Italy recorded its fewest births since World War II, with 355,000 babies born last year — a 3.9% decline — and an average fertility rate of 1.14 children per woman. A study found 63% cited economic, professional or social obstacles to having more children, and 49% of women feared negative career consequences from pregnancy. The total population remained about 58.94 million on January 1 because immigration largely offset the fall in births, while the country also has roughly 24,000 centenarians.
Italy's Birth Rate Plunges to Post‑War Low as Economic Fears Deter Women
FILE PHOTO - Then Italian prime minister Giuseppe Conte (C) speaks with children during the sustainable development festival. (is associated with: «Italy's birth rate hits post-war low as economic fears put women off») Valerio Portelli/LaPresse via ZUMA Press/dpa
Italy recorded its lowest number of births since World War II, highlighting long‑standing demographic challenges. The national statistics office in Rome reported that births fell to just 355,000 last year, a 3.9% decline from the previous year, and the average number of children per woman is now 1.14.
By contrast, the post‑war baby boom peaked in 1964 with 1,035,207 births and an average fertility rate of about 2.7 children per woman. Italy's persistently low fertility rate has been a major policy and economic concern for decades; within Europe only a handful of countries — including Spain and Malta — report lower rates.
Drivers Behind Fewer Births
A recent study cited by the statistics office found that 63% of respondents pointed to "economic, professional or social obstacles" as reasons for having fewer children. Nearly half of women surveyed (49%) said they feared negative consequences for their careers if they became pregnant. These findings underscore how economic insecurity and workplace pressures shape family choices.
Population Snapshot
Despite the sharp drop in births, Italy's total population remained nearly unchanged at 58.94 million on January 1, thanks largely to immigration offsetting the decline in natural growth. The country is also ageing: there are about 24,000 centenarians living in Italy.
Regional Context
For comparison, Germany's fertility rate was reported at 1.32 children per woman in 2025 by the Federal Statistical Office, indicating that low birth rates are a broader European issue, though Italy's rate remains among the lowest.
Implications: The combination of low fertility, an ageing population and labor market concerns poses economic and social policy challenges, from pension sustainability to workforce planning. Policymakers may need to consider targeted family support, childcare investment and workplace protections for parents to help reverse the trend.
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