Spatial distribution and settlement patterns of foreign population in Italy and Spain: a comparative multilevel approach

The chapter presents a comparative analysis of the settlement patterns of foreign citizens residing in two major Southern European countries: Italy and Spain. Traditionally countries of emigration, both have only recently—compared to Central and Northern European nations—become destinations for international migrants. The analysis is based on extensive use of spatially referenced data from the national population censuses of both countries and adopts a multilevel approach. A diachronic perspective allows for the exploration of temporal changes not only in settlement patterns but also in the size and age structure of the resident foreign population. The findings reveal both similarities and differences within and between the two countries, underscoring the importance of spatial analysis in population studies.