Population distribution and density

• The population of the Mezzogiorno is unevenly distributed.
• The uneven distribution is linked to the potential for economic development in different parts of the Mezzogiorno
• Internal migration has greatly affected the population distribution of the region as a pattern of migration from upland areas to lowland areas has developed
• The overall population desity is 140 per square km.
• Coastal areas throughout the region are more densely populated than inland areas
• Coastal areas have more potential for economic development.
• Parts of the coast e.g. Campania and Eastern Sicily have more than 1,000 people per square km
• Much of the interior e.g. Basilicata have much lower population densities of 50 people per square km
• Coastal areas are more economically developed than inland areas
• The best agricultural land in the Mezzogiorno is in coastal areas.
• Areas close to Mt. Etna and Mt. Vesuvius contain fertile alluvial soils that were deposited by rivers
• Fertile soils attract a lot of people to coastal areas.
• The Cassa per il Mezzogiorno set up irrigation and drainage schemes that enabled small but intensive farms to thrive in lowland areas
• Farmers in these areas farm intensively and can produce high yielding citrus fruits, olive trees, salad and flower crops.
• These low lying regions can support a high population density