Half of European Towns Have Shrunk Since the 1960s, Study Finds

A new analysis reveals that roughly half of Europe's towns and villages have smaller populations today than they did 60 years ago. The findings highlight a long-term trend of demographic decline affecting rural and small urban communities across the continent. Factors such as migration to larger cities, aging populations, and low birth rates are understood to be key drivers of this shrinkage. The research underscores growing concerns about the economic and social sustainability of depopulating regions in Europe.