In 1891 it had reached a maximum of 2716. In the first half of the 20th century a massive emigration took place, both to mainland Italy, and to overseas countries such as the US and Australia. Today food production is almost nil, and tourism is the major source of income. Punta Lena, in the Southwest part of the island, was extensively cultivated, but it is now almost abandoned. The climate on Stromboli is typically mediterranean with fairly hot, dry summers.
Most precipitation falls in autumn and winter.
The total annual rainfall in Stromboli village is around 570 mm on average. Since there are no permanent streams and no reliable springs on the island, water has to be collected on roofs and verandes and stored in underground reservoirs. Today the demand for fresh water has grown to such an extent that tankers have to deliver water from the mainland up to several times a week during summertime. Monthly temperature averages are 12 degrees C in February, the coldest month, and 26 in August, the hottest.