In this edition

• Europe's demographic cliff looms as Abruzzo empties

  The European Union's population will peak in 2029 and then fall for decades, according to a new report—a trend Abruzzo has been experiencing for years as young people flee the mountains for cities and abroad.

  Marco Di Sante · 412 words

• Abruzzo faces critical wildfire danger as heat wave intensifies

  Abruzzo has moved into critical wildfire alert status as a fresh heat wave sweeps across Italy, threatening the region's forests and rural communities from the high Apennines to the coastal plain.

  Marco Di Sante · 385 words

Recent headlines from this bureau

• Europe's demographic cliff looms as Abruzzo empties
• Abruzzo faces critical wildfire danger as heat wave intensifies
• Italy's heatwave intensifies with temperatures reaching 42C
• Sicily tests drones to predict volcanic eruptions
• Italy scales digital health systems nationwide
• Italian beach clubs ban packed lunches, sparking row over access
• Drought threatens irrigation in northern Italy as water reserves deplete
• Italy braces for prolonged July heat as forecasters warn of sustained temperatures

Geography & climate

Mountainous and continental inland, Mediterranean on the coast.

The highest Apennines — the Gran Sasso and Maiella — national parks, and a short Adriatic coast.

Economy & culture

Pharmaceuticals and manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, national parks.

Wild mountains and the wolf and bear, hill villages, the memory of the 2009 earthquake.