East Germany's Birth Rate Plummets, Sparking Urgent Policy Debate
Germany's birth rate continues to decline, with significant regional disparities. While the average age in East Germany is higher, politicians and experts are discussing measures to boost birth rates and counteract an aging population. The birth rate in East Germany has plummeted since reunification, from 1.52 to 0.77 children per woman. The deepest decline occurred immediately after, due to economic uncertainty and high unemployment. In 2024, the average age in East Germany is 47.6 years, compared to 44.5 years in the West. Saxony has the fewest births, with a rate of 1.22 children per woman, while Brandenburg has the highest in the East at 1.34. Nationally, Lower Saxony leads with 1.42 children per woman. Overall, Germany's birth rate has decreased from 1.45 in 1990 to 1.35 in 2025. Approximately 727,000 young people have moved from East to West Germany since 1991, exacerbating the aging population in the East. To address these challenges, East German politicians and experts propose extending parental allowance, promoting flexible work hours, and fostering societal appreciation for larger families. These measures aim to counteract the declining birth rate and aging population, ensuring a sustainable future for the region.
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