Latest news with #FederalStatisticalOffice
Yahoo
21-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Road to extinction? Europe's birth rates hit rock bottom. These are the least fertile countries
The latest data on fertility across the continent is not far from apocalyptic. For the year 2024, many European countries are reporting their lowest birth rates in several decades, if not on record. While experts say 2.1 children per woman are needed to keep the population's size stable, several countries present numbers consistently below 1.5. Germany: 'Migration sole cause of population growth' Germany's fertility level dropped to 1.35, the lowest level since 1994 (1.24), which came off the back of a recession period. The country's Federal Statistical Office (Statistisches Bundesamt) clearly states that "net immigration was the sole cause of population growth". Yet, despite the numbers added by migrants, the population grew only by 0.1% or 121,000 people last year. In reality, "more people died than were born", says the institute. Data also shows a huge divide between German states. While the population grew in wealthier states, like Bavaria or Hamburg, the sharpest drops were reported in the poorer Thuringia, Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt. In neighbouring Austria, the situation was even more concerning in 2024, with the country recording the lowest birth rate on record: 1.32 or 77,238 new children, a 0.5% drop, according to Statistik Austria. Italy: Racing towards becoming a human desert With 166,000 new arrivals, migration slowed Italy's population decline, too, but not enough to prevent a decrease. The country has now fallen steadily to under 60 million people, following years of decline. The birth rate in 2024 hit a new record low (1.18), says ISTAT: For every 1,000 people, only six babies were born, while 11 died. To make matters worse, the number of Italians who left the country (156,000) was three times higher than those who returned (53,000). The largest population drops were reported in the poorer inland areas of the south. France: 'Lowest birth rates since the end of World War One' In France, which is traditionally one of Europe's most fertile nations, numbers are also dropping fast. Its fertility rate in 2024, at 1.62, was the lowest since the end of World War I, said the INSEE. In the past 15 years, the country's fertility fell by a fifth, just about enough to keep a tiny, positive birth/death balance (+17,000), the lowest since the end of World War II. Life expectancy provided the only good news. It has now reached 85.6 years for women and 80 for men, a historic record. Related This is the EU country where babies born to migrants outnumbered local newborns England: Elderly childbearing fences off demographic decline England and Wales are one of the few exceptions in Europe. That's thanks to a surprising rise in babies born to fathers over 60 years old (+14%), which helped trigger the first increase in the number of births in England and Wales since 2021 (+0.6%). On the contrary, births to young mothers and fathers fell, says the INS. The proportion of children born to foreign parents was significantly high: 40% in England and nearly 20% in Wales, marking a steep 34% increase between 2023 and 2024. Spain is another exception. According to INE's provisional data, 2024's birth rates could rise by 0.4%, thanks to an estimated 322,034 new babies. As in other countries, Spain's declining fertility has been accompanied by a rising age among mothers. In the past ten years, the number of mothers aged 40 or above grew by 8.5%. Nordics: Finland reports lowest rate since 1776 (yes, 1776) Finland's fertility rate dropped to 1.25 in 2024, says Statistics Finland. That's the worst rate since data collection began, in the late 19th century, when the territory was still part of Sweden, which is also facing demographic problems. The rate reported by Stockholm for last year is 1.43, slightly above most countries and yet the country's lowest fertility on record, says SCB. The overall number of new children was 98,500, the deepest point in 23 years, as the population decreased in 169 of the country's 290 municipalities. Hungary and Poland: Failure of pro-family policies? Despite recent policies aimed at boosting natality, Hungary and Poland are also part of the crowded low-fertility club for 2024. The statistics published by Warsaw are particularly brutal, with a 1.1 birth rate, meaning the number of new children almost halved compared to 1990 (1.9). Women are also, on average, becoming mothers at 29, much later than 35 years ago, when the average age was just under 23. Hungary makes no exception with 77,500 new babies last year, the lowest amount ever, on top of a 1.38 birth rate, never as low since 2014, according to Hungary's KLS.
