The locals of Venice are known as Venetians in English, or Veneziani in Italian. Within the local culture, they are often referred to as Venexiani in the Venetian language (Vèneto). Being a Venetian carries a deep sense of historical pride, as the city was a powerful maritime republic for over a millennium. In 2026, the term "local" is particularly significant because the resident population of the historic island city (the Centro Storico) has dwindled to fewer than 50,000 people due to the pressures of "over-tourism" and rising sea levels. True Venetians are known for their resilience and their unique "water-based" lifestyle, where the "streets" are canals and the primary mode of transport is the vaporetto or rowing a sandolo. Many Venetians now live on the mainland in Mestre or Marghera, but they still identify strongly with the lagoon's culture. For a visitor, identifying a "true" local often involves looking for people engaged in traditional trades like glassblowing in Murano or lace-making in Burano, or those who participate in historic rowing clubs. The Venetian identity is intricately tied to the city's artistic heritage, its unique dialect, and a fierce commitment to preserving the lagoon's fragile ecosystem.