Abstract

The number of cities with population decline (shrinking cities) is increasing in Europe. By considering small, medium and large Italian cities, we show that the phenomenon occurs in all types of cities and across the country. Further, our analysis found that the main driver of population decline is the negative natural balance without sufficient compensation by immigrants. Economic opportunities provided by cities to inhabitants play a crucial role in explaining population decline. We further analysed some cities that are resurging, and we determined that their capacity to adapt to economic changes is the key for such resurgence.