Since about 1950, thousands of Venetians have left the islands to live in the mainland communities of Marghera and Mestre. The majority of Venice's people now live in Mestre. Many people have moved off the islands because the mainland offers greater job opportunities and a lower cost of living. The modern apartment buildings in Marghera and Mestre also attract many Venetians. Most of the buildings on the islands were erected hundreds of years ago, and there is no room to build new housing.
Tourism is the chief economic activity of the islands of Venice.
About 3 million tourists a year visit the historic center of the city. They make up an important market for goods produced by craftworkers who live on the various islands. The islands of Murano have won fame for fine crystal and glassware. Lace and embroidered work come from Burano. The industrial and trade activities of Venice center in Marghera and Mestre.