On March 21, 2025, Repubblica Futura hosted a critical conference titled "Le sfide per la crisi demografica e le politiche familiari e sociali per il futuro di San Marino," focusing on the pressing demographic crisis and the social policies needed to address it. The event gathered various experts who presented alarming statistics alongside insightful discussions about the changing family dynamics in San Marino and beyond.
Chiara Saraceno, a noted sociologist, began by outlining the shifts in family structures, noting that a growing number of individuals no longer feel the intrinsic need to have children. "The family has changed over recent years. There's a rising segment of the population that feels less need to reproduce, and policies must not discourage those who wish to have children," she explained. Saraceno highlighted how social and cultural perceptions around family life are evolving, particularly for women who are now more educated and actively involved in the workforce.
San Marino's demographic concerns also echoed anew in the words of S.E. Domenico Beneventi, the Bishop of San Marino Montefeltro. He remarked on the crucial role families play within society, asserting, "The family is the fundamental nucleus of society and has the right to be protected by the State." Beneventi stressed the need to reinforce the importance of family among young people, underscoring it as an 'anchor' that fortifies community stability.
Mauro Sammaritani, responsible for the Statistics Section at the San Marino Office of Informatics, elaborated on the grim demographic trends with data. "The reduction in birth rates has become a concerning reality," he noted, referencing a sharp decline in live births, particularly highlighted in 2024. His presentation featured graphs that starkly illustrated these changes, indicating a challenging trajectory for the microstate.
Miriam Farinelli, a gynecologist and former Director of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the San Marino Hospital, painted an even more stark picture. "San Marino has reached historical lows in births, witnessing a 40% decrease over the past decade, which is a more pronounced drop than that seen in Italy," she observed. Farinelli argued that the prevailing sense of uncertainty about the future is a significant deterrent for young couples considering starting families in such a climate.
The issue of social upheaval was echoed by Giovanni Ceccoli from Caritas, who shared sobering insights into the demographics of those seeking assistance. The majority of their clientele falls between the ages of 45 and 65, indicating a specific pattern of social vulnerability. "Understanding these demographics is crucial as we address broader social issues," he stated, providing vital statistics that link economic hardship to family stability.
Enzo Merlini, General Secretary of the Confederazione Sammarinese del Lavoro (CsDL), also addressed the interplay between economic and demographic factors. Every year, around 100 Sammarinese citizens aged 20 to 40 emigrate, which he views as a critical issue when it comes to young families. "How can someone feel confident starting a family if they aren't sure about their future in San Marino?" he asked, emphasizing the need for robust policy interventions to facilitate family growth.
Mara Valentini, a spokesperson for Repubblica Futura, concluded the conference by urging for substantial changes to current government initiatives aimed at stemming the tide of declining birth rates. "It’s clear that recent governmental regulations have failed to keep pace with this deepening crisis. Without significant intervention, we risk losing our future," she asserted, summarizing key points that resonated throughout the discussions.
In the region of Umbria, a different but related demographic trajectory has emerged. From 2001 until 2013, the region saw a steady increase in population from 824,187 to 892,742 inhabitants. However, since 2014, Umbria has experienced a concerning decline in population numbers. By January 1, 2025, the population is estimated to have fallen to around 852,000, a reduction of approximately 40,000 residents.
This significant downturn in population can be seen as comparable to losing an urban center larger than Città di Castello or Spoleto, raising serious concerns about the region's socio-economic fabric and the sustainability of public services moving forward. In 2022, the region noted a demographic decline of -7.7‰, marking one of the most substantial reductions in the past two decades.
Despite these alarming figures, the recent years from 2023 to 2025 have suggested a slowing of this decline with a reported -2.8‰ balance in 2023 and -2.4‰ in 2024, indicating a possible stabilization trend. Yet, experts warn that without strategic and structural interventions to encourage higher birth rates and attract new residents, the demographic challenges are likely to persist. As expressed in local analyses, further investment in family support, social welfare, and women’s participation in the workforce is critical for long-term success.
The demographic crisis in both San Marino and Umbria illustrates a broader reality being faced throughout Italy and beyond. The struggles with family formation, low birth rates, and an aging population raise essential questions about societal values, economic considerations, and public policy. As regions grapple with these issues, the discussions remain urgent and vital to shaping an inclusive and sustainable future.
