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South Tyrol

The total population includes the number of individuals living or residing in a specific area at a particular time. The population figures are based partly on censuses and partly on population registers. Certain data points have been interpolated in the infographic to optimise the visualisation. This means that missing data has been replaced with estimated values derived from the available data in order to ensure a continuous chart of population trends.

The territorial distribution shows how the population is geographically distributed across the municipalities of South Tyrol.

The age structure describes the distribution of people between different age groups within the population.

Births, deaths and migration have an impact on the development of the residential population in a region. The birth balance (difference of births and deaths) and the migration balance (difference of immigration and emigration) reflect these changes. The population change shows in summary how the number of inhabitants changes due to the difference between the birth balance and the migration balance. If the number of births or immigration increases, the population is growing; if the birth rate drops or the emigration outweighs it, the population is decreasing. The values refer to 1000 inhabitants.

The term internal migration generally refers to migration within a state. In the South Tyrolean context, internal immigration refers to people who move their residence from another region of Italy to South Tyrol. Internal emigration describes the reverse phenomenon: People moving their residence from South Tyrol to another region of Italy. The migration balance indicates the difference between internal immigration and emigration. It is positive when more people move than leave. A negative migration balance means the opposite. These figures allow a distinction between the internal migration of persons of Italian and foreign nationality.

International immigration refers to people who move their residence from abroad to South Tyrol. International emigration, on the other hand, refers to people who move their residence from South Tyrol to another country. The migration balance indicates the difference between international immigration and emigration. It is positive when more people move than leave. A negative migration balance means the opposite. These figures allow a distinction between the international migration of persons of Italian and foreign nationality.

The foreign resident population includes persons who do not have the nationality of the country in which they live. Thus, the figures show the number of those people living in South Tyrol who do not have Italian or foreign citizenship per 100 inhabitants. The citizenship provides information on the country of origin.

In detail: Countries of origin of the foreign resident population

The resident population by region of birth indicates in which regions the people living in South Tyrol were born. Hence, conclusions can be drawn about the migration background of the population.

The register of Italian citizens resident abroad (A.I.R.E.) records the data of those citizens who permanently live abroad, that is for more than 12 months, as well as that of their relatives. The number of South Tyroleans is basically the sum of those who had their place of residence in South Tyrol before emigrating. However, it also includes their children who were born and raised abroad and have Italian citizenship. Registration in the A.I.R.E. is a right and a duty of citizens and is a prerequisite for the use of a range of services offered by the consular missions abroad, as well as for the exercise of important rights. This includes, for example, the possibility of participating in national elections and referendums by postal ballot.

Every ten years, all Italian citizens over 14 years old residing in South Tyrol are asked to participate in the language group census and to declare to which language group they belong: German, Italian, or Ladin. For children under 14 years old, the parents decide. The first language group census took place in 1981.

Language group census 2011

Every ten years, all Italian citizens over 14 years old residing in South Tyrol are asked to participate in the language group census and to declare to which language group they belong: German, Italian, or Ladin. For children under 14 years old, the parents decide. This is referred to as the (anonymous) language group declaration. However, there is also the option of the language group affiliation. People who, for various reasons, do not wish to declare themselves as belonging to one of the three language groups, can choose to affiliate themselves to one of the three groups at the census. The numbers related to the language group affiliation provide information on how many people have made use of this option. The option of language group affiliation has existed only since 1991.

Every ten years, all Italian citizens over 14 years old residing in South Tyrol are asked to participate in the language group census and to declare to which language group they belong: German, Italian, or Ladin. Participation in the language group census is mandatory for all Italian citizens residing in South Tyrol. For children under 14 years old, the parents decide. Foreign citizens residing in South Tyrol are not allowed to participate. Consequently, the participation rate in the census, measured against the total population, is declining.

As part of a study conducted by the Provincial Statistics Institute ASTAT on the income and living conditions of households in South Tyrol, the distribution by language groups was also surveyed. These figures differ from the language group census as households were chosen as the reference point. A household in this case is defined as a community of persons who are related by marriage, kinship, in-law relationship, adoption, guardianship or otherwise and who live together. Individual persons can also be considered households. The sample size of the study was 1355 households.

