What is the population of Germany in 2026?
Germany has a population of 83,491,249 people (2025 estimate), which is 19th in the world and about 1.01% of the global total.
Officially Federal Republic of Germany
Population 2025
83,491,249
1.01% of world population
World Bank, 2025Annual Growth
−0.03%
−25,047 people a year
World Bank, 2025Density
238/km²
349,430 km² land area
World Bank, 2023Median Age
45.5 years
Life expectancy 80.8 years
Our World in Data, 2025About Germany
Germany is the most populous country in the European Union and the second-most populous in Europe after Russia. Located in Central Europe, Germany has the world's fourth-largest economy and is known for its engineering excellence, automotive industry, and strong manufacturing base. As a founding member of the EU, Germany plays a central role in European politics and economics. The country combines a strong economy with comprehensive social welfare systems.
Country Facts
- Capital
- Berlin
- Continent
- Europe
- ISO codes
- DE · DEU
- Demonym
- German
- Currency
- Euro (EUR €)
- Government
- Federal parliamentary republic, Federation, Parliamentary republic +1 more
- State inception
- 1949
- Time zone
- UTC+01:00
- Driving side
- Right
- Calling code
- +49
- Internet TLD
- .de
- Land neighbours
- 9
Languages
- German
Religions
- Christianity (Catholic 27%, Protestant 25%)
- None (38%)
- Islam (5%)
- Other (5%)
Demographics
Germany's population of 83 million faces significant aging, with a median age of 45.7 years. The population would be declining without immigration. About 78% live in urban areas. Germany has a significant immigrant population, with about 15% of residents being foreign nationals. Turkish Germans form the largest immigrant group. Recent years saw large refugee inflows, particularly from Syria.
Economy
Germany has Europe's largest economy, known for automobiles (Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes-Benz), machinery, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. The 'Mittelstand' (small and medium enterprises) forms the economic backbone. Germany is a global export powerhouse and manufacturing leader. The economy emphasizes vocational training and apprenticeships. Renewable energy transition (Energiewende) is transforming the energy sector.
Major exports
- Automobiles
- Machinery
- Chemicals
- Electronics
- Pharmaceuticals
- Metals
- Medical devices
Major imports
- Machinery
- Data processing equipment
- Vehicles
- Chemicals
- Oil and gas
- Metals
- Food products
Health
Education
Environment
Infrastructure
Quality of Life
Geography
Germany's landscape ranges from the North Sea and Baltic coasts in the north, through the North German Plain, Central German Uplands, and the Alps in the south. Major rivers include the Rhine, Danube, and Elbe. Climate is temperate, with relatively mild winters and warm summers. About 32% of the land is forested. Germany has no natural borders except the Alps in the south.
Natural resources
- Coal
- Lignite
- Natural gas
- Iron ore
- Copper
- Nickel
- Uranium
- Potash
- Salt
- Timber
Climate
- Temperate; marine in north, continental in east
Military
Age & Gender Distribution
Population by five-year age band, UN World Population Prospects 2024.
Male Female
- Age 0–14
- 13.9%
- Age 15–64
- 62.9%
- Age 65+
- 23.2%
| Age band | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| 100+ | 2,883 | 15,795 |
| 95-99 | 44,608 | 136,728 |
| 90-94 | 237,981 | 497,822 |
| 85-89 | 836,461 | 1,342,987 |
| 80-84 | 1,384,073 | 1,874,714 |
| 75-79 | 1,487,282 | 1,808,502 |
| 70-74 | 2,105,256 | 2,440,885 |
| 65-69 | 2,601,629 | 2,794,784 |
| 60-64 | 3,261,117 | 3,336,178 |
| 55-59 | 3,427,271 | 3,414,526 |
| 50-54 | 2,774,856 | 2,765,079 |
| 45-49 | 2,512,301 | 2,495,273 |
| 40-44 | 2,728,526 | 2,673,541 |
| 35-39 | 2,878,291 | 2,730,430 |
| 30-34 | 2,749,068 | 2,561,169 |
| 25-29 | 2,517,030 | 2,292,365 |
| 20-24 | 2,178,574 | 2,020,486 |
| 15-19 | 1,987,325 | 1,875,095 |
| 10-14 | 1,971,502 | 1,864,904 |
| 5-9 | 2,100,546 | 1,994,379 |
| 0-4 | 1,966,458 | 1,863,564 |
Population History & Projection (1950–2100)
Observed population to 2024, then the UN medium-variant projection.
