Monthly unemployment rate in Italy 2018-2021

Between 2018 and 2021, the unemployment rate in Italy slightly decreased. As of September 2021, the rate stood at 9.2 percent. However, regional differences existed within the country. In 2020, six Southern Italian regions recorded the highest unemployment rates nationwide. In particular, Sicily, Campania, and Calabria registered the largest unemployed population. On the contrary, most of the regions recording the lowest unemployment rates were situated in the North. For instance, in Lombardy the share of unemployed people was equal to 5.3 percent.

Unemployment mostly affects young people

  Nationwide, the youth unemployment rate was around 30 percent, one of the highest rates in Europe. The mentioned Southern regions also registered the highest unemployment rates among the young population. In 2019, about half of the people in Sicily, Campania, and Calabria aged between 15 and 24 years were unemployed.

Many young adults living with their parents

  A consequence of the country's high unemployment rates could be seen in the percentages of young adults living with their parents. In 2018, around 70 percent of young men were living with their parents, whereas the share of young women was slightly lower. In Europe, most young adults often stayed with their parents in areas affected by the financial crisis and high unemployment. Together with the high Italian unemployment, other factors which influence this life choice are low wages of young people and lack of financial resources such loans or savings.