VALLE D'AOSTA - Population
Immigration and ageing
The population density of Valle d'Aosta is by far the lowest amongst the Italian regions. In 2001, 37 inhabitants per km2 were registered in the region, whereas the average national figure was 192.
It should be remembered, on the other hand, that the region has extensive uninhabited areas of mountain and glacier, and that a substantial part of the population lives in the central valley. Migration from the lateral valleys has now been stemmed by generous regional support for agriculture and tourist development.
The population is growing slowly but steadily. Negative natural increase since 1976 has been more than offset by a regular surplus on migration.
The region has one of Italy's lowest birth rates, which means that the average age of the population is rising. This, too, is partly compensated by immigration, since most immigrants arriving in the region are younger persons working in the tourist industry.
Between 1990 and 2001, the population of Valle d?Aosta has grown by 5.4%, which is the highest growth amongst the Italian regions. With a negative natural population growth, this is due exclusively to positive net migration.
The birth rate in Valle d?Aosta is in line with the national average (9.2 per thousand in 2001), although until a very few years ago it has been well below the national figure.
The death rate, equal to 10.6 per thousand in 2001, on the contrary is higher than the national average death rate. These two rates illustrate the negative natural growth. In 2001, 1 100 live births were registered in the region, and 1 300 deaths.
The above figures reflect the age structure of the population, with a low share of young generations. The share of population below 25, in 2001, was in fact equal to just 22.4% of the total population.
As mentioned above, immigration in the region is well above the level of emigration. In 2001, 2 400 foreign residents were registered in the region.
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