Marriage is not what it used to be in Italy, according to statistics recently released by Istat, (Italian statistics institute).

The data was compiled from finalised divorce and separation procedures registered through the civil courts throughout Italy, from 1995 to 2005. During that 10 year period, the number of divorces showed a 74 percent increase, while the number of separations increased by 57.3 percent.

The majority of divorces and separations are concentrated in northern Italy, and sociologists place the blame on the hectic pace of life and heavy work schedules. In 2005 the greatest number of legally interrupted marriages was registered in Liguria, followed by Valle d