DW
18-07-2025
- Business
- DW
German farmers give asparagus and strawberries the ax – DW – 07/18/2025
Two of Germany's most beloved spring and summer snacks — asparagus and strawberries — are increasingly less attractive for farmers to grow. Less space is being devoted to growing them, and prices are rising. German fields produced fewer strawberries and asparagus in 2025 than at any point in recent memory, the country's Federal Statistical Office said on Friday. Experts have warned that the trend looks set to continue as rising costs make growing the crops increasingly unviable for farmers. Preliminary data showed just 75,500 tons of open-field strawberries were harvested — the lowest level in 30 years and 4% below the already low 2024 figures. The asparagus harvest also hit a 15-year low, with only 98,900 tons collected in open fields, the smallest yield since 2010. The slump is largely down to a shrinkage in the amount of land given over to growing both products. In 2025, farmers planted 4% less land with strawberries and 6% less with asparagus. Many growers say they can no longer cover rising costs — especially wages — through prices passed on to consumers. "At the end of the day, we're all businesspeople," said Karsten Schmal, president of the Hessian Farmers' Association. "If the risk becomes too great, people stop growing these crops." Growers like Georg Merlau, an asparagus farmer in Darmstadt, told the DPA news agency that only premium outlets, such as on-farm shops, offer prices that make production of the prized stalks viable. Merlau said he had already cut his asparagus acreage from 105 to 80 hectares, citing sizable annual increases in labor costs. Germany's self-sufficiency in strawberries has fallen sharply, from 68% in 2015 to just 50% today, according to the Agricultural Market Information Company (AMI). One exception to the decline with strawberries is protected cultivation — berries grown in greenhouses or under high covers. Such setups offer longer seasons, easier harvesting while standing, and higher yields per hectare. Strawberries and asparagus are rapidly turning into luxury items. This year, white German asparagus cost consumers an average of €9.63 (roughly $11.22) per kilo, up 4% from last year. Strawberries averaged €6.86 per kilo between May and mid-July, nearly unchanged from 2024, but up 70% compared to 2015. Demand for both foods remains great. They are highly seasonal and associated with the joys of summer and springtime. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Asparagus is particularly beloved among Germans, with "Spargelzeit" (asparagus season) a cultural event marked by dedicated menus and roadside stands. Some German communities even have asparagus festivals, complete with the crowning of an Asparagus Queen.
Euronews
18-07-2025
- General
- Euronews
Rock bottom birth rates: What are Europe's least fertile nations?
The latest data on fertility across the continent is not far from apocalyptic. For the year 2024, many European countries are reporting their lowest birth rates in several decades, if not on record. While experts say 2.1 children per woman are needed to keep the population's size stable, several countries present numbers consistently below 1.5. Germany: 'Migration sole cause of population growth' Germany's fertility level dropped to 1.35, the lowest level since 1994 (1.24), which came off the back of a recession period. The country's Federal Statistical Office (Statistisches Bundesamt) clearly states that "net immigration was the sole cause of population growth". Yet, despite the numbers added by migrants, the population grew only by 0.1% or 121,000 people last year. In reality, "more people died than were born", says the institute. Data also shows a huge divide between German states. While the population grew in wealthier states, like Bavaria or Hamburg, the sharpest drops were reported in the poorer Thuringia, Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt. In neighbouring Austria, the situation was even more concerning in 2024, with the country recording the lowest birth rate on record: 1.32 or 77,238 new children, a 0.5% drop, according to Statistik Austria. Italy: Racing towards becoming a human desert With 166,000 new arrivals, migration slowed Italy's population decline, too, but not enough to prevent a decrease. The country has now fallen steadily to under 60 million people, following years of decline. The birth rate in 2024 hit a new record low (1.18), says ISTAT: For every 1,000 people, only six babies were born, while 11 died. To make matters worse, the number of Italians who left the country (156,000) was three times higher than those who returned (53,000). The largest population drops were reported in the poorer inland areas of the south. France: 'Lowest birth rates since the end of World War One' In France, which is traditionally one of Europe's most fertile nations, numbers are also dropping fast. Its fertility rate in 2024, at 1.62, was the lowest since the end of World War I, said the INSEE. In the past 15 years, the country's fertility fell by a fifth, just about enough to keep a tiny, positive birth/death balance (+17,000), the lowest since the end of World War II. Life expectancy provided the only good news. It has now reached 85.6 years for women and 80 for men, a historic record. England: Elderly childbearing fences off demographic decline England and Wales are one of the few exceptions in Europe. That's thanks to a surprising rise in babies born to fathers over 60 years old (+14%), which helped trigger the first increase in the number of births in England and Wales since 2021 (+0.6%). On the contrary, births to young mothers and fathers fell, says the INS. The proportion of children born to foreign parents was significantly high: 40% in England and nearly 20% in Wales, marking a steep 34% increase between 2023 and 2024. Spain is another exception. According to INE's provisional data, 2024's birth rates could rise by 0.4%, thanks to an estimated 322,034 new babies. As in other countries, Spain's declining fertility has been accompanied by a rising age among mothers. In the past ten years, the number of mothers aged 40 or above grew by 8.5%. Nordics: Finland reports lowest rate since 1776 (yes, 1776) Finland's fertility rate dropped to 1.25 in 2024, says Statistics Finland. That's the worst rate since data collection began, in the late 19th century, when the territory was still part of Sweden, which is also facing demographic problems. The rate reported by Stockholm for last year is 1.43, slightly above most countries and yet the country's lowest fertility on record, says SCB. The overall number of new children was 98,500, the deepest point in 23 years, as the population decreased in 169 of the country's 290 municipalities. Hungary and Poland: Failure of pro-family policies? Despite recent policies aimed at boosting natality, Hungary and Poland are also part of the crowded low-fertility club for 2024. The statistics published by Warsaw are particularly brutal, with a 1.1 birth rate, meaning the number of new children almost halved compared to 1990 (1.9). Women are also, on average, becoming mothers at 29, much later than 35 years ago, when the average age was just under 23. Hungary makes no exception with 77,500 new babies last year, the lowest amount ever, on top of a 1.38 birth rate, never as low since 2014, according to Hungary's KLS.
