Italian population among oldest in world, says stats agency

(See related) (ANSA) - Rome, May 28 - Italy has one of the oldest populations in the world, and is second only to Germany in the 28 nations of the European Union, national statistical agency Istat said Wednesday.
    In its annual report, the agency said that on average, there are 151.4 people over 65 years for every 100 youngsters under 15.
    Only Germany has more older people, with an average 158 senior citizens for every 100 young people.
    Both are significantly higher than the EU average of 116.6 people over 65 for every 100 under 15.
    Part of that is due to Italy's falling birth rate, which Istat noted has fallen to a record low.
    It said that last year, just 515,000 babies were born in the entire country, and lower than the previous low in 1995.
    Italy has registered low birth rates for many years, with experts saying the high levels of unemployment and job instability that young people face is causing couples to have children later and later in life.
    Istat noted that average life expectancy in Italy is 79.6 years for men and 84.4 years for women.