Human Processes

Mezzogiorno

Population Dynamics

Population Trends:

• The Mezzogiorno has a birth rate of 9.4 per 1,000 people, higher than the EU average but declining due to Italy being in Stage 5 of the Demographic Transition Model.

• Campania has the highest birth rate in the region at 13.2 per 1,000, linked to its fertile soils and large urban population in cities like Naples.

• Traditional family structures and Catholic Church influence remain strong but are declining as women gain higher education and join the workforce. Population Density:

• Population distribution is uneven, with higher densities in fertile lowlands like Campania and sparse populations in mountainous areas like Calabria. Challenges:

• The Mezzogiorno faces 20% unemployment, contributing to outward migration and a declining population.

• Organised crime, particularly the Mafia, further hinders economic development and investment.

Migration

Historical Migration:

• Outward migration has been a persistent issue, with 4 million people leaving the region between 1951 and 1981 for better opportunities in Northern Italy or abroad.

• Migration slowed somewhat due to the efforts of the Cassa per il Mezzogiorno, a government initiative aimed at regional development. Illegal Immigration:

• Italy, including the Mezzogiorno, receives up to 50,000 immigrants annually. In 2015, 70,000 illegal migrants arrived, 90% of whom came from Libya.

• While migrants provide much-needed labour, especially in agriculture during harvest seasons, quotas limit their employment opportunities. Cultural Diversity:

• The Mezzogiorno's strategic trade location has made it a crossroads of cultures.

• Historical invaders, including Greeks, Romans, Arabs, and Normans, have influenced its language, architecture, and food.

• Dialects like Neapolitan and Sard reflect the region's cultural richness.

Migration to the Mezzogiorno

Urban and Rural Development

Urban Development:

• Urban centres like Naples and Palermo dominate the region, offering limited industrial and service employment.

• Naples, a historical trade hub founded by the Greeks, has struggled with urban decay, high crime rates, and unemployment, despite being one of the largest cities in Italy. Rural Development:

• Rural areas are characterised by mountainous terrain, infertile soils, and poor infrastructure, leading to agricultural decline.

• Migration to urban areas or Northern Italy has left many rural towns sparsely populated and economically stagnant. Government Initiatives:

• The Cassa per il Mezzogiorno was a government-funded programme aimed at reducing regional inequalities by investing in roads, ports, and irrigation. While it brought some improvement, corruption and Mafia interference limited its success.

• Recent government efforts include EU structural funds to support community-based projects and modernise industries.

Language and Religion

Language:

• The region's diverse history has left a legacy of distinct dialects, such as Neapolitan in Naples and Sard in Sardinia.

• Standard Italian, based on the Tuscan dialect, is the official language, but regional dialects remain widely spoken in rural areas. Religion:

• The Catholic Church has historically played a significant role in shaping social norms and traditions in the Mezzogiorno.

• While its influence is declining, traditional values still persist in rural areas.

Key Challenges and Solutions

Challenge	Impact	Solution
Outward Migration	Loss of young, educated workers; rural depopulation.	EU funding and local initiatives to create jobs and improve infrastructure.
Organised Crime (Mafia)	Discourages investment and hinders economic growth.	Anti-corruption measures and investment in law enforcement.
Unemployment	High at 20%; leads to poverty and regional underdevelopment.	Government and EU-backed programmes to modernise industries and create employment opportunities.
Illegal Immigration	Strain on resources and social tensions.	Quotas and international aid agreements with migrants' home countries.
Rural Decline	Abandonment of farms and villages; loss of cultural identity.	Investment in rural infrastructure, agricultural subsidies, and tourism initiatives.

Summary of Human Processes in the Mezzogiorno

Aspect	Details
Population Dynamics	Population: 35% of Italy; uneven distribution; Stage 5 DTM with low birth rates but higher in Campania.
Migration	Historical outward migration; illegal immigration adds diversity and labour but poses challenges.
Urban Development	Naples as a regional hub; struggles with urban decay and unemployment.
Rural Development	Sparse populations; mountainous areas face depopulation and lack of infrastructure.
Language and Religion	Rich linguistic diversity; Catholic traditions persist but are declining.