A small portion of the populace comprises young individuals, amounting to just 10% of the whole.
Germany's Youth Population Hits a Historic Low
At the end of 2024, around 8.3 million people in Germany fell into the age group of 15-24 years old, making up approximately 10% of the population. This figure, reported by the Federal Statistical Office, represents a historic low for Germany and is below the EU average of 10.7%[1][3][5].
The low youth proportion is primarily due to demographic aging and historically low birth rates, compounded by immigration playing a significant role in maintaining the current level. Without recent immigration, particularly following Russia's attack on Ukraine in February 2022, the proportion would have been even lower, around 8.6-8.5%[1][5].
Immigration and the presence of children of immigrants (with 20.7% youth in this subgroup) help stabilize the youth demographic[1][5]. Key contributing factors to the low youth proportion compared to other EU countries include aging population and low birth rates, immigration's pivotal role, and demographic differences among descendants of immigrants who tend to have a higher percentage of youth relative to the general German population[1][5].
Regional differences within Germany also show notable variation. The highest proportions of young people are found in the city-states of Bremen (11.1%) and Hamburg (10.5%), as well as the southwestern state of Baden-Württemberg (10.5%)[3][5]. On the other hand, the lowest youth proportions are seen in the former East German states, specifically Brandenburg (8.7%), Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, and Saxony-Anhalt (each 8.9%)[3][5].
When compared with other EU countries, Germany's 10% youth share contrasts with higher proportions in Ireland (12.6%), the Netherlands (12.3%), and Denmark (12.2%)[3][5]. Meanwhile, some Eastern European countries like Bulgaria (9.2%) and Lithuania (9.5%) have even lower youth ratios.
In summary, Germany's low youth proportion is a result of demographic aging and low birth rates, somewhat mitigated by young immigration, with marked regional disparities—higher youth shares in urban, western states and lower shares in eastern states—reflecting historical, economic, and migratory patterns within the country[1][3][5].
- The general-news regarding Germany's historic low youth population might lead to discussions about the impact of politics, as policy decisions could influence immigration and birth rates.
- Amidst the general-news about Germany's youth demographics, it's interesting to note that politics, particularly with regard to immigration policies, play a significant role in the percentage of young people in the country.
