With 60 million citizens according to a 2016 census, Italy, the European nation, shares its borders with Austria, France, the Holy See (Vatican City), San Marino, Slovenia, and Switzerland. It also has maritime borders with Albania, Algeria, Croatia, Greece, Libya, Malta, Montenegro, Spain, and Tunisia. Its central geo-location within Europe and its complex relationship with the EU have put Italy a centre stage in the recent migration coverage.
Since the so-called 'European migration crisis' began in the summer of 2015, Italy has been a crucial touch point in the migration route from Africa — with migrant boats often leaving from the coast of Tunisia and its neighbours — on the dangerous, brave, and difficult journey for a better life. It has been reported that despite the rise of far-right with Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, migration has revived some of the most remote villages across Italy.
