italian-citizenship-laws-history
The concept of Italian citizenship emerged with the unification of Italy in 1861. Before this, Italy was fragmented into multiple states, each with its own legal traditions and identity. The Law of March 17, 1861, proclaimed the Kingdom of Italy, laying the foundation for a unified national identity. However, formal citizenship laws were still undefined.
Decree-Law No. 36/2025 approved and the new rules for Italian citizenship: Photo of the Italian parlament
On May 20, 2025, the Chamber of Deputies approved Decree-Law No. 36/2025, now law No. 74 of May 23, 2025, with 137 votes in favor and 83 against, finalizing the proposal introduced in March by the coalition led by Giorgia Meloni, which was previously passed by the Senate on May 15.
From North to South - the best places to live in Italy: Photo of a church near the Dolomites, in the Italian alps
Italy is a country steeped in cultural heritage, boasting stunning landscapes and a deep historical legacy. Divided into regions, provinces, municipalities, and metropolitan cities, each area offers a distinct lifestyle and unique experiences. In this exploration, we’ll uncover the best places to live, considering factors like culture, economy, and quality of life.
Legal arguments for Italian citizenship by descent under decree-law 36/2025: Photo of man walking through a historical building in Italy
Decree-Law 36/2025 has significantly restricted Italian citizenship by descent, allowing recognition only for children and grandchildren of Italians, while excluding great-grandchildren and further descendants. This change has sparked legal and constitutional debates.
The role of Italy's regions in shaping national identity: Photo of an historical building in Rome
Italy is renowned for its rich regional diversity, which has deeply influenced its national identity throughout history. From distinct dialects and culinary traditions to varied economic models, each region has contributed uniquely to Italy’s character.
decree-law-citizenship-impact
On May 15, 2025, the Italian Senate approved Decree-Law No. 36/2025, a legislative measure that restricts the recognition of Italian citizenship by descent (jus sanguinis). The measure has sparked intense debate, with critics raising concerns about its constitutional validity, retroactive effects, and potential discrimination.
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Summary

Italy, a land of timeless beauty, possesses a rich and intricate history woven by numerous ethnic groups. From ancient tribes to powerful empires, the Italian peninsula has been the stage for a fascinating interweaving of cultures, languages, and traditions. This article explores the ethnic diversity of Italy over the centuries, highlighting the key ethnic groups that have shaped its history and culture. We invite readers to discover their Italian ancestral roots and to understand the complex ethnic tapestry of this country.

Italian Ethnic Groups

Italy’s genetic history is a captivating blend of ancient peoples, migrations, and cultural influences. Here are some key points to consider:

Ancient Inhabitants

The Italian peninsula was home to diverse ethnic groups throughout history, such as:

  • Indo-European Speakers: these included the Romans, Latins, Falisci, Picentes, Umbrians, Samnites, Oscans, Sicels, and Adriatic Veneti. The Greeks also settled in Magna Graecia. The Romans, in particular, were instrumental in forming what we now recognize as Italian culture.

  • Pre-Indo-European Speakers: the Etruscans, Ligures, Rhaetians, and Camunni inhabited mainland Italy. The Sicani lived in Sicily, and the Nuragic people thrived in Sardinia. The Phoenicians also left their mark in both places. Each of these groups contributed unique aspects to the cultural formation of Italy.
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Cultural Influence

The Romans, as formidable rulers, left an indelible mark on Italy. Their language, Latin, evolved into Italian, shaping communication. Roman architecture, art, and governance continue to inspire generations.

During the Middle Ages, Italy flourished with city-states like Florence, Venice, and Genoa. Each city had its distinct culture, art, and trade, fostering creativity and rivalry. This long history of division left a rich tapestry of regional dialects and cultural nuances. Each province had its unique identity, which persists to this day.

Contemporary Influences 

Today, the ethnic and cultural diversity of Italy continues to evolve. Modern immigration has brought new cultures and traditions, further enriching Italian society. The blend of ancient traditions with contemporary influences creates a unique cultural dynamic where the old and the new coexist harmoniously

Recent immigration has significantly increased ethnic diversity, with an estimated 5 million immigrants living in Italy, representing about 8% of the total population.

Preference for Rural Areas 

Interestingly, Italians often prefer rural areas over cities. Only about 60% of Italians reside in urban centers, the lowest proportion compared to other European populations. This statistic highlights the strong connection Italians have with their native regions or provinces.

According to the Italian National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT), the Italian population is approximately 60 million people, with a higher population density in the industrialized and urbanized north compared to the more agricultural south.

Religious Affiliation

The religious distribution is also notable: while the majority of Italians are Roman Catholic, there are significant communities of Protestants, Jews, and Muslims, reflecting the country’s growing diversity.

Connecting with Ancestry

At the heart of this exploration lies the possibility that readers may discover their own ancestral connections. If you resonate with Italy’s rich heritage, why not explore your origins further? 

Perhaps hidden within your family tree lies an Italian ancestor waiting to be discovered, and if you choose to seek Italian citizenship, consider hiring expert assistance, such as io.citizen. Our team of experts is ready to make your dream of Italian citizenship come true. Contact us today!

Begin your journey to Italian citizenship

Take advantage of specialized assistance to secure your passport for a borderless future.

The quote is quick, free, and without any commitment. We'll get back to you with more details within 24 hours.

Begin your journey to Italian citizenship

Take advantage of specialized assistance to secure your passport for a borderless future.