Germany’s population saw a modest increase in 2024, rising by 0.1% to nearly 83.6 million, according to figures released by the Federal Statistical Office in Wiesbaden. This growth, amounting to approximately 121,000 people, was primarily fueled by a migration surplus, underscoring the continuing importance of immigration to Germany’s demographic development. Meanwhile, the natural population trend, deaths exceeding births, continued for another year.
The data reveals that migration remains the key driver behind Germany’s population increase. Although net migration declined from 660,000 in 2023 to 420,000 in 2024, it remained significantly positive, contributing to the slight population growth. In contrast, natural demographic change continued to shrink the population, as 330,000 more people died than were born, a figure similar to that recorded in 2023.
This ongoing migration surplus helped counterbalance the negative natural population trend. Without immigration, Germany would have experienced another year of overall population decline. The data highlight the country’s reliance on immigration to maintain population stability amid low birth rates and an aging native population.
The population changes were not uniform across the country. Western Germany experienced a modest increase of 0.2%, equivalent to 136,000 people, raising its population to 67.5 million. Meanwhile, the eastern federal states (excluding Berlin) saw a decline of 0.3%, losing around 38,000 residents and bringing their total population down to 12.4 million.
The most significant population declines were observed in:
In contrast, Bavaria recorded the most substantial population gain, growing by 73,000 people. This aligns with a broader trend of higher in-migration and economic opportunities in southern and western parts of Germany.
One of the most striking findings is the increase in the foreign population. In 2024, the number of foreign nationals living in Germany grew by 283,000, or 2.3%, reaching 12.4 million. Meanwhile, the German (citizen) population declined by 162,000, or 0.2%, to 71.2 million. This resulted in a slight rise in the proportion of foreigners in the total population, from 14.5% at the end of 2023 to 14.8% at the end of 2024.
The largest foreign communities in Germany remain:
These groups reflect broader geopolitical and historical ties, with ongoing conflicts and migration patterns continuing to shape Germany’s demographic landscape. The presence of large foreign populations also highlights the country’s role as a key destination for asylum seekers, refugees, and economic migrants.
To conclude, Germany’s modest population growth is driven largely by a continued migration surplus that helped offset the natural population decline. While net migration has slowed, it remains the primary source of growth, highlighting immigration's critical role in shaping the nation’s demographic future.
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