See - Sada Elbalad
17-07-2025
- Business
- See - Sada Elbalad
Germany's Birth Rate Hits Lowest Level in Nearly 20 Years
Israa Farhan Germany's fertility rate dropped to 1.35 children per woman in 2024, marking its lowest level since 2006 and intensifying concerns over the country's long-term demographic stability. According to new data from the Federal Statistical Office, a total of 677,117 children were born in Germany last year, a decline of 15,872 compared to 2023. While the 2% drop is smaller than the steep declines of 8% in 2022 and 7% in 2023, the downward trend continues. Among German citizens, the birth rate fell even further to 1.23 children per woman, the lowest since 1996. Foreign women living in Germany had a higher fertility rate at 1.84, but it too declined by 2%, continuing a pattern that has persisted since 2017. The average age of mothers at childbirth in 2024 was 31.8 years, while fathers averaged 34.7 years. First-time mothers gave birth at 30.4 on average, with fathers at 33.3, a 2.9-year gap that has remained steady since 2021. Compared to 1991, the average parental age has increased by nearly four years. Regional differences remain stark. Lower Saxony recorded the highest fertility rate at 1.42, while Berlin had the lowest at 1.21. Western Germany averaged 1.38, slightly ahead of Eastern Germany at 1.27. Thuringia experienced the steepest annual decline, down 7% to 1.24, while Baden-Württemberg saw only a 1% drop, maintaining a rate of 1.39. Longer-term data shows a shift toward later parenthood. Women born in 1975, who statistically completed their childbearing years in 2024, had an average of 1.58 children, an increase from the record low of 1.49 among those born in 1968. EU-wide fertility figures for 2024 are still pending, but Germany's 2023 rate matched the EU average of 1.38. At that time, Bulgaria had the highest fertility rate in the bloc at 1.81, while Malta (1.06) and Spain (1.12) had the lowest. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Arts & Culture South Korean Actress Kang Seo-ha Dies at 31 after Cancer Battle News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Arts & Culture Hawass Foundation Launches 1st Course to Teach Ancient Egyptian Language Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream
DW
17-07-2025
- General
- DW
German birth rate falls to lowest point in almost 20 years – DW – 07/17/2025
Germany's birth rate has dropped to 1.35, with the figure even lower for women with German citizenship. The decline, reflected in other parts of the EU, raises alarms over pension burdens and the future workforce. Germany's fertility rate declined further in 2024, falling to 1.35 children per woman — the lowest rate in almost two decades. Among women with German citizenship, the level was the lowest it has been in decades, according to data from the country's Federal Statistical Office. Germany's birth rate has remained below the replacement level of 2.1 for decades, raising concerns about long-term demographic germany In total, 677,117 children were born in Germany in 2024, a decrease of 15,872 from the year before. The total represents a 2% drop from 1.38 in 2023, though the pace of decline has slowed compared to previous years — 2022 and 2023 saw steeper decreases of 8% and 7%, respectively. The 1.35 figure is the lowest since 2006, when the fertility rate fell to 1.33. For women with German citizenship, it dropped to 1.23, the lowest since the 1996 rate of 1.22. Among foreign women living in Germany, the rate was higher at 1.84 but also declined by 2%, continuing a downward trend that began in 2017. Among German states, Lower Saxony had the highest fertility rate at 1.42, while Berlin recorded the lowest at 1.21. Western Germany averaged 1.38, compared to 1.27 in the east. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Thuringia in the east saw the sharpest decline, with its rate falling 7% to 1.24, while the southwestern state of Baden-Württemberg experienced the smallest drop — just 1%, landing at 1.39. Women born in 1975, who statistically reached the end of their reproductive years in 2024, had an average of 1.58 children — an increase from the record low of 1.49 among women born in 1968. This reflects a broader shift toward later-life childbirth among women born in the 1970s. In 2024, the average age of mothers at childbirth was 31.8 years, and for fathers, 34.7 — a trend that has remained stable since 2021. For first-time parents, the average age was 30.4 for mothers and 33.3 for fathers, maintaining a 2.9-year gap. Since 1991, the average parental age has increased by nearly four years. EU-wide fertility data for 2024 is not yet available, but Eurostat reports that the EU average in 2023 was 1.38 — matching Germany's rate that year. Bulgaria led with 1.81 children per woman, while Malta (1.06) and Spain (1.12) recorded the lowest rates. The declining birthrate, well below the replacement level, raises concerns about economic sustainability, and pressure on pension and healthcare systems.
