Population density (people per sq. km of land area) in Germany was reported at 240 sq. Km in 2023, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. Germany - Population density (people per sq. km) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on October of 2025.

Historical dataset showing Germany population density by year from 1961 to 2022.

Germany DE: Population Density: People per Square Km data was reported at 238.017 Person/sq km in 2020. This records an increase from the previous number of 237.823 Person/sq km for 2019. Germany DE: Population Density: People per Square Km data is updated yearly, averaging 228.349 Person/sq km from Dec 1961 (Median) to 2020, with 60 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 238.017 Person/sq km in 2020 and a record low of 210.173 Person/sq km in 1961. Germany DE: Population Density: People per Square Km data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Germany – Table DE.World Bank.WDI: Population and Urbanization Statistics. Population density is midyear population divided by land area in square kilometers. Population is based on the de facto definition of population, which counts all residents regardless of legal status or citizenship--except for refugees not permanently settled in the country of asylum, who are generally considered part of the population of their country of origin. Land area is a country's total area, excluding area under inland water bodies, national claims to continental shelf, and exclusive economic zones. In most cases the definition of inland water bodies includes major rivers and lakes.;Food and Agriculture Organization and World Bank population estimates.;Weighted average;

The population density in Hamburg has been steadily increasing in recent years, with ***** inhabitants per square kilometer in 2023. This statistic shows the population density in Hamburg from 1995 to 2023.

View yearly updates and historical trends for Germany Population Density. Source: World Bank. Track economic data with YCharts analytics.

In 2024, the most populated federal state in Germany is North Rhine-Westphalia in the west, with a population of almost 18 million. The state capital is Düsseldorf. Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg in the south rounded up the top three, both with over 10 million inhabitants.

***** people per square kilometer lived in Berlin in 2023. This was an increase compared to the previous year at *****. The population density has been increasing slowly during the specified period.

This dataset features three gridded population dadasets of Germany on a 10m grid. The units are people per grid cell.

Datasets

DE_POP_VOLADJ16: This dataset was produced by disaggregating national census counts to 10m grid cells based on a weighted dasymetric mapping approach. A building density, building height and building type dataset were used as underlying covariates, with an adjusted volume for multi-family residential buildings.

DE_POP_TDBP: This dataset is considered a best product, based on a dasymetric mapping approach that disaggregated municipal census counts to 10m grid cells using the same three underyling covariate layers.

DE_POP_BU: This dataset is based on a bottom-up gridded population estimate. A building density, building height and building type layer were used to compute a living floor area dataset in a 10m grid. Using federal statistics on the average living floor are per capita, this bottom-up estimate was created.

Please refer to the related publication for details.

Temporal extent

The building density layer is based on Sentinel-2 time series data from 2018 and Sentinel-1 time series data from 2017 (doi: http://doi.org/10.1594/PANGAEA.920894)

The building height layer is representative for ca. 2015 (doi: 10.5281/zenodo.4066295)

The building types layer is based on Sentinel-2 time series data from 2018 and Sentinel-1 time series data from 2017 (doi: 10.5281/zenodo.4601219)

The underlying census data is from 2018.

Data format

The data come in tiles of 30x30km (see shapefile). The projection is EPSG:3035. The images are compressed GeoTiff files (*.tif). There is a mosaic in GDAL Virtual format (*.vrt), which can readily be opened in most Geographic Information Systems.

Further information

For further information, please see the publication or contact Franz Schug (franz.schug@geo.hu-berlin.de).
A web-visualization of this dataset is available here.

Publication

Schug, F., Frantz, D., van der Linden, S., & Hostert, P. (2021). Gridded population mapping for Germany based on building density, height and type from Earth Observation data using census disaggregation and bottom-up estimates. PLOS ONE. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0249044

Acknowledgements

Census data were provided by the German Federal Statistical Offices.

Funding
This dataset was produced with funding from the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (MAT_STOCKS, grant agreement No 741950).

238.0 (people per sq. km) in 2020. Population density is midyear population divided by land area in square kilometers.

Comprehensive socio-economic dataset for Germany including population demographics, economic indicators, geographic data, and social statistics. This dataset covers key metrics such as GDP, population density, area, capital city, and regional classifications.

