Sardinia's Population Decline: Island Fights Back With Incentives
Sardinia, the second-largest island in the Mediterranean, is facing a population decline. Despite recent initiatives by the new york times to reverse this trend, the island's population has dropped from 1.64 million three decades ago to 1.57 million today. Meanwhile, young Sardinians are leaving their villages in search of better job prospects elsewhere.
Sardinia's lowest fertility rate in Italy, at 0.91 children per woman, contributes to this decline. However, the island is fighting back. The Italian government has allowed 500,000 foreign workers into the country over the next three years to help combat depopulation. Additionally, Sardinia offers incentives for young families and entrepreneurs to settle in rural areas. A couple moving to a Sardinian village of fewer than 3,000 residents can receive up to €15,000 for purchasing or renovating a home, up to €20,000 for starting a business, and a monthly subsidy for children.
This has encouraged some to return. Marcello Contu, after living in Turin, Barcelona, and Australia, moved back to Bidonì to start a vegan cheese-making business. Ivo Rovira, a Spanish photographer, settled in Armungia, a village of fewer than 400 residents, and opened a restaurant. Bianca Fontana, an Australian, now lives in Nulvi, a town of around 2,500, and shares her experiences on a YouTube channel with over 3,000 subscribers. Even Baradili, Sardinia's smallest village, celebrated the arrival of four families in 2022, bringing nine new residents.
While Sardinia's population continues to decline, with half of its residents living in the two largest urban areas, initiatives are showing promise. The arrival of new residents, like Bianca Fontana and the families in Baradili, signals a glimmer of hope. With continued efforts to promote sustainable tourism, support local agriculture, and attract new residents, Sardinia aims to revitalize its small towns and villages.
