Demographic change in Germany

Abstract

German population trends show continued demographic decline and ageing. This can be explained by changes in fertility, mortality and immigration rates. Low fertility leads to smaller numbers of infants every year, which, compounded by low mortality and, consequently, larger numbers of elderly, shifts the population ratio. Incoming migrants used to counterbalance this ratio but this is no longer sufficient to replace youth not born in Germany. This article explores direct and indirect policy solutions to the demographic changes on the state, societal and regional levels.