In 2024, 40-59-year-olds made up the largest age group in Germany, at around 22.3 million people. The most recent figures confirm that the next-largest age group was 65 years and older, at roughly 19 million. Aging population With the number of people belonging to older age groups visibly outstripping younger ones, in recent years it has become clear that Germany’s population is aging. In fact, figures on age structure in Germany depict a constant trend of a slowly increasing population share aged over 65 since 2012. Meanwhile, the share of population members aged 0 to 14 years has been falling, which was also reflected in the fluctuating national birth rate in recent years. A look at the future Germany’s current total population is around 83.6 million. While this number is predicted to increase, the same goes for the age group of 65 years and older. This means that the national population will continue to age.

Census data reveals that population density varies noticeably from area to area. Small area census data do a better job depicting where the crowded neighborhoods are. In this map, the yellow areas of highest density range from 30,000 to 150,000 persons per square kilometer. In those areas, if the people were spread out evenly across the area, there would be just 4 to 9 meters between them. Very high density areas exceed 7,000 persons per square kilometer. High density areas exceed 5,200 persons per square kilometer. The last categories break at 3,330 persons per square kilometer, and 1,500 persons per square kilometer.This dataset is comprised of multiple sources. All of the demographic data are from Michael Bauer Research with the exception of the following countries:Australia: Esri Australia and MapData ServicesCanada: Esri Canada and EnvironicsFrance: Esri FranceGermany: Esri Germany and NexigaIndia: Esri India and IndicusJapan: Esri JapanSouth Korea: Esri Korea and OPENmateSpain: Esri España and AISUnited States: Esri Demographics

Density of physicians of Germany rose by 1.32% from 4.5 number per thousand population in 2020 to 4.5 number per thousand population in 2021. Since the 2.36% upward trend in 2011, density of physicians soared by 18.21% in 2021.

Population density by NUTS 3 region

Content

A dataset of counties that are representative for Germany with regard to

the average disposable income,

the quota of divorces,

the respective quotas of employees working in the services (excluding logistics, security, and cleaning) and the MINT sectors,

the proportions of age groups in the total proportion of the respective population, with age groups in five-year strata for the population aged between 30 and 65 and the population in the age range between 65 and 75 each considered separately for the calculation of representativeness.

In addition, data from the four big cities Berlin, München (Munich), Hamburg, and Köln (Cologne) were collected and reflected in the dataset.

The dataset is based on the most recent data available at the time of the creation of the dataset, mainly deriving from 2022, as set out in detail in the readme.md file.

Method applied

The selection of the representative counties, as reflected in the dataset, was performed on the basis of official statistics with the aim of obtaining a confidence rate of 95%. The selection was based on a principal component analysis of the statistical data available for Germany and the addition of the regions with the lowest population density and the highest and lowest per capita disposable income. A check of the representativity of the selected counties was performed.

In the case of Leipzig, the city and the district had to be treated together, in deviation from the official territorial division, with respect to a specific use case of the data.

Density of nursing and midwifery personnel of Germany decreased by 0.40% from 12.4 number per thousand population in 2020 to 12.3 number per thousand population in 2021. Since the 2.37% rise in 2019, density of nursing and midwifery personnel rose by 1.74% in 2021.

