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Indian Population in Italy: A Growing Community
India has the largest diaspora in the world. As per the Ministry of External Affairs, there are 3.2 Crores or 32 million Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) residing outside India. As per the Ministry of External Affairs report, there are 206,503 (2.06 Lakh) Indians residing in Italy.
- Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) – 39,170
- Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) – 167,333 (1.67 Lakh)
As of January 1, 2024, the total population of foreign citizens in Italy was 5,141,341, with Indians accounting for approximately 210,000 as of January 1, 2024.
read about Population of Overseas Indians
Italy Indian population 2026
Population Overview
Total Indians: Approximately 210,000 (2.10 lakh), making up 0.2% of Italy’s total population.
Persons of Indian Origin (PIO): Around 45,000.
Indians account for 2.9% of Italy’s foreign population, reflecting steady growth over the years.
Where Do Indians Live in Italy?
Central and Northern Italy: Half of the Indian population resides here, with significant concentrations in Rome and Milan.
Lombardy: Home to the largest Indian community, with 47,743 residents.
Economic Contributions
Agriculture: A majority of Indians work in agriculture, contributing significantly to the sector.
Dairy Industry:
Punjabi Immigrants dominate the dairy sector.
60% of workers in the Parmesan industry are Sikhs, showcasing their pivotal role in this iconic industry.
NRIs in Italy
Non-Resident Indians (NRIs): Approximately 162,492 (1.63 lakh).
Recent immigrants include IT professionals and other skilled workers, reflecting a shift toward diverse professional contributions.
Religion Among Indians in Italy
Most Indians in Italy have preserved their religious traditions, with the community practicing Hinduism, Sikhism, Islam, and Christianity. Religious diversity is evident in the numerous temples, gurdwaras, and ISKCON centers across the country. Additionally, there is a significant number of Christians from Kerala.
Religious Composition of Indians in Italy:
- Sikhism: 64.4% (Largest group)
- Hinduism: 22.0%
- Christianity: 4.6%
- Islam: 3.4%
- Buddhism: 0.9%
- Non-religious: 1.6%
- Other religions: 3.1%