Germany Hits Record Population as Immigration Rises

Population Reaches Highest Level Ever Recorded

At the end of 2024, Germany reached an all-time population high of nearly 83.6 million people, according to newly released figures from the Federal Statistical Office. This marks a continued upward trend driven by migration gains, despite a persistent surplus of deaths over births. The population increased by 0.1 percent, translating to an additional 121,000 residents compared to the previous year.

While this is a significant milestone, the pace of growth has slowed from previous years. In 2023, the country saw a 0.4 percent increase, with a net rise of 338,000 people. The more moderate growth in 2024 is due to a decrease in net migration, which fell from 660,000 to 420,000. However, the balance between immigration and emigration remained positive enough to offset natural population decline.

Western Germany Gains, Eastern States Shrink

The growth was unevenly distributed across the country. Western Germany, including Berlin, experienced a 0.2 percent population increase, while the eastern states (excluding Berlin) faced a 0.3 percent decline. The largest gain in absolute numbers occurred in Bavaria, which added 73,000 people, while Thuringia recorded the sharpest decline with 15,000 fewer residents.

Other eastern states such as Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt also reported population losses of 12,000 and 9,000 respectively. In contrast, urban states like Berlin and Hamburg saw their populations grow by 0.6 percent, reflecting continued attraction to metropolitan areas.

Aging Population Shapes Demographic Trends

Demographic shifts are also being shaped by the country’s aging population. As of late 2024, more than 30 percent of Germans were aged 60 or older. The group of 60- to 79-year-olds increased by 2.2 percent, largely because the 1964 baby boom generation moved into this age bracket. Meanwhile, the 40- to 59-year-old group shrank by 1.4 percent, contributing to a broader age imbalance.

Even the 80-plus demographic grew slightly, by 0.2 percent, underlining the long-term trend toward an older national profile. The aging of the population is expected to put increasing pressure on social systems and healthcare infrastructure.

Foreign Population Continues to Grow

One of the most significant developments in 2024 was the increase in foreign residents. The number of people without German citizenship rose by 2.3 percent, or 283,000 individuals, bringing the total to 12.4 million. This raised the overall foreign population share to 14.8 percent, up from 14.5 percent the previous year.

By contrast, the number of German nationals decreased by 162,000, a decline of 0.2 percent, to 71.2 million. This shift reflects the broader demographic reality that much of Germany’s population growth is being driven by immigration rather than births.

The largest foreign nationality group remains Turkish nationals with approximately 1.4 million residents. They are followed by Ukrainians (1.085 million), Syrians (889,000), Romanians (771,000), and Poles (723,000). Most foreign residents fall within the 20 to 59 age group, which makes up nearly 20 percent of that segment of the population. Among those aged 60 and older, however, foreigners represent just 6.3 percent.

Migration Now the Primary Driver of Growth

Germany’s ongoing population increase comes despite a continued death surplus. In 2024, the number of deaths again exceeded births by approximately 330,000—a figure consistent with 2023. Without net migration, Germany’s total population would have shrunk.

Migration now plays an essential role in maintaining workforce size, demographic balance, and economic momentum. The updated data also come shortly after the United Nations warned against attempts by governments to manipulate birth rates, instead encouraging policies that support families and respect individual choices.

Regional Inequality Raises Policy Questions

The divergence between growing and shrinking regions presents long-term policy challenges. Western states and major cities continue to attract newcomers, while rural and eastern areas face depopulation. This dynamic could worsen regional economic disparities and increase strain on urban infrastructure.

Policy experts have raised concerns about the sustainability of this growth model. While immigration has offset natural decline for now, ongoing aging trends and regional imbalances may require new strategies to ensure cohesive development across the country.

Germany’s current demographic trajectory underscores the critical importance of immigration policy, labor integration, and regional development planning. The record-setting population figures reveal both resilience and vulnerability in the nation’s evolving social fabric.