Which language group do you feel you belong to? These figures on the sense of belonging to a language group and mother tongue are based on the language barometer study by the Provincial Statistics Institute ASTAT. Unlike the official language group census, this study didn’t limit options to just German, Italian, and Ladin. In addition, multiple responses were allowed for mother tongue and foreign nationals were also interviewed. The sample size of the study was 1532 respondents.

What do you identify as? This question regarding territorial, ethnic, and national affiliation was part of the language barometer study conducted by the Provincial Statistics Institute ASTAT. Respondents were allowed to make multiple selections. The sample size of the study was 1514 respondents.

These data from the language barometer study conducted by the Provincial Statistics Institute ASTAT indicate the percentage of the population who self-identify as multilingual or monolingual. However, the degree of multilingualism cannot be deduced from these figures. The sample size of the study was 1514 respondents.

To work in South Tyrol’s public administration, one must demonstrate knowledge of German and Italian. Typically, the bilingualism test is required to prove proficiency in both languages. The four test levels (C1, B2, B1, A2) correspond to the knowledge required for the various positions in public administration, in accordance with the educational qualifications required. Bilingualism tests were introduced in 1976 in implementation of the Autonomy Statute and have been conducted since 1977. In 2014, the test modalities were changed, which limits the comparability with previous years’ figures.

In order to fill a position reserved for the Ladin language group in the public administration in South Tyrol, it is necessary to be in possession of the trilingualism certificate. This applies in particular to public jobs in the Ladin communities. In addition to the bilingualism test, a Ladin test is also required. The four test levels (C1, B2, B1, A2) correspond to the knowledge required for the various positions in public administration, in accordance with the educational qualifications required. The Ladin test was introduced in 1976 to implement the Autonomy Statute and has been conducted since 1977. The Ladin test is offered for the two Ladin idioms of Val Gardena and Val Badia. In 2017, the test modalities were changed, which limits the comparability with previous years’ figures.

A particular feature of the linguistic landscape of South Tyrol is the prevalence of the German dialect. These data show how South Tyroleans rate their level of competence in the German dialect by mother tongue. The figures show the number of people who stated that they could understand or talk about everything, in terms of listening comprehension and oral competence. The sample size of the study was 995 surveys.

Educational statistics provide insight into how students are distributed among the three South Tyrolean school systems: German, Italian, Ladin. The numbers for primary and middle schools are the easiest to compare.

In detail: Percentage of students in the three school systems in the school year 2022/2023

Educational statistics provide insight into how students with foreign citizenship are distributed among the three South Tyrolean school systems: German, Italian, Ladin. The easiest numbers to compare are those for primary and middle schools. Persons with dual citizenship, when one of which is Italian, are not counted as part of the foreign student population.

One of the questions asked in the youth study conducted by the Provincial Statistics Institute ASTAT was whether South Tyrolean young people (aged 14-25) have friends with a different mother tongue. Specifically, the survey asked whether the young people had more than two friends of the respective mother tongue. Multiple answers were possible. The sample size of the study was 1622 respondents.

Every year statistics are published on the number of South Tyrolean students in Italian and Austrian universities. Consequently, the figures presented here do not represent the total number of South Tyrolean students, as there are no reliable figures for South Tyrolean students outside Italy or Austria. South Tyrol includes the following institutions: Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, University Training Center for Health Professions ‘Claudiana’, Philosophical-Theological College of Brixen/Bressanone. Innsbruck refers to the study location encompassing all university institutions.

The Provincial Council of South Tyrol is the central body of the autonomous legislation of the Autonomous Province of Bolzano/Bozen - South Tyrol, particularly since the entry into force of the Second Autonomy Statute in 1972, which transferred numerous responsibilities from the regional to the provincial level. Over time, the number of members in the Provincial Council of South Tyrol has gradually increased from an initial of 20 to 35 members. The Provincial Council has also the task of electing the President as well as the Provincial Government. It should be noted that only the situation at the beginning of the legislature is shown here, and subsequent changes, such as resignations or party splits, are not reflected.

In detail: Composition of the Provincial Council

In detail: List of parties running in provincial elections

The composition of the language groups in the Provincial Council of South Tyrol is crucial for the formation of the Provincial Government. According to the Autonomy Statute, the Provincial Government must reflect the ratio of the language groups in the Provincial Council. To determine this ratio, the language group declaration of the elected members of the Provincial Council is made public. It should be noted that only the situation at the beginning of the legislature is shown here, and subsequent changes, such as resignations or party splits, are not reflected. In the infographic, the so-called substitute provincial councillors are not included in the number of members of the Provincial Government.

