Regional Mortality Differences in Germany and Italy -- A Macro and Micro Level Analysis of Similarities and Differences regarding Developments and Responsible Factors

Graziella Caselli, Università di Roma "La Sapienza"
Marc A. Luy, Federal Institute for Population Research, Germany

Regional mortality differences are known for a lot of countries but are usually examined solely at the national level. This study compares regional differences in Germany and Italy. In Germany as well as in Italy mortality is decreasing from the north to the south. This similar north-south gradient in mortality exists despite complete different north-south diversities in economic and industrial conditions between the two countries. During the second half of the 20th century these regional mortality differences underwent different developments in the two countries. While in Italy they diminished, in Germany they remained at a remarkable level. The main goal of this study is to determine the decisive macro and micro level factors that are responsible for the cause and changes in regional mortality differences to find out if they are caused by country specific factors, or if regional mortality differences are due to factors that work irrespective the specific economic and societal background.