970 | 53,390,236 |
| 1980 | 56,412,084 |
| 1990 | 57,031,454 |
| 2000 | 57,272,196 |
| 2010 | 60,164,213 |
| 2020 | 59,912,769 |
| 2030 | 57,946,072 |
| 2040 | 55,221,168 |
| 2050 | 51,891,099 |
| 2060 | 47,584,459 |
| 2070 | 43,353,332 |
| 2080 | 40,225,870 |
| 2090 | 37,748,595 |
| 2100 | 35,376,821 |
History
Italy's history spans from Etruscan and Roman civilizations through medieval city-states, Renaissance glory, and unification in 1861. The Roman Empire shaped Western civilization's law, language, architecture, and governance. The Renaissance, centered in Florence, Venice, and Rome, revolutionized art and thought. Italy was a founding member of the European Community and NATO. Post-WWII economic miracle transformed Italy into an industrial power.
Culture
Italian culture has shaped Western civilization through art (Michelangelo, Leonardo, Raphael), literature (Dante, Petrarch), music (opera, Verdi, Puccini), and architecture (Brunelleschi, Palladio). Italian cuisine—pasta, pizza, gelato, espresso—is globally beloved. Fashion capitals Milan hosts major designers. Football (soccer) is a national passion. The dolce vita lifestyle emphasizes beauty, food, family, and quality of life.
Current Challenges
Italy faces demographic decline, one of the world's highest public debts (150% of GDP), north-south economic disparities, political instability (frequent government changes), organized crime influence, brain drain of young professionals, and bureaucratic inefficiency. Pension costs for the aging population strain public finances. Infrastructure and productivity lag behind northern European peers.
Future Outlook
Italy's population is projected to decline from 59 million to around 47 million by 2070. Economic reforms, digitalization, and EU recovery funds aim to boost productivity and address structural weaknesses. Italy seeks to maintain its cultural influence and quality of life while adapting to demographic realities. Tourism and high-value manufacturing remain economic pillars.
Highlights
What Italy Is Known For
- 59 UNESCO World Heritage Sites (most in the world)
- Birthplace of the Renaissance and Roman Empire
- Third-largest economy in the Eurozone
- Home to Europe's only active mainland volcano (Vesuvius)
- World's largest wine producer by some measures
Interesting Facts About Italy
- Italy has more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than any other country (59)
- The University of Bologna, founded in 1088, is the world's oldest university
- Italy has three active volcanoes: Etna, Stromboli, and Vesuvius
- Italians invented the piano, thermometer, eyeglasses, and ice cream cone
- There are more than 500 different pasta shapes in Italy
- Italy produces over 50% of the world's luxury goods
- Vatican City and San Marino are countries entirely within Italy
How Italy Compares
Population against the ten most populous countries.
| Name | Population |
|---|---|
| India | 1.46B |
| China | 1.41B |
| United States | 341.8M |
| Indonesia | 285.7M |
| Pakistan | 255.2M |
| Nigeria | 237.5M |
| Brazil | 212.8M |
| Bangladesh | 175.7M |
| Russia | 143.5M |
| Ethiopia | 135.5M |
| Italy | 58.9M |
Major Cities in Italy
2 metropolitan areas in our city dataset.
Countries Bordering Italy
6 land borders.
- Austria9.21M · +0.33%
- France68.7M · +0.25%
- San Marino34K · +0.39%
- Slovenia2.13M · +0.17%
- Switzerland9.09M · +0.96%
- Vatican City518 · +0.00%
Italy Population FAQ
Is the population of Italy growing or shrinking?
Italy's population is shrinking at −0.06% per year, a change of roughly 37,117 people annually.
What is the capital of Italy?
The capital of Italy is Rome.
What is the largest city in Italy?
Rome is the largest metropolitan area in Italy, with about 4.32M people.
How densely populated is Italy?
Italy has 199/km² across 295,720 km² of land area.
What is life expectancy in Italy?
Life expectancy at birth in Italy is 84.0 years (2024).
What is the median age in Italy?
The median age in Italy is 48.2 years, meaning half the population is younger than that and half older.
Which continent is Italy in?
Italy is in Europe.