According to the Autonomy Statute, the majority of representatives of a language group in the Provincial Council can request a vote by language groups if it is assumed that a legislative proposal violates the equality of rights between citizens of different language groups or the ethnic and cultural characteristics of the language groups. If the request for a separate vote is not accepted or if the legislative proposal is adopted despite the opposition of two-thirds of the representatives of the language group that made the request, the majority of that language group can challenge the law at the Constitutional Court within 30 days of its promulgation. However, the challenge does not have suspensive effect. In practice, this mechanism is rarely used because consensus is usually sought in advance to avoid a challenge at the Constitutional Court.

The gender distribution in the Provincial Council indicates how the seats in the Provincial Council of South Tyrol are distributed between women and men. This is a very important factor regarding the current provisions for the election of the Provincial Government. According to the current electoral law, the composition of the Provincial Government must reflect the ratio of women and men in the Provincial Council. It should be noted that only the situation at the beginning of the legislative period is shown here, and subsequent changes, such as resignations or the replacement of candidates, are not reflected.

Voter turnout describes the percentage of eligible voters who actually participate in an election. It indicates how many people vote in relation to the total number of eligible voters. A higher voter turnout suggests more active political participation, while a lower turnout can indicate low interest or dissatisfaction.

With the entry into force of the Second Autonomy Statute in 1972, numerous legislative powers were transferred from the Region of Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol to the provincial level. Only then did the Provincial Council of South Tyrol and the Provincial Council of Trentino become the central bodies of autonomous legislation.

Positions in the public local administrations of South Tyrol must be filled according to the proportions of the language groups as determined by the language group census. Local administrations include the provincial administration, municipalities, health service, teachers in state schools (primary, middle, and high schools), and other local bodies. These local bodies include the following institutions: Provincial Council, regional administration and Regional Council, Special Agency for Social Services Balsan/Bozen/Bolzano, welfare institutions, public radio and television agency (RAS), Institute for Social Housing, Chamber of Commerce, tourist offices, trade association. Only workers and employees with a public law employment relationship are considered public employees. Persons with a private law employment contract who work in public administrations are not counted as public employees. Substitute personnel are also not included in these figures. For teachers in state schools, the mother language was partly used as a criterion for language group membership. In 1997, 2000, and 2001, teachers in state schools were not included. Therefore, the total number of public employees in these years is lower.

Positions in the public administration of South Tyrol must be filled according to the proportions of the language groups as determined by the language group census. This also applies to personnel stationed in South Tyrol who work for state institutions. These include public employees of state administrations, social insurance institutions, as well as the state railway and postal services. The state administration includes the following institutions: Government Commissariat, Ministry of Economy and Finance, judiciary (excluding judges and prosecutors), and other ministries. The social insurance institutions include the National Institute for Social Insurance (NISF/INPS) and the National Institute for Insurance against Accidents at Work (INAIL). Only workers and employees with a public law employment relationship are considered public employees. Persons with a private law employment contract who work in public administration are not counted as public employees. Neither is substitute personnel included in these figures. Although the police and the military are part of the state administration, they are exempt from the rules of the ethnic quota system and are therefore not included in the presented figures. In 2022, around 2,670 police officers and around 2,540 military personnel were stationed in South Tyrol.

As part of a survey conducted by the Provincial Statistics Institute ASTAT on citizens’ satisfaction with public services, the reasons for dissatisfaction and negative assessments were also analysed, including the insufficient bilingualism of civil servants. This aspect was examined for the services of the municipalities, the provincial administration, the district community, the health service, and the National Institute for Social Security (NISF/INPS). The sample size of the study was 1912 respondents in 2018 and 2270 respondents in 2023.

As part of a survey conducted by ‘apollis’, an institute for social research and demoscopy, among other things, people were asked for their opinion on various predetermined statements on the autonomy of South Tyrol. The question was: Please think about the special autonomy for South Tyrol and its effects: To what extent do you agree with the following statements? The percentage indicates the respondents’ agreement with the statements. The sample size of the study was 700 respondents.

