by InTrieste
In the latest survey by Il Sole 24 Ore, the provinces of Friuli Venezia Giulia saw a significant drop in their rankings for quality of life. Once a leader, Udine fell from first to sixth place, largely due to a dramatic decline in the “Justice and Security” category. This shift reflects broader regional challenges as the province struggles to maintain its previous status as a beacon of livability.
In a surprising twist to Italy’s annual quality of life survey, Bergamo has claimed the top spot as the country’s most livable province for the first time. The northern city surged ahead of long-time high performers Trento and Bolzano, which secured second and third places, respectively. This year’s results, published by Il Sole 24 Ore, reflect a significant shift in the rankings, with some provinces facing notable declines.
Udine, which had held the coveted first place last year, fell to sixth. The drop is partly attributed to a sharp 24-place decline in the “Justice and Security” category—one of the key metrics assessed in the survey.
The comprehensive study evaluates the quality of life across 107 Italian provinces, using 90 parameters spanning demographics, services, security, culture, and more. Based on certified data, the rankings offer an in-depth look at Italy’s regional disparities, providing both a snapshot of success and a roadmap for improvement.
Trieste: A City of Contrasts
In Friuli Venezia Giulia, Trieste experienced a setback, dropping seven places to 19th. This decline follows a golden period for the city, which earned its third overall quality of life gold medal in 2021. Despite this slip, Trieste retains its reputation for cultural richness and intellectual legacy. The city continues to lead Italy in newspaper readership, with an impressive 23 copies sold per 100 residents, according to Accertamenti Diffusione Stampa (Ads).
However, Trieste’s distinction is clouded by a sobering statistic: it has the highest loneliness index in Italy, with half of all households consisting of a single resident. This mirrors broader demographic shifts in the region, including an aging population and shrinking family sizes, which have significant social implications.
Pordenone and Gorizia Struggle to Maintain Ground
Pordenone, another province in Friuli Venezia Giulia, experienced a troubling drop, falling two places to 16th. It saw a dramatic 67-position decline in the “Business and Work” category and now ranks last in Italy for the number of social enterprises relative to its population.
Gorizia, meanwhile, dropped to 39th, losing 11 positions compared to the previous year. Despite having the fastest civil courts in Italy, Gorizia grapples with a paradox: its high rate of civil litigation per capita. This contradiction between efficiency and discord highlights ongoing challenges in the region.
Bergamo’s Ascent and Broader Implications
Bergamo’s rise to the top spot is a testament to the city’s resilience and successful post-pandemic recovery. Strong economic performance, alongside robust community cohesion, played a significant role in its rise. The shift in rankings indicates a growing dominance of northern provinces in the quality of life survey, reflecting the economic stability and opportunities these regions offer.
For Friuli Venezia Giulia, the results serve as a call to action. The region, home to both triumphs and challenges, must confront questions around sustainability, innovation, and social cohesion to regain its past standing.
As Italy navigates its post-pandemic future, these rankings provide not only a snapshot of the current state of affairs but also insights into the direction the country is headed. They serve as both a mirror and a guide, shedding light on regional successes and struggles, while charting a path toward a more balanced and prosperous future.
