The province of Benevento has risen from 86th to 79th among 107 Italian provinces in the 2026 quality-of-life ranking, gaining seven places, according to NTR24 and Ottopagine.
The survey was produced by ItaliaOggi and Ital Communications in collaboration with the Sapienza University of Rome, based on 92 indicators grouped into nine dimensions.
Benevento ranks first in Italy in the Social security dimension and seventh in the Crimes and security dimension, according to both outlets.
The main weaknesses are Population, at 90th place with a worsening trend, Tourism, Entertainment and Culture at 103rd, and Income and wealth at 94th.
The remaining dimensions stand at 29th for the Health system, 71st for Environment, 81st for Education and training, and 83rd for Business and work, according to Ottopagine.
Barone said the Sannio area is recovering, but depopulation remains the real emergency: “Il Sannio recupera, ma lo spopolamento resta la vera emergenza,” as reported by NTR24.
The overall improvement coexists with structural problems linked to depopulation, the loss of young people and skills, and the reduction of services in inland areas.
The priorities indicated to counter depopulation are jobs, efficient health care and education, transport links and infrastructure, support for families, and opportunities for businesses.
