At the end of 2022, the population of Germany stood at at least 84.3 million, a record number since observations began in 1950. According to data from the Federal Statistical Office, nearly one quarter of the German population has a migration background. Thanks to this information, for the first time in Europe, a comparable definition of what is considered an immigrant is given.
Germany had 14.2 million people in 2021 who have entered the country since 1950. This was reported by the Federal Statistical Office with reference to the population micro-census, according to which the share of migrants in the population was 17.3%. A further 4.7 million people (5.7%) were direct descendants of migrants, i.e. they themselves were born in Germany, but both of their parents immigrated to Germany after 1950. Thus, the proportion of people with a migration history after 1950 was 23%.
In addition, 3.7 million people (4.5%) born in Germany had a parent who immigrated to Germany after 1950.
In 2021, Germany was in seventh place among the 27 EU member states, with 17.3% of its population immigrants, according to results from European statistical body Eurostat.
The highest figures were in Malta with 22.3%, Cyprus with 22.1% and Sweden with 21.9%. The countries with the smallest share of immigrants were Bulgaria, Romania and Poland, each with less than 1%.
First and second generation immigrants
The Federal Statistical Office has published data of this type for the first time, based on the following concept: direct migrants (first generation) and their direct descendants (second generation). It was recommended by a federal government review board in 2021. According to this definition, people have a migration background if they or both parents immigrated to present-day Germany after 1950. People with only one parent who have immigrated after 1950 are not counted in the population with a migration background, as recommended by an expert group.
Thus, the new concept is analytically clearer than the concept of “migration context”. It only refers to the criterion of “migration experience” and does not confuse it with nationality. In addition, the new concept is less complex and more internationally comparable. According to the Federal Statistical Office, the old concept of migration background will for the time being be published in parallel.
The micro-census is a sample study in which approximately 1% of the German population is surveyed each year. All data is based on respondents’ statements. In order to be able to decide on the total population from the data collected, the data are extrapolated to the main indicators of population renewal. The results refer to the population of private primary households (82.3 million in 2021) and not to the population of collective dwellings.
Germany says this:
The second subsidy for paying for heating – when the money is transferred
Restricted or totally prohibited Tiktok
Which heating systems will be banned after 2024
Holidays in Mallorca will increase by 33% this year
Energy price caps, summer time, mourning for beer drinkers, social security contributions for creative people, what to expect from March 1
Sensation in Germany: “Düsseldorf patient” cured of HIV and cancer
Reimbursement for gas and electricity varies by state
Unscrupulous traders – prices increase between the counter and the cashier
