“The Country That Matters” Book Presentation

On Monday, 2 March, at 6:00 PM, the Archaeological Area at Giardini Luzzati in Genoa will host the book presentation of "Il Paese che conta: Come i numeri raccontano la nostra storia" (The Country That Counts: How Numbers Tell Our Story) by Linda Laura Sabbadini.

This public event highlights the value of data, statistics, and rigorous analysis of social phenomena in understanding contemporary and historical Italy, through the lens of one of the country's most authoritative statisticians. Luisa Stagi, Chair of the UniGe Equal Opportunities Committee (CPO), will participate in the discussion.

Programme

  • Welcome remarks: Sofia Di Patrizi, Spokesperson for Democratiche di Genova

  • Panel discussion (moderated by Mara Carocci, Fondazione Diesse) featuring:

    • Linda Laura Sabbadini, Statistician and former Director at ISTAT

    • Valentina Ghio, MP (Democratic Party)

    • Silvia Salis, Mayor of Genoa

    • Luisa Stagi, University of Genoa

    • Maria Silvia Vaccarezza, University of Genoa

About the Book

In "Il Paese che conta", Linda Laura Sabbadini takes readers on a journey through Italy’s recent decades using statistical data, demonstrating that numbers are not merely cold technical metrics, but essential tools for interpreting the country’s social, economic, and cultural transformations.

Through an accessible yet rigorous analysis, the book addresses key topics such as demographic shifts, women’s roles in society and the workforce, regional and social inequalities, the evolution of family structures, labor market dynamics, and emerging vulnerabilities and opportunities. Drawing on her extensive tenure at ISTAT, Sabbadini shows how statistics can empower democracy, foster civic awareness, and guide public policy.

The title carries a double meaning in Italian: the country that "counts" because it measures and analyzes itself methodically, but also the country that "matters" as its complexity comes to light through numbers.

The presentation offers a platform for public dialogue on highly topical issues: the intersection of data and politics, the role of statistical information in public debate, and the importance of data literacy in strengthening democratic quality. The event is open to the public.

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