The map above shows the gross regional domestic product (GRDP) per capita of Italian regions in nominal USD values for 2022.
South Tyrol was the richest region at $60,150 USD per capita (about the same as South Carolina) and Calabria was the lowest at $21,400 (about the same as Poland).
Here is the full list in EUR and USD
| Region/Province | GRDP per capita (EUR€) | GRDP per capita (US$) |
|---|---|---|
| Italy | € 33,000 | $36,400 |
| South Tyrol | € 54,500 | $60,150 |
| Lombardy | € 44,400 | $49,000 |
| Trentino | € 44,200 | $48,800 |
| Aosta Valley | € 43,700 | $48,200 |
| Emilia-Romagna | € 40,000 | $44,150 |
| Lazio | € 37,200 | $41,050 |
| Veneto | € 37,200 | $41,050 |
| Friuli-Venezia Giulia | € 36,000 | $39,700 |
| Liguria | € 35,800 | $39,500 |
| Tuscany | € 35,100 | $38,700 |
| Piedmont | € 34,400 | $38,000 |
| Marche | € 30,800 | $34,000 |
| Umbria | € 28,200 | $31,100 |
| Basilicata | € 27,800 | $30,700 |
| Abruzzo | € 27,000 | $29,800 |
| Sardinia | € 23,700 | $26,150 |
| Molise | € 22,500 | $24,800 |
| Apulia | € 21,600 | $23,800 |
| Campania | € 21,200 | $23,400 |
| Sicily | € 20,100 | $22,200 |
| Calabria | € 19,400 | $21,400 |
Why is Northern Italy so much richer than Southern Italy?
Northern Italy is significantly wealthier than Southern Italy due to several interrelated historical, geographic, economic, and social factors:
Historical Development
- Industrialization: Northern Italy industrialized earlier (late 19th and early 20th century), creating a foundation for modern manufacturing, commerce, and banking.
- Historical political structures: Regions like Lombardy, Piedmont, and Veneto had early advantages in governance and commerce, influenced by proximity to wealthy European neighbors and stronger institutional development.
Geographic Advantages
- Proximity to Europe: Northern Italy’s location near Switzerland, Austria, France, and Germany fostered trade and economic integration.
- Natural Resources and Infrastructure: Northern Italy’s flat plains (Po Valley), better soils, and access to navigable rivers made infrastructure development and agriculture easier and cheaper.
Economic Structure
- Diversified Economy: Northern Italy hosts globally recognized industries like fashion, automotive, machinery, finance, and advanced services.
- Strong Manufacturing Base: Regions such as Emilia-Romagna, Lombardy, and Veneto are renowned for innovation and productivity in manufacturing sectors.
Investment and Infrastructure
- Higher Investment Levels: Public and private investments historically flowed more generously into Northern Italy, building better roads, ports, rail networks, and telecommunications.
- Educational Institutions: Northern universities and research institutions, such as Politecnico di Milano, attract talent and boost innovation.
Institutional Quality and Governance
- Governance and Institutions: Northern Italy generally benefits from more efficient and effective public administration and lower corruption rates compared to the South, leading to more attractive business environments.
Social Factors
- Cultural and Social Capital: The North has a higher level of civic engagement and trust, contributing to cooperative behaviors and successful entrepreneurship.
- Population Density and Urbanization: Higher population density and urbanized centers like Milan, Turin, and Bologna create economic clusters that enhance productivity and growth.
Persistent Southern Challenges
- Mezzogiorno Issue: Historical poverty, organized crime influence (e.g., Mafia, Camorra, ‘Ndrangheta), less efficient governance, weaker infrastructure, and higher emigration rates have hampered development.
Interestingly, despite the huge GDP differences between the regions, the South has a much lower suicide rate than the North.
Why do you think the difference is so big?
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