Romagna foreign population nearly quadruples in 20 years

A recent report from the Emilia-Romagna region regarding foreign residents and demographic dynamics shows that the foreign-born population in the Romagna area has nearly quadrupled over the last 20 years. As of January 1, 2025, there are 130,081 foreign residents across the three provinces of Ravenna, Forlì-Cesena, and Rimini.

In Ravenna, foreign residents account for 12.3% of the population (47,961), while Forlì-Cesena stands at 11.3% (44,725) and Rimini at 11.2% (38,395). While these figures are below the regional average of 12.9%, the historical growth is significant, with increases of 299% in Ravenna, 271% in Forlì-Cesena, and 282% in Rimini since 2003.

The report highlights that the foreign population serves as a vital resource for demographic stability, as the natural balance of the Italian population in these territories has been negative for years. Without this contribution, the total resident population would have faced a contraction. In Forlì-Cesena, the largest communities include residents from Romania, Albania, and Morocco, alongside a notable Chinese community.