Campania inner areas lose 37,500 residents over twelve years

Seven designated inner areas in Campania, Italy, have lost approximately 37,500 residents between 2011 and 2023. This represents a 9.8% population decline, dropping from roughly 382,600 to 345,100 inhabitants.

Demographic shifts vary by sub-region. The Fortore area experienced the most significant decrease at 16.1%, followed by Alta Irpinia and Cilento Interno, both seeing an 11.2% decline. The Vallo di Diano area saw a more moderate reduction of 6.4%.

Enzo Luciano, president of UNCEM Campania, noted that the issue extends beyond raw numbers to a fundamental change in population structure. The decline is characterized by an aging population and a reduction in working-age individuals, children, and families. This shift creates a fragile demand for essential services such as healthcare, education, and transportation.

The National Strategy for Inner Areas (SNAI) aims to address these territorial fractures by strengthening essential services and leveraging local resources to foster economic development. The scope of the strategy in Campania has expanded to include seven areas covering 143 municipalities.