Venice, Italy, overjoyed by 8 new residents in 10 days

THE Italian city of Venice has gained eight new residents in the days between June 19 and June 26, according to official statistics. 

On June 19, the resident count for the historic city was 51,660 while on June 26 it had risen to 51,668. 

The news was celebrated on social media by resident rights group Venessia.com, which keeps track of the dwindling number of inhabitants of the floating city. 

President of the organisation Matteo Secchi said, “It’s like when in a fight you get hit 678 times but then by chance you strike one directly in the face.”

While the news of eight new residents is positive for the city, it is little in the face of the constant decline of inhabitants in Venice. Since January 1, the old centre has lost 514 residents, local paper Il Gazzetino reports, with 42 in June alone. 

Venetians often choose to move away from the city for various reasons including job prospects, the high cost of renting and buying apartments, and overtourism.