The number of prostitutes working on the streets of Rome has fallen by around 1,000 in the last eight years, according to a new report commissioned by city authorities. In 2004-2005, there were between 2,000-2,200 prostitutes on the streets, down from 3,000-3,500 in 1998. The total number of prostitutes in Rome, including those working out of private apartments, is estimated to be around 3,500-4,000 people. Some 380 street workers are thought to be underage. In Lazio as a whole there are 4,500 prostitutes, although the report found that the profession has a seasonal character meaning that women come and go from the region depending on demand. The peak season in Lazio is from June to August, while there is less activity from November to March. During the low season many of the women working voluntarily return to their country of origin, while those remaining are predominantly those being forced to work. Between 75 to 80 per cent of prostitutes are foreign, with most women originating from Romania, Nigeria, Moldavia, Ukraine and Albania.