What do you think of the ethnic quota system? This question was asked in the context of a panel study by the Provincial Statistics Institute ASTAT. The percentage reflects the respondents’ consent to the given statements. The sample size of the study was 1317 surveys.

Gross domestic product (GDP) per capita is an economic measure of the total value of all goods and services produced in a country over a given period. Dividing the GDP by the number of inhabitants gives the average economic output per inhabitant. The figures presented here are GDP at market prices. They therefore reflect the price level of the respective year.

Principally, three economic sectors or areas are distinguished in the economy. The primary sector covers all activities of agriculture, forestry and fishery. The secondary sector covers all activities of the producing industry. The tertiary sector includes all activities of the service sector. Gross value added indicates how much enterprises or sectors of the economy have actually produced and contributed to the economy. The goods and services required for production are deducted from the value of total production. The figures listed here are gross value added at market prices. They therefore reflect the price level of the respective year.

In principle, three economic sectors or areas are distinguished in the economy. The primary sector covers all activities of agriculture, forestry and fishery. The secondary sector covers all activities of the manufacturing industry. The tertiary sector includes all activities of the service sector. The figures for persons employed by economic sector indicate how many people are employed in the primary, secondary or tertiary sectors. The figures from 1951 to 1991 correspond to the results of the census. The figures from 1995 onwards are based on extrapolation. In the census, some other categories were used, but these were assigned to the three economic sectors for better comparability.

In detail: People employed by economic sector 2022

The figures on company size show the importance of the different types of companies in relation to the overall economy: micro-enterprises (0-9 employees), small enterprises (10-49 employees), medium-sized enterprises (50-249 employees), large enterprises (> 250). Turnover refers to the total revenue that companies generate from the sale of goods or services in a given period.

The unemployment rate is the percentage of the employable population that is unemployed and actively seeking employment in relation to the total labour force. The relatively large difference between the figures for 1988 and 1989 is partly due to the change in the definition of unemployment in 1989.

The annual disposable income of households consists of the total monetary income of all household members from all sources, that is, direct income and public contributions. Here, the amounts are net amounts from which any taxes and social security contributions have already been deducted. A household in this case is defined as a community of persons who are related by marriage, kinship, in-laws, adoption, guardianship or otherwise and who live together. Individuals can also count as a household. The sample size of the ASTAT study was 1355 households.

The disposable income per capita of consumer households is the money available to each person in a household. Consumer households are individuals or groups of individuals whose main function is to consume or produce non-financial goods and services exclusively for their own final consumption. The difference between nominal and real values is that the latter take inflation into account. Inflation is an increase in the general price level, which means that goods and services become more expensive. This reduces the purchasing power of money because one can buy less for the same amount of money.

A household is considered to be at risk of poverty if its annual equivalised income is less than 60 per cent of the annual median equivalent income in South Tyrol. The equivalised income is an adjusted household income that, taking into account household size and composition, represents a comparable economic situation across different households. In this case, it takes into account the available financial resources, including taxes and social benefits. In 2018, the median equivalised income in South Tyrol was 21,639 euros. Accordingly, the poverty threshold amounted to 12,984 euros, which is 60 percent of the equivalised income. In this case a household is defined as a community of persons who are related by marriage, kinship, in-laws, adoption, guardianship or otherwise and who live together. Individuals can also count as a household. The figures for the Ladin language group are not significant because the sample size was insufficient or there was a so-called standard error. The sample size of the study was 1355 households.

The chart shows the number of accepted applications for subsidised housing by language group. According to the Autonomy Statute, the Autonomous Province of Bolzano/Bozen - South Tyrol has exclusive legislative powers in the area of subsidised housing. The relevant provincial law stipulates that the funds for subsidised housing are generally allocated according to need and in proportion to the size of the language groups. The needs of each language group are determined annually. This regulation is based on the Autonomy Statute, which stipulates that the funds allocated in the budget ‘for welfare, social and cultural purposes shall be used in direct proportion to the strength and extent of the needs of each language group’. The figures are annual averages.

