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Germany’s working-age population to decline by 2% by 2045, study shows
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BERLIN (Reuters) – Germany will see its working-age population decrease by 2% by 2045, according to a forecast released on Wednesday that is likely to add to fears over growth constraints in Europe’s largest economy.
BERLIN (Reuters) – Germany will see its working-age population decrease by 2% by 2045, according to a forecast released on Wednesday that is likely to add to fears over growth constraints in Europe’s largest economy.
Though its overall population will grow by 0.9% or 800,000 people within that timeframe due to net migration, the number of people between 20 and 67 years old is set to fall by 2%, the study from the federal institute for research on building, urban affairs and spatial development (BBSR) showed.
The number of people aged 67 or above and therefore eligible for retirement, on the other hand, will grow by 13.6% or 2.2 million people, according to the forecast.
German officials have warned that the biggest challenge for the economy will be growth constraints due to a workforce shortage, with some 1.57 million jobs currently unfilled.
In 2023, net migration to the country compensated for its Germany’s birth rate and ageing population, leading to a rise of 300,000 to a new record of 84.7 million people.
Germany is “becoming older and more diverse,” said Construction Minister Klara Geywitz.
The challenges facing the country over the next two decades will include “securing skilled workers, integration, more age-appropriate housing, digitization across the country and adapting social infrastructures,” Geywitz said.
(Reporting by Paolo Laudani, Editing by Friederike Heine)
The working-age population typically includes individuals aged 15 to 64 who are eligible to work. This demographic is crucial for economic productivity and labor market dynamics.
Demographic change refers to shifts in the population's structure, including age, gender, and migration patterns. These changes can significantly impact economic growth and social services.
A workforce shortage occurs when there are not enough qualified workers to fill available jobs. This can hinder economic growth and lead to increased competition for talent.
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