What Are the Implications of Over 5.7 Million People Living in Absolute Poverty in Italy?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In 2024, Italy faces a stark reality with over 5.7 million people living in absolute poverty, a statistic that has remained largely unchanged from the previous year. This alarming trend raises questions about economic disparities and the challenges faced by vulnerable populations, particularly in southern regions and among foreign residents. What can be done to address this pressing issue?
Key Takeaways
- 5.7 million people in Italy live in absolute poverty.
- This accounts for 8.4 percent of the population.
- Southern Italy has the highest poverty rate at 10.5 percent.
- Children under 18 are most affected, with a rate of 13.8 percent.
- Foreign residents experience significantly higher poverty rates.
Rome, Oct 14 (NationPress) In 2024, over 5.7 million individuals in Italy were found to be living in absolute poverty, with the overall poverty rate showing little change compared to the previous year, according to a report from the National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT).
This statistic translates to approximately 2.2 million households, representing 8.4 percent of Italy's population, which is around 59 million.
ISTAT characterizes absolute poverty as the state in which a household's income is inadequate to secure the minimum essential goods and services required for a decent standard of living.
The data also highlighted considerable regional disparities. Southern Italy faced the highest poverty rate at 10.5 percent, impacting about 886,000 households. In the northwest, the rate was 8.1 percent with 595,000 households affected, while the northeast recorded 7.6 percent. Central Italy had the lowest poverty rate nationwide, at 6.5 percent, which corresponds to 349,000 households.
While the rate of absolute poverty remained consistent across different age groups, it soared to 13.8 percent among individuals under 18, marking the highest level since 2014, according to ISTAT.
The report also highlighted a significant divide between Italian citizens and foreign residents, with approximately 1.8 million foreign individuals living in absolute poverty in 2024. This represents 35.6 percent of the foreign population, which is nearly five times the 7.4 percent rate among Italian citizens.
Point of View
It is crucial to highlight that these figures reflect a growing concern over economic inequality in Italy. The persistence of high poverty rates, especially among youth and marginalized communities, calls for immediate attention from policymakers. It is vital for the nation to prioritize social welfare initiatives to bridge this gap and foster a more equitable society.
NationPress
15/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is absolute poverty?
Absolute poverty refers to the condition where a household's income is insufficient to meet the minimum standards for essential goods and services necessary for a basic quality of life.
How many people in Italy are affected by poverty?
As of 2024, over 5.7 million people in Italy are living in absolute poverty, which equates to approximately 8.4 percent of the population.
Which regions in Italy have the highest poverty rates?
Southern Italy has the highest poverty rate at 10.5 percent, while central Italy has the lowest at 6.5 percent.
What is the impact of poverty on children in Italy?
The poverty rate among individuals under 18 has reached 13.8 percent, the highest since 2014, indicating significant challenges for the youth in Italy.
How does poverty affect foreign residents in Italy?
Approximately 1.8 million foreign residents live in absolute poverty, representing 35.6 percent of the foreign population in Italy, a rate nearly five times higher than that of Italian citizens.
