Scenario analysis: Naples
DEMOGRAPHICS: Naples is located in the capital of the Campania region and the metropolitan city of the same name, the centre of one of Europe’s most populous and densely populated metropolitan areas; is also the most populous municipality in southern Italy, Italy’s third largest country by population (after Rome and Milan), the largest municipality by density of population and one of the twenty most populous cities in the European Union. In the municipality of Naples, the resident population, which consists of people with usual residence in the same municipality, is 1,004,500. The relative presence of children is above average national. In particular, in the municipality of Naples the percentage of children under five years old is 5.29%, higher than the 4.59% recorded at national level. Unlike the national situation, the definitive data from the 2001 Census on the demographic structure of the population reveals a demographically young municipality. The percentage ratio between the population aged 65 and over and those under 15, known as the old-age dependency ratio, is less than 100, indicating a lower level of population aging. In fact, in the municipality of Naples, it is 91.13%, which is lower than the national figure (131.4%). Another indicator, with economic and social relevance, is the dependency ratio, also known as the demographic dependency ratio. This ratio compares individuals who are presumed to be non-autonomous due to demographic reasons (age)—namely the elderly and the very young—with those who are expected to support them through their activities. In the municipality of Naples, the ratio, which stands at 48.58%, is lower than the national figure (in Italy, 49.02%). The reference to the land area occupied by the population (117.27 square kilometers) allows for the calculation of an indicator, the population density, which has a value of 8,566 inhabitants per square kilometer. This figure is excessively high, especially in comparison to the national data (189 inhabitants per square kilometer). CULTURE: A city with an impressive tradition in the visual arts, rooted in classical times, has given rise to original architectural and painting movements, such as the Neapolitan Renaissance and Neapolitan Baroque, Caravaggism, the Posillipo School, the Resìna School, and Neapolitan Liberty. It is also known for lesser arts of international significance, such as Capodimonte porcelain and the Neapolitan nativity scene. It is the origin of a distinctive form of theater, a world-famous song, and a unique culinary tradition that includes foods that have become global icons, such as Neapolitan pizza and the art of its pizzaioli, which has been recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity. In 1995, 10.21 square kilometers of the historic center of Naples were recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site for their buildings and monuments, which testify to approximately three thousand years of history. In 1997, the Somma-Vesuvius volcanic system was designated by the same international agency (along with the nearby Miglio d'oro, which also includes the eastern neighborhoods of the city) as a World Biosphere Reserve. In Naples, traditions are rich in secrets…