A Third of Hessians Tracing Roots Beyond the State's Borders
Nearly one-third of Hessians originate from foreign lands - Approximately a third of Hessian residents originated from foreign countries.
In an intriguing expose, we delve into the diverse backgrounds shaping the world of Hesse, with nearly a third of its residents hailing from foreign lands. The figure climbs to an astounding 48% in the bustling city of Frankfurt, figures reported by the Hesse Statistics Office in Wiesbaden based on the initial findings of the 2024 Microcensus [1][2].
The survey, accounting for 1% of the population each year, underscores that approximately 2.04 million residents in Hesse are of non-native descent, marking a 1.3% increase from the 2023 figures [1]. The report identifies Hessians and their descendants who made Germany their home since 1950, with 61.3% of the total population in the state bearing no connection to such migration history [1].
Varied motivations drive the journey
Delving deeper into the whys and wherefores, the Hesse Statistics Office shares that amidst the 1.5 million first-generation immigrants in Hesse in 2024, a staggering 39.1% had moved in the last six years. To elucidate, their primary reasons for relocation were escape from conflict or seeking asylum, international protection, family reunification, employment opportunities, or pursuits of education and vocational training [1].
Immigrants tend to be younger than the general population, with the average age of Hesse's inhabitants standing at 43.4 years in 2024, contrasting the 38.4 years for citizens with foreign roots [1].
Hessians and migration: a changing landscape
Although the 2024 data doesn't provide specific, detailed trends or reasons for migration unique to Hesse, the broader German context offers an enlightening insight [1]. For instance, the rise in naturalized citizenship, particularly among Syrians, marks a significant trend across Germany [3].
Moreover, the fact that Germany has experienced more deaths than births annually since 1972, rendering it reliant on immigration to maintain and grow its population, may influence regional migration patterns, including that of Hesse [4].
Xenophobia and competitiveness: factors within the framework
While Hesse itself lacks data on unique migration trends, xenophobic sentiments in some German regions can potentially restrict the flow of skilled workers to these areas. However, the regional allure of Hesse, bolstered by economic opportunities and cities like Frankfurt, may continue attracting migration [3].
Besides, the demographic challenges Hesse shares with much of Germany, such as low birth rates, could be addressed by increasing immigration levels [4]. In the end, a closer look at localized data would provide a clearer picture of Hesse-specific migration trends.
[1][2] Hesse Statistics Office, Hesse, 2024 Microcensus preliminary results
[3] German Federal Statistical Office (Destatis), Migration in Germany - Facts and Figures, 2024
[4] Migration Policy Institute, Annual Net Migration: A fundamental driver of population change in Europe, 2024.
- The employment policy for Hesse, considering its multicultural population, needs to address the diverse needs of immigrants who have migrated primarily for reasons such as employment opportunities or education.
- With politics playing a crucial role in immigration policies, the community policy in Hesse should aim to foster inclusivity and combat xenophobia, particularly to attract and retain skilled workers who can contribute to the region's economic growth.
