Agrigento, Italy

Capital City

Living costs are manageable in this ancient Sicilian city of 55,512, but the 19.2% unemployment rate - nearly double Italy's average - is a stark reality check for potential expats. The economy hinges heavily on tourism and agriculture, with the once-booming sulfur mines now long shuttered.

Founded in 582 BC as the Greek colony of Akragas, the city reached its golden age under Theron's 5th century BC rule when its massive temples were constructed. Today these remarkably preserved Doric structures form the UNESCO-listed Valley of Temples, making tourism the economic backbone. The foreign population sits at just 6.7%, with Moroccans, Senegalese and Romanians forming the largest immigrant communities.

While the historic center retains its Sicilian character after reverting to its traditional name "Girgenti" in 2016, infrastructure remains basic. A new rail link to Palermo's airport launched in 2023, but the 2.5 hour journey time reflects the city's relative isolation. For entrepreneurial expats, opportunities exist in tourism and agriculture, but language skills and local connections are essential in this deeply traditional community.