The revenue of the Autonomous Province of Bolzano/Bozen - South Tyrol is made up of funds that it receives from various sources such as taxes or levies. In detail, these are provincial taxes, levies ceded by the state, current grants, non-tax revenue, investment income, reduction of financial assets, liabilities, revenue for third parties and transitory items. These revenues are used to finance public services, infrastructure projects and other expenditure. Provincial levies and levies ceded by the state are precisely regulated by the Autonomy Statute. These regulations also apply to the Autonomous Province of Trento. Although the legislative possibilities of the Autonomous Region of Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol are rather limited compared to the two autonomous provinces, it is entitled to certain revenues based on the financial provisions of the Autonomy Statute. These include, for example, revenue from mortgage tax, shares of inheritance tax and VAT on domestic trade.

Provincial taxes: The Autonomy Statute stipulates that the Autonomous Province of Bolzano/Bozen - South Tyrol may introduce its own taxes in certain areas. These taxes are summarised as provincial taxes, e.g. the motor vehicle tax.

Levies ceded by the state: According to the Autonomy Statute, the Autonomous Province of Bolzano/Bozen - South Tyrol is entitled to around 90 per cent of the taxes collected in South Tyrol. The state transfers this tax revenue to the Autonomous Province of Bolzano/Bozen - South Tyrol.

Current grants: Current grants are transfers of funds between different units of the public administration. They do not include taxes, investment grants and other capital allocations, which are recognised separately.

Non-tax revenue: Non-tax revenues refer to the revenues of the Autonomous Province of Bolzano/Bozen - South Tyrol that are not dependent on taxes. This includes income from public services, assets, interest, profits from investments and other non-tax sources.

Investment income: Investment income is income that directly or indirectly contributes to capital formation. This includes income from financial investments or profits from investments in tangible assets.

Reduction of financial assets: The reduction of financial assets refers to the income from the sale of financial assets, the collection of current and non-current receivables and the reduction of other financial assets.

Liabilities: Liabilities are non-current liabilities or equity transactions, except for those with a term of less than one year.

Revenue for third parties and transitory items: Revenue for third parties is money received on behalf of others (organisations, persons). Transitory items are financial items that only flow through temporarily without any permanent change.

In detail: Revenue of the Autonomous Province of Bolzano/Bozen - South Tyrol by category

The Autonomy Statute provides for the allocation of fixed shares of state taxes and levies to the Autonomous Province of Bolzano/Bozen - South Tyrol, generally around 90 per cent of the tax revenue collected in the province. The exact share for each tax is regulated in section 6 of the Autonomy Statute. The taxes ceded by the state to the Autonomous Province of Bolzano/Bozen - South Tyrol in accordance with the Autonomy Statute are made up of the following items in detail: IRPEF income tax, IRES corporation tax, IVA value added tax (VAT on domestic trade and VAT on imports), excise duty on tobacco, taxes on the consumption of alcohol and alcoholic beverages, excise duty on energy products, register tax, stamp duty. There was also a variable share until 2018.

IRPEF income tax: The ‘Imposta sul Reddito delle Persone Fisiche’ (IRPEF) is the income tax. It is a tax levied on the income of individuals, based on various tax brackets and rates. The tax rates range from 23 per cent to 43 per cent. According to the Autonomy Statute, the Autonomous Province of Bolzano/Bozen - South Tyrol is entitled to 90 per cent of this tax revenue.

IRES corporation tax: The ‘Imposta sui Redditi della Società’ (IRES) is the corporation tax. Companies pay it on their profits. The tax rate normally adds up to 24 per cent. According to the Autonomy Statute, the Autonomous Province of Bolzano/Bozen - South Tyrol is entitled to 90 per cent of this tax revenue.

Value added tax on domestic trade: VAT on domestic trade is an indirect consumption tax levied on the sale of goods and services within a country. The VAT rate is added to the value of the goods. The current standard VAT rate in Italy is 22 per cent. There are lower tax rates for certain categories. According to the Autonomy Statute, the Autonomous Province of Bolzano/Bozen - South Tyrol is entitled to 80 per cent of this tax revenue.

Value added tax on imports: VAT on imports is a tax levied on the value of imported goods. It is payable at the time of import. The VAT rate is added to the value of the goods. According to the Autonomy Statute, the Autonomous Province of Bolzano/Bozen - South Tyrol is entitled to 90 per cent of this tax revenue.

Excise duty on tobacco: The excise duty on tobacco is a tax levied on tobacco products. According to the Autonomy Statute, the Autonomous Province of Bolzano/Bozen - South Tyrol is entitled to 90 per cent of this tax revenue.

