Germany’s population is projected to decline by approximately 10 million people, reaching around 75 million by the year 2070, according to the German Federal Statistical Office. The agency released its latest population forecast today, highlighting significant demographic shifts expected in the coming decades.
The report indicates a rapidly aging population. Within the next decade, it is estimated that one in four people in Germany will be over the age of 67. By 2038, nearly 21 million individuals, representing 27% of the population, will have reached retirement age. This demographic shift presents significant challenges for the country’s workforce and social security systems.
These projections arrive at a time when businesses in Germany, the most populous nation in the European Union, are already grappling with unprecedented labor shortages. The shrinking workforce and increasing number of retirees are placing strain on the economy and raising concerns about future economic growth. The German government is currently exploring various policy options to address these challenges, including measures to encourage higher birth rates and attract skilled workers from abroad.
Furthermore, political leaders are struggling to manage a growing populist backlash against immigration, which has contributed to the rise of the nationalist Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in recent polls. The AfD’s anti-immigration stance has gained traction amid concerns about the social and economic impact of large-scale immigration.
Germany, already considered one of Europe’s oldest nations alongside Italy, faces increasing pressure to ensure the sustainability of its social programs. Currently, there are 33 retirees for every 100 working individuals. However, under a worst-case scenario, this ratio could climb to 61 retirees for every 100 workers by 2070. This potential imbalance poses a significant threat to the long-term viability of Germany’s social security system and requires proactive policy interventions.
