Italy’s global community is growing in size and complexity, carrying the country’s skills, relationships, and cultural identity across borders. On January 1, 2026, the registry of Italian citizens living abroad counted 6,630,284 people – more than twice the approximately 3.1 million recorded in 2006. Growth over the latest year reached 3.4%, adding more than 217,000 registered residents.
These figures introduce a broader story about how Italians build their lives internationally. The twenty-first edition of the Italiani nel Mondo report, presented in Rome on November 12, explores the connections between migration, employment, and social change. Edited by Delfina Licata, it brings together 47 contributors and examines work experiences across 24 countries.