Tax on the consumption of alcohol and alcoholic beverages: The tax on the consumption of alcohol and alcoholic beverages is a tax levied on the purchase of these products. According to the Autonomy Statute, the Autonomous Province of Bolzano/Bozen - South Tyrol is entitled to 90 per cent of this tax revenue.

Excise duty on energy products: The excise duty on energy products is a tax levied on certain energy products such as petrol and diesel. According to the Autonomy Statute, the Autonomous Province of Bolzano/Bozen - South Tyrol is entitled to 90 per cent of this tax revenue.

Register tax: The register tax is a tax that must be paid when registering contracts, deeds, protocols and agreements at the register office. According to the Autonomy Statute, the Autonomous Province of Bolzano/Bozen - South Tyrol is entitled to 90 per cent of this tax revenue.

Stamp duty: Stamp duty is an indirect tax that is payable for the creation of certain legally defined files, documents and registers. Payment is made by affixing a special stamp or virtually. According to the Autonomy Statute, the Autonomous Province of Bolzano/Bozen - South Tyrol is entitled to 90 per cent of this tax revenue.

Variable share: In the past, the variable share of the taxes ceded by the state had to be negotiated between the Autonomous Province of Bolzano/Bozen - South Tyrol and the Italian state. Unlike the fixed share, this share could vary. As part of the Milan Agreement of 2010, a fundamental revision of the provisions on financial autonomy, this variable share was abolished. The payments after 2010 are back payments by the state.

In detail: Taxes ceded by the state to the Autonomous Province of Bolzano/Bozen - South Tyrol 2023

In accordance with the Autonomy Statute the Autonomous Province of Bolzano/Bozen - South Tyrol can introduce its own taxes to a limited extent. Provincial taxes include the regional tax on productive activities IRAP, a supplementary tax to the income tax IRPEF and the motor vehicle tax.

Regional tax on productive activities IRAP: The ‘Imposta Regionale sulle Attività Produttive’ (IRAP) is the regional tax on productive activities. The tax rate can vary depending on the region. In the 2023 tax year, the ordinary IRAP tax rate in South Tyrol was 3.30 per cent.

Additional tax on income tax IRPEF: In Italy, the IRPEF regional surcharge is a supplementary tax to the IRPEF (‘Imposta sul Reddito delle Persone Fisiche’) income tax. The tax rate can vary depending on the region. For the 2023 tax year, the tax rate for income up to EUR 50,000 in South Tyrol was 1.23 per cent. Above 50,000 euros, 1.73 per cent was payable.

Motor vehicle tax: Motor vehicle tax is a tax levied on the use of vehicles. The amount is based on various factors such as engine capacity and emission class. In accordance with the Autonomy Statute, the Autonomous Province of Bolzano/Bozen - South Tyrol can set the vehicle tax itself.

The expenditure of the Autonomous Province of Bolzano/Bozen - South Tyrol relates to the financial expenditure in the various (policy) areas. Specifically, the expenditure is made up of 20 different items. The expenditure is determined by the budget or the relevant law and often reflects political priorities. The figures given here do not consider the so-called earmarked multi-year fund. An earmarked multi-year fund is a fund specifically established for long-term projects or programmes. It is used over a period of several years.

In detail: Expenditure of the Autonomous Province of Bolzano/Bozen - South Tyrol by category

Rating agencies assess creditworthiness, which refers to the ability and willingness of a state, region, or company to repay borrowed funds. The better and higher a subject is rated, the more likely it is that the incurred debts can be repaid. Conversely, a lower rating indicates a decreased likelihood of reliable debt repayment. Given that the rating agencies Moody’s Investors Service and FitchRatings do not permit regional authorities to have a rating more than two notches above that of the state, the Autonomous Province of Bolzano/Bozen - South Tyrol achieves the best possible result. Moody’s Investors Service ratings range from Aaa (highest rating) to C (lowest rating). Baa1, the rating of the Autonomous Province of Bolzano/Bozen-South Tyrol, is the eighth highest rating out of a total of 21. FitchRatings’ ratings range from AAA (highest rating) to D (lowest rating). The rating of A- for the Autonomous Province of Bolzano/Bozen - South Tyrol is the seventh highest out of a total of 20.