Germany's population rise slows as migration declines
Germany's population grew at a slower pace last year. By the end of 2024, nearly 83.6 million people lived in Germany, an increase of almost 100,000 from 2023.
Initial estimates by the Federal Statistical Office indicate that in 2023 there was an increase of just under 340,000 people, primarily due to a significantly higher migration balance. This term refers to the difference between the number of people moving to Germany and those leaving the country.
Experts from the Federal Statistical Office explained that the migration balance was the sole reason for the rise in Germany's population in 2024. They added that, "as with every year since the reunification of Germany, the birth and death balance was negative in 2024, with more people passing away than being born."
Fewer deaths, but also fewer births
Both the number of births and deaths in 2024 decreased by approximately 2.5 per cent. Based on data available to date from civil registry offices, it is expected that between 670,000 and 690,000 children were born last year (2023: 692,989).
The number of deaths was about one million (2023: 1.03 million). This results in a birth deficit, the difference between the number of births and deaths, of between 310,000 and 330,000, which surpassed the 300,000 mark for the third consecutive year in 2024.
2023 a new record was reached with a deficit of 335,217 people. For comparison, between 1991 and 2021, the average birth deficit was only 137,380 people per year.
Net migration is decreasing
It is estimated that the migration balance was between 400,000 and 440,000 people last year. This marks a decrease of at least 34 per cent compared to 2023 (662,964).
Net migration returned to the level observed from 2016 to 2019, when it averaged 410,000 people. According to preliminary data, this change is attributed to lower net immigration, particularly from Syria, Afghanistan, Turkey, and European Union countries, as explained by the experts.