In 1800, the region of Germany was not a single, unified nation, but a collection of decentralized, independent states, bound together as part of the Holy Roman Empire. This empire was dissolved, however, in 1806, during the Revolutionary and Napoleonic eras in Europe, and the German Confederation was established in 1815. Napoleonic reforms led to the abolition of serfdom, extension of voting rights to property-owners, and an overall increase in living standards. The population grew throughout the remainder of the century, as improvements in sanitation and medicine (namely, mandatory vaccination policies) saw child mortality rates fall in later decades. As Germany industrialized and the economy grew, so too did the argument for nationhood; calls for pan-Germanism (the unification of all German-speaking lands) grew more popular among the lower classes in the mid-1800s, especially following the revolutions of 1948-49. In contrast, industrialization and poor harvests also saw high unemployment in rural regions, which led to waves of mass migration, particularly to the U.S.. In 1886, the Austro-Prussian War united northern Germany under a new Confederation, while the remaining German states (excluding Austria and Switzerland) joined following the Franco-Prussian War in 1871; this established the German Empire, under the Prussian leadership of Emperor Wilhelm I and Chancellor Otto von Bismarck. 1871 to 1945 - Unification to the Second World War The first decades of unification saw Germany rise to become one of Europe's strongest and most advanced nations, and challenge other world powers on an international scale, establishing colonies in Africa and the Pacific. These endeavors were cut short, however, when the Austro-Hungarian heir apparent was assassinated in Sarajevo; Germany promised a "blank check" of support for Austria's retaliation, who subsequently declared war on Serbia and set the First World War in motion. Viewed as the strongest of the Central Powers, Germany mobilized over 11 million men throughout the war, and its army fought in all theaters. As the war progressed, both the military and civilian populations grew increasingly weakened due to malnutrition, as Germany's resources became stretched. By the war's end in 1918, Germany suffered over 2 million civilian and military deaths due to conflict, and several hundred thousand more during the accompanying influenza pandemic. Mass displacement and the restructuring of Europe's borders through the Treaty of Versailles saw the population drop by several million more.

Reparations and economic mismanagement also financially crippled Germany and led to bitter indignation among many Germans in the interwar period; something that was exploited by Adolf Hitler on his rise to power. Reckless printing of money caused hyperinflation in 1923, when the currency became so worthless that basic items were priced at trillions of Marks; the introduction of the Rentenmark then stabilized the economy before the Great Depression of 1929 sent it back into dramatic decline. When Hitler became Chancellor of Germany in 1933, the Nazi government disregarded the Treaty of Versailles' restrictions and Germany rose once more to become an emerging superpower. Hitler's desire for territorial expansion into eastern Europe and the creation of an ethnically-homogenous German empire then led to the invasion of Poland in 1939, which is considered the beginning of the Second World War in Europe. Again, almost every aspect of German life contributed to the war effort, and more than 13 million men were mobilized. After six years of war, and over seven million German deaths, the Axis powers were defeated and Germany was divided into four zones administered by France, the Soviet Union, the UK, and the U.S.. Mass displacement, shifting borders, and the relocation of peoples based on ethnicity also greatly affected the population during this time. 1945 to 2020 - Partition and Reunification In the late 1940s, cold war tensions led to two distinct states emerging in Germany; the Soviet-controlled east became the communist German Democratic Republic (DDR), and the three western zones merged to form the democratic Federal Republic of Germany. Additionally, Berlin was split in a similar fashion, although its location deep inside DDR territory created series of problems and opportunities for the those on either side. Life quickly changed depending on which side of the border one lived. Within a decade, rapid economic recovery saw West Germany become western Europe's strongest economy and a key international player. In the east, living standards were much lower, although unemployment was almost non-existent; internationally, East Germany was the strongest economy in the Eastern Bloc (after the USSR), though it eventually fell behind the West by the 1970s. The restriction of movement between the two states also led to labor shortages in t...

The lack of a recent summarizing description of population density in Germany that contains detailed information of pre-industrial times motivated the author of this study to undertake an analysis of population history of Northern Germany between 1740 and 1840. The goal of the study is to analyze the development of population regarding different aspects of population history and historical demographics. The author tries to connect geographic data with family data and then he relates it with economic, political and cultural development. The main part of the study ‘population dynamics’ gives an overview over demographic developments in a century characterized by demographic changes. Insights in the general changes in population size, the phases of Northern German population development and in relevant components for increases in population (e.g. decrease in mortality) are given. Finally the population determinants are developed, first in a concrete regional historic context of some areas (Marsch, nordwestliches Binnenland, Münsterland, Ostwestfalen, Ostelbien) and then more general external factors are included in the analysis. The generative structure of pre-industrial population, the industrial development, seasonal work and colonization are covered. There is an extra chapter on the development of urban population which includes the factors: urbanization, decrease in mortality, first signs of birth controls and migration. These regional considerations are opposed to an investigation of the general framework of demographical changes. In this context also grain prices and prevention from smallpox are taken into account.

