About half live in other EU countries, the rest mainly in the USA, South America and Australia. Most migrants then, as now, are from the poorer south - the Mezzogiorno . Within Italy, prejudice still exists in the north against southern Italians. Italians do not have a strong sense of national identity - except when it comes to sport. State institutions are viewed as inefficient and corrupt.
Allegiance is to Europe, the region or the community, above all to the family.
The extended family remains Italy's key social and economic support system. Most Italians live at home before marriage. Marriage rates are among the highest in Europe and divorce rates the lowest. Italians tend to dress well.