Introduction

The first part of the book mainly employs demographic analysis tools to measure the development of the ageing of the population in the Mediterranean. The four countries observed have significant demographic similarities and at the same time substantial differences, which demonstrates that an uneven demographic transition process is taking place. If past demographic developments are fundamental for understanding the current situation, as well as future trends, the authors have included in their analysis of the ageing process many other crucial factors, such as the specific economic (crisis), social, territorial, cultural and political context of each country or region.