Systematic of the data:

Sub-regions: 1. Holstein 2. The Hanseatic cities 3. Mecklenburg and Wester Pomerania
4. Prussia’s middle provinces
5. Core area of Lower Saxony 6. Weser-Ems-Area 7. Westphalia

Topics: 1. Births (excl. still births) 2. Deaths (incl. still births) 3. Still births 4. Marriages 5. Illegitimate births
6. Infant and child mortality 7. Population status

Mortality tables: A. Holstein (Propsteien) 1775/98, 1801/05 B. East Friesland 1775/98, 1835/39 C. County of Mark und märkische Kreise 1775/98, 1820/34 D. Kurmark 1775/98, 1835/39

Register of data tables: - Probability of death decennially in the German Reich 1881/90 - Handed down census results from Braunschweig-Lüneburg - Advances is historical tables of Westphalia
- Migration balances of Prussian government districts 1816-1840 - Population and households in Hamburg 1764-1824 - Population in Northern Germany and Germany - Approximated values for net migration 1751-1840 - Age specific decline in mortality 1775/98-1835/39 - Decline in child mortality - Fertility and marriage behavior by family reconstruction - Proportion of singles by department s and arrodissements 1811 - Average age at birth ca. 1740-ca.1840 - Regression analysis on deaths (excl. children) – marriages - Regional differences in population increases - Population density and mortality 1780-1799 - Population balances of Marschgebiete und der Fehmarn Island - Population balances of North Western Germany (without Küstenmarsch) - Budget structures of the parish Vreden 1749 - Population balances of areas with high industry densities - Budget structures of County of Mark 1798 - Budget structures in Minden-Ravensburg and Tecklenburg 1798 - Natality, mortality and cottage industry in Ravensberg 1788-1798 - North Western German areas with low birth rates
- Colonists resident in Prussia 1740-1786 - Social structure of rural population 1750 – 1790/98 - Social structure of rural population in Halberstädter - Urban population (legal definition of city) - Mortality due to tuberculosis in rural and urban areas - Average mortality rates in large cities
- Infant mortality and decline in mortality in Berlin S - Rural and urban migration balances 1741/1778-1840 - Birth rates - Cumulative elasticity of population movement - Average marriage rates in Hannover in comparison - Mortality due to smallpox - Share of infant and child mortality due to smallpox -Magnitude of the decrease in child mortality - Reduction of infant mortality - Regional differences in the decline in infant mortality

The data can be requested via order form or by personal request via email or telephone. PDF-form and contact data: http://www.gesis.org/dienstleistungen/daten/daten-historische-sozialf/querschnittsdaten/

This statistic shows the size of the urban and rural populations of Germany between 1960 and 2022. Over the years recorded here, the urban population of Germany has increased, while the rural population has declined. The population of Germany has remained at approximately 82 million during this period.

In the immediate aftermath of the Second World War, Germany was split into four zones, each administered by France, the United Kingdom, the United States and the Soviet Union respectively. In 1949, the Soviet-controlled zone formed the German Democratic Republic (East Germany), while the rest became the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany). In this time, Berlin was also split into four zones, and the three non-Soviet zones formed West Berlin, which was a part of West Germany (although the West's administrative capital was moved to Bonn). One population grows, while the other declines Between 1949 and 1961, an estimated 2.7 million people migrated from East to West Germany. East Germany had a communist government with a socialist economy and was a satellite state of the Soviet Union, whereas West Germany was a liberal democracy with a capitalist economy, and western autonomy increased over time. Because of this difference, West Germany was a much freer society with more economic opportunities. During the German partition, the population of the west grew, from 51 million in 1950 to 62.7 million in 1989, whereas the population of East Germany declined from 18.4 million to just 16.4 million during this time. Little change after reunification In 1989, after four decades of separation, the process of German reunification began. The legal and physical barriers that had split the country were removed, and Germans could freely travel within the entire country. Despite this development, population growth patterns did not change. The population of the 'new states' (East Germany) continued to decline, whereas the population of the west grew, particularly in the 1990s, the first decade after reunification. The reasons for this continued imbalance between German population in the east and west, is mostly due to a low birth rate and internal migration within Germany. Despite the fact that levels of income and unemployment in the new states have gotten closer to those reported for the west (a major obstacle after reunification), life and opportunities in the west continue to attract young Germans from rural areas in the east with detrimental effect on the economy and demography of the new states.