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 1950 | 69,847,782 |
| 1960 | 72,811,640 |
| 1970 | 78,205,102 |
| 1980 | 78,315,375 |
| 1990 | 79,707,959 |
| 2000 | 81,797,258 |
| 2010 | 80,830,924 |
| 2020 | 83,628,708 |
| 2030 | 82,780,953 |
| 2040 | 80,551,736 |
| 2050 | 78,294,613 |
| 2060 | 75,604,605 |
| 2070 | 73,615,845 |
| 2080 | 72,112,514 |
| 2090 | 71,200,405 |
| 2100 | 70,899,863 |
History
The German lands were home to Germanic tribes since ancient times. The Holy Roman Empire dominated Central Europe for centuries. German unification under Prussian leadership occurred in 1871. Germany was a major combatant in both World Wars. Following WWII, it was divided into East and West Germany until reunification in 1990. Since then, Germany has become the EU's economic and political leader.
Culture
German culture has produced giants in philosophy (Kant, Nietzsche), music (Bach, Beethoven, Brahms), literature (Goethe, Schiller), and science (Einstein, Planck). Germany is known for beer, sausages, and Oktoberfest. Football is the most popular sport. German engineering precision and punctuality are cultural values. The country has 52 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Current Challenges
Germany faces challenges including an aging population and workforce shortages, integrating refugees, rising housing costs in cities, energy transition costs, maintaining industrial competitiveness with China, and managing the political rise of right-wing parties. The energy crisis following reduced Russian gas supplies highlighted energy dependency. Infrastructure requires significant investment.
Future Outlook
Germany is investing heavily in digitalization, renewable energy, and adapting to demographic change through immigration and automation. The country aims to be climate-neutral by 2045. Labor shortages may be addressed through skilled immigration and increased automation. Germany's role in EU stability and European defense is evolving. The economy is transitioning from traditional manufacturing to more service and tech-oriented sectors.
Highlights
What Germany Is Known For
- Europe's largest economy
- 52 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- Birthplace of the printing press
- World's third-largest automobile producer
- EU's most populous country
Interesting Facts About Germany
- Germany has over 20,000 castles
- There are over 1,500 types of sausage in Germany
- German is the most widely spoken native language in Europe
- Germany has over 35,000 km of autobahn, with sections having no speed limit
- Oktoberfest attracts over 6 million visitors annually
- Germans invented gummy bears, beer purity laws, and aspirin
How Germany Compares
Population against the ten most populous countries.
| Name | Population |
|---|---|
| India | 1.46B |
| China | 1.41B |
| United States | 341.8M |
| Indonesia | 285.7M |
| Pakistan | 255.2M |
| Nigeria | 237.5M |
| Brazil | 212.8M |
| Bangladesh | 175.7M |
| Russia | 143.5M |
| Ethiopia | 135.5M |
| Germany | 83.5M |
Major Cities in Germany
3 metropolitan areas in our city dataset.
Countries Bordering Germany
9 land borders.
- Austria9.21M · +0.33%
- Belgium11.9M · +0.70%
- Czech Republic10.9M · −0.17%
- Denmark6.01M · +0.54%
- France68.7M · +0.25%
- Luxembourg687K · +1.46%
- Netherlands18.1M · +0.52%
- Poland36.4M · −0.34%
- Switzerland9.09M · +0.96%
Germany Population FAQ
Is the population of Germany growing or shrinking?
Germany's population is shrinking at −0.03% per year, a change of roughly 25,047 people annually.
What is the capital of Germany?
The capital of Germany is Berlin.
What is the largest city in Germany?
Berlin is the largest metropolitan area in Germany, with about 3.68M people.
How densely populated is Germany?
Germany has 238/km² across 349,430 km² of land area.
What is life expectancy in Germany?
Life expectancy at birth in Germany is 80.8 years (2024).
What is the median age in Germany?
The median age in Germany is 45.5 years, meaning half the population is younger than that and half older.
Which continent is Germany in?
Germany is in Europe.