Are Over 5.7 Million People in Italy Living in Absolute Poverty?
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Synopsis
Discover the alarming statistics revealing that over 5.7 million Italians are trapped in absolute poverty as of 2024. This situation remains largely unchanged from the previous year, highlighting the pressing economic challenges faced by many households across the nation.
Key Takeaways
- The number of people in absolute poverty in Italy exceeds **5.7 million**.
- The poverty rate remains stable at **8.4 percent** of the population.
- **Southern Italy** has the highest poverty rate at **10.5 percent**.
- **1.8 million foreign residents** are living in absolute poverty.
- **13.8 percent** of those under 18 are affected by absolute poverty.
Rome, Oct 14 (NationPress) -- In 2024, more than 5.7 million individuals in Italy found themselves in absolute poverty, with the overall percentage remaining relatively stable compared to the previous year, as reported by the National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT) on Tuesday.
This number pertains to approximately 2.2 million households, representing 8.4 percent of Italy's population of around 59 million.
ISTAT characterizes absolute poverty as the situation where households lack the income necessary to procure the minimum essential goods and services required for a decent living standard.
The data highlights significant regional differences. The southern region of Italy exhibited the highest poverty rate, affecting 10.5 percent of the population, or roughly 886,000 households. In the northwest, the rate was 8.1 percent with 595,000 households, 7.6 percent in the northeast, and the lowest at 6.5 percent in central Italy, impacting 349,000 households.
While the rate of absolute poverty has remained consistent across various age groups, it has notably reached 13.8 percent among individuals under 18, marking the highest level since 2014, according to ISTAT.
The report also highlighted a stark contrast between Italian citizens and foreign residents. Approximately 1.8 million foreign residents were living in absolute poverty in 2024, accounting for 35.6 percent of the foreign population—almost five times higher than the 7.4 percent observed among Italian citizens.
Point of View
It's essential to address the ongoing economic challenges faced by many Italians. The data from ISTAT sheds light on a critical issue that requires immediate attention from policymakers and society as a whole. We must strive for solutions that uplift every segment of our population.
NationPress
14/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current rate of absolute poverty in Italy?
As of 2024, the rate of absolute poverty in Italy stands at **8.4 percent**, affecting over **5.7 million people**.
How does absolute poverty in Italy vary by region?
Absolute poverty rates are highest in **southern Italy** at **10.5 percent**, with lower rates in the northwest, northeast, and central Italy.
What does ISTAT define as absolute poverty?
ISTAT defines absolute poverty as the inability of households to afford the minimum basket of goods and services necessary for an acceptable standard of living.
How many foreign residents are affected by absolute poverty in Italy?
Approximately **1.8 million foreign residents** live in absolute poverty, which represents **35.6 percent** of the foreign population.
What age group is most affected by absolute poverty?
The highest incidence of absolute poverty is among individuals under **18**, with a rate of **13.8 percent**.
