While some urban centres have embraced migrant resettlement as a way of revitalising their dwindling communities, others are opposed to it and have called for the EU to tackle the problem (Fig. 21.27).
The Italian island of Lampedusa is one of the main landing points for migrants: it is only 460 km from Libya.
Chapter 27 Migration
The number of migrants on this route has substantially decreased from 181,436 in 2016 to 23,370 in 2018.
Fig. 21.27 Rescue of migrants crossing from Libya to the Mediterranean.
EXAM LINK (HL) Population in a European Region (30 marks)
Account for the distribution of population throughout a European region (not in Ireland) that you have studied. 2013, Q5C
Organised crime
The activities of organised crime groups such as Cosa Nostra in Sicily impact on private investment. Racketeering, intimidation, criminal gangs and corrupt practices make the region unattractive to outside investors. Criminal involvement in road infrastructure projects led to the use of substandard materials, which, in turn, has led to a crumbling infrastructure.
Urbanisation
In January 2015, the province of Naples was replaced by the Metropolitan City of Naples. With a population of over three million, it dominates the urban geography of the region. The
Fig. 21.28 Sketch map of the main urban centres of the Mezzogiorno.
