Italy has experienced the fastest and most extreme decline in fertility ever recorded. Italy’s TFR is 1.3, one of the lowest in Europe. This decline in fertility is so extreme that Italy will be the first country in history to have more people age 60 and older than people age 20 and younger.
Industrialization has greatly contributed to the declining birth rates in Italy. Most European countries have industrialized but those countries still have higher birth rates. What sets Italy apart is that it industrialized later and much faster. As people flocked to the cities for work, the cost of living increased and the available housing decreased. These conditions were not conducive to raising a family so many people decided to postpone childbirth
Industrialization has greatly contributed to the declining birth rates in Italy. Most European countries have industrialized but those countries still have higher birth rates. What sets Italy apart is that it industrialized later and much faster. As people flocked to the cities for work, the cost of living increased and the available housing decreased. These conditions were not conducive to raising a family so many people decided to postpone childbirth