This work describes the features of Italian urban areas, along with their evolution in terms of occupied area, population and levels of economic activity. Special emphasis is placed on the productivity advantage displayed by cities with respect to non-urban areas.
Since the 1980s, Italian cities have increased in size, both in economic terms and in terms of occupied area, absorbing a growing number of municipalities. They display a more pronounced concentration of high-skilled workers, innovative activities and knowledge-intensive services. Compared to non-urban areas, cities have a 3 percent higher labor productivity in services, even net of observable characteristics regarding the local production structure and labor markets.
