Calabria is located in the south-west of the Apennine peninsula or, if you take a look at the map, on the "tip of the Italian boot". Although it is a geographically attractive coastal region, some of the small towns there have become significantly depopulated in recent years. But a few years ago the Calabria authorities came up with an idea to prevent this process.

The region of Calabria is offering up to €28,000 for up to three years to support those who want to move to towns with fewer than 2,000 inhabitants, in hope of reversing the ongoing depopulation process. The monthly income can be between €800 and €1,000 for two or three years. Eight municipalities are participating in the programme: Ateia, Albidona, Bovea, Caccuri, Civita, San Donato di Ninea, Sant'Agata del Bianco, Samos and Santa Severina.

However, the project is not open to everyone, but only to those who meet certain requirements. The offer is aimed at Italian citizens aged between 18 and 40 who come from a municipality with more than 2,000 inhabitants or people of the same age from abroad. Knowledge of the Italian language will be essential as English is not sufficient to successfully find your way in the Italian countryside.

The language will also be necessary because new residents have to move to designated locations and set up businesses there. A salary is paid monthly or as a one-off support to start the business. Once the application is approved, new residents have 90 days to move and settle in their new municipality.

Source: www.calabriadirettanews.com