Italy ranks near bottom in European cultural consumption, Eurostat data shows

According to 2015 Eurostat data, Italy ranks among the lowest in Europe for cultural participation, with only 17.5% of women and 17.3% of men visiting a cultural site. The country trails behind peers like Denmark, where 46.8% of men and 46.3% of women visited cultural sites. Italy also scores low in other categories: 20.8% of women and 20.7% of men go out with friends (Denmark: 31.9% and 26.1%); 21.4% of women and 22.9% of men go to the cinema (Denmark: 45.1% and 44.8%); 17.4% of women and 17.2% of men attend live performances (Denmark: 46.8% and 44.2%); 7.7% of women and 14.4% of men attend sports events (Denmark: 24.7% and 32.5%); 18% of women and 20% of men read books (Denmark: 62% and 39%). Italy's cultural consumption is nearly equal between genders, except for reading (women lead) and sports (men lead). The data raises concerns about the country's future, especially given its aging population, where cultural engagement could improve social well-being.