GROWTH OF ITALY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20901, 17 June 1931, Page 8

GROWTH OF ITALY.

The remarkable increase in the population of Italy, as revealed in the recent census, is' a fact to be noted in the European outlook. Under the present regime, the part played by man-power in achieving national greatness has been emphasised constantly, and laws framed to encourage the birth-rate, as well as to lessen infant mortality, have been rigorously administered. Reclamation schemes 011 a large scale have been devised to increase the area of land under cultivation, yet the density of population steadily rises. Losses occasioned by the World War were soon made up by Italians returning from abroad under inviting inducement, and the almost feverish eagerness to emigrate, more recently a feature of Italian life, has been restrained—partly by the closing of foreign doors, partly by the careful disciplining of tho groups that go to France, the only country to which Italians now go in considerable numbers. All through the experience of emigration has persisted a determination, on the part of Italy, to prevent absorption of the migrants in the countries to which they have gone. To build up a nation of size as well as efficiency has been a cherished aim, and now, over 42,000,000 strong, Italy is reaping a reward for this ambitious policy, very patiently pursued. As her neighbour and chief competitor, France, is in quite a different case, Italy can look forward, and doubtless does look forward, to a day of assertive strength—not necessarily in war, although this is a possibility not to be omitted from the reckoning. The present psychological effect of the rapid growth, in giving Italy a superiority complex, is of even more importance as a factor in European politics.