Germany has a population of about **84 million**, making it the most populous country in the European Union. Population distribution is uneven: the densest concentrations are found in large metropolitan regions such as Berlin, the Rhine-Ruhr area, Rhine-Main, Munich, Hamburg, Stuttgart, and Leipzig-Halle, while some rural and peripheral areas are less densely settled.
**Population characteristics** - Germany has an **ageing population** by global standards, with a substantial share of older adults and relatively low birth rates over the long term. - Population growth in recent decades has depended significantly on **immigration**. - Men and women are present in roughly balanced proportions at the national level.
**Ethnic and migration background** - The population is majority ethnic German in historical origin, but modern Germany is highly diverse. - Millions of residents have a **migration background**, including families with roots in Turkey, Poland, Russia, Kazakhstan, Italy, Romania, Syria, Ukraine, the Balkans, and many other parts of Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. - Large urban areas tend to be especially diverse.
**Languages** - **German** is the official language and overwhelmingly the main language of public life. - Recognised minority or regional languages include **Danish**, **Lower German**, **Sorbian**, **Frisian**, and **Romani** in certain contexts and regions. - English is widely taught and often used in business, research, and tourism.
**Religion** - Christianity has historically shaped the country, especially **Roman Catholic** and **Protestant** traditions. - Germany also has significant **Muslim** communities and smaller Jewish, Orthodox Christian, Buddhist, Hindu, and other religious populations. - A large share of the population identifies with **no religion**, especially in parts of eastern Germany.
**Education, income, and work** - Germany has high literacy and a strong educational system, including public universities and vocational training. - Employment is concentrated in services, manufacturing, public administration, health, logistics, retail, finance, education, and technical professions. - Income and employment conditions vary by region, with some longstanding east-west differences still present, though the gap has narrowed over time.
_Data not readily available for this location._
