Italy Population 2026
Italy's population in 2025 is estimated at 58,952,704, placing it as the 25th most populous country in the world. The country has been experiencing a moderate population decline, with a 1-year growth rate of -0.05% as of 2025 and an average annual decline of -0.23% over the past decade. As a high-income nation in the Europe & Central Asia region, Italy faces demographic challenges common to many developed economies.
Population Trend (Italy)
Population by Decade
Population milestones
How Italy's population changed across key years (World Bank estimates).
Overview
Italy, classified as a high-income country in the Europe & Central Asia region, has a current population of 58,952,704 as of 2025. The nation's demographic trend is one of gradual decline: the 1-year growth rate stands at -0.05%, while the 10-year average growth rate is -0.23% per year. This negative growth reflects a combination of low birth rates, an aging population, and moderate net migration, which has not been sufficient to offset natural decrease over the long term. Globally, Italy ranks 25th in population, underscoring its position as a mid-sized country by population within the European context.
The population decline observed in Italy is part of a broader pattern across many high-income countries in Europe, where fertility rates have remained below replacement levels for decades. The -0.23% average annual decline over the last ten years highlights the persistence of this trend. While immigration has historically helped stabilize the population, recent years have seen reduced inflows and a continued aging demographic structure. The 2025 figure of 58.95 million represents a slight decrease from previous years, consistent with the ongoing contraction.
Regional context amplifies these dynamics: Italy is the third-most populous country in the European Union, but its growth rate is among the lowest in the region. The country's high-income status correlates with advanced healthcare and longer life expectancy, which, combined with low fertility, leads to a top-heavy age pyramid. This demographic shift has implications for labor markets, social security systems, and economic productivity, making population trends a key policy focus for Italian authorities.
Despite the negative growth, Italy remains a significant global population center, with a rich cultural and economic footprint. The 1-year contraction of -0.05% is relatively slight, suggesting that the rate of decline may be moderating in the short term. However, the 10-year average of -0.23% indicates a more prolonged downward trajectory, driven by structural demographic factors that are unlikely to reverse quickly.
Key Facts
- Latest population (2025): 58,952,704
- 1-year growth rate (2025): -0.05%
- 10-year average annual growth rate: -0.23%
- Global population rank: #25
- Income group: High income
- Region: Europe & Central Asia