Germany's population increased by just under 100,000 last year, according the statistical office (Destatis), bringing the country's total population to about 83.6 million as of December 2024.
Net immigration was the cause of population growth, because there were more deaths than births among Germany's resident population.
Germany's birth-rate still in decline
Deaths in Germany have outnumbered births in every year since German reunification in1990.
Interestingly, the numbers of both deaths and births were down by about 2.5 percent in 2024 as compared to 2023.
According to reports from the registry offices, Destatis expects that between 670,000 to 690,000 births took place in Germany in 2024. At the same time roughly one million deaths were recorded.
So Germany's birth deficit for 2024, that is the difference between births and deaths, is expected to be between 310,000 and 330,000. (This estimate is based on data which included stats up until October 2024. Destatis will publish precise numbers later, after November and December are accounted for.)
Last year marks the third year in a row in which the birth deficit was above 300,000 - it peaked in 2023 with a recorded net deficit of precisely 335,217.
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In comparison, the average birth deficit from 1991 to 2021 was 137,380 people per year. This shows that Germany's birth deficit has been steadily increasing in recent decades.
However, the country's population has continued to grow, slowly but steadily, due to immigration.
How much immigration did Germany see in 2024?
The number of immigrants who entered Germany in 2024 was less than in the previous year.Â
Destatis reports that net immigration in 2024 - which is the difference between arrivals and departures to and from Germany - was between 400,000 and 440,000. (Again the range was calculated based on figures up until October, and a specific number will be announced later.)
That's down by at least 34 percent compared to the previous year when Destatis recorded a net gain of 662,964 immigrants.
Destatis suggests that the fall in net immigration is due to reduced immigration from Syria, Afghanistan, Turkey and EU countries.
READ ALSO: The immigration changes that may affect foreigners in Germany this year
Where in Germany are populations growing and shrinking?
While the country's total population continues to steadily climb, if you zoom in it becomes apparent that populations in some German districts are growing while others are shrinking.
According to recent forecasts, the total population in the Bundesrepublik is expected to grow by a total of 800,000 people until 2045, but local populations in some regions will decline until then if current trends aren't changed.
Generally former East German districts (excluding Berlin and much of Brandenburg) are experiencing the heaviest population decline, whereas southern German districts (especially around Munich) are experiencing population growth.
This map by Tagesschau shows how populations are changing across Germany's districts.
READ ALSO: What will Germany's population look like in 2045?
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