Population: Germany

In 1871, several small states are united to form the German Empire. Around 41 million people live here, mostly in villages and small towns. They farm or mine for a living. There are only a few big cities in the whole of Germany. But in the late 1870s, more people begin moving to cities to take jobs in new factories that are opening.

Urbanisation is underway. By 1910, there are many big cities and two thirds of the population live in urban areas. People here are earning good wages, and the government has introduced medical care and unemployment insurance for workers. It is a good time to start or grow a family. The birth rate climbs.

By 1910, Germany’s population reaches 65 million. In 1914, World War I breaks out. Nearly three million Germans are killed. The chaos of wartime also means fewer people have children. The birth rate drops.

In 1918, World War I ends; Germany has lost. Several regions go to the war’s victors. In 1919, the population of Germany has shrunk to 61 million. In the 1930s, German territory and population both grow again when Germany takes over Austria and part of Czechoslovakia. In 1939, at the outbreak of World War II, Germany’s population is 79 million.

Seven million Germans lose their lives in World War II. Defeated and forced once again to give up territory, a much smaller Germany emerges in 1945. Alongside the German population living here, there are around 8 million people from other countries — mostly prisoners and forced labourers who survived the war. The population in 1946 is 65 million. In 1949, Germany is split into two countries. “East Germany,” or the German Democratic Republic, is controlled by the Soviet Union.

Its population is 18 million. “West Germany,” or the Federal Republic of Germany, is controlled by the western Allies from World War II. Its population is 50 million. During the 1950s, East Germany’s population decreases. Millions flee for the freer, more prosperous West. Since many of those leaving are young adults, the birth rate drops.

In 1961, the leaders of East Germany build The Berlin Wall along the border with West Germany to stop people leaving. Still, the population of East Germany continues shrinking, and in 1981 it is just 16 million. In West Germany, meanwhile, the population grows rapidly. The economy recovers well after the war, and people move here from East Germany and elsewhere to find jobs. By 1989, West Germany’s population is 62 million.

About 20 percent is made up of refugees, immigrants, and their families. In 1989, the Berlin Wall is pulled down and East and West Germany rejoin. The population of reunified Germany is 80 million. Since reunification, Germany’s population has mostly been growing. The growth has been based on more people moving to Germany than moving away — that is, on positive net migration.

As of 2021, the population is estimated at 83 million. Germany’s birth rate, however, is one of the lowest in the world. Many people are spending time on their education and careers before having children. Meanwhile, the age people in Germany can expect to live to — the life expectancy — is among the highest in the world, at 82 years. The low birth rate combined with high life expectancy means that, even with continued immigration of young people, Germany’s population is ageing.

Experts predict that by 2050, over 30 percent of Germany’s population will be 65 years or older. Germany will need to find solutions to a shrinking workforce and greater demand on public healthcare and pension systems.