Lazise Population Growth Boosted by Births and Immigration in 2000
Positive demographic trend, or a net increase in births over deaths, was observed for the Jubilee of 2000 and at the turn of the new millennium. After many years where deaths exceeded births, finally in 2000 births slightly surpassed deaths.
Statistics show the following result: 65 births and 61 deaths. Thus, the living outnumber the deceased by 4. This achievement is largely attributable to the frazione of Colà.
Colà residents, therefore, not only “discovered” the obvious but also realized that it’s better to have new births and thus increase the population of the municipality.
Population growth and birthrate
“The strong urbanization of the frazione of Colà,” states Franco Pezzini, head of the municipal registry office, “has brought noticeable benefits also in terms of increased birth rates. Already last year, Colà had contributed to this growth,” Pezzini continues, “by boosting the population through new residential developments.”
Now, it has further increased its population with new births. Today, Lazise’s population approaches six thousand: precisely 5996, with 2162 family units. On average, family units consist of just three people.
Females still outnumber males: 3040 versus 2956. Among the newborns, boys predominate: 34 boys compared to 31 girls.
The parish priest, don Edoardo, whose calls to children during Epiphany festivities have become well known, seems to have influenced parents to act accordingly.
From the pulpit, the priest urged children to persuade their parents that “there should be at least three children in a family” to overcome the negative demographic trend widespread in Lazise. Immediately after don Edoardo’s appeal, residents of Lazise “took action.”
Statistics and foreign communities
Returning to the data, the overall population increase in Lazise—including the frazioni of Colà and Pacengo—is 114 people.
The net difference in births is 4, which means 110 people migrated into the area, divided into 61 males and 49 females.
The number of foreigners registered in the registry is 288: 153 males and 135 females. The minor population totals 70.
The most prominent community is the Moroccan group, with 59 members, followed by Germans with 41, Macedonians with 25, Romanians with 20, and equal numbers of Albanians, Dutch, and Croats—13 each. There are also 10 Brazilians and Yugoslavs.
Seven Egyptians, five Chinese, and four Indians complete the list. Representatives from the United States, Thailand, and Bangladesh are also present.
In essence, a multicultural community is emerging, consistent with European and national trends. (s.b.)