How population decline is exposing Germany's old divides
Summary
Germany's eastern states have seen a large drop in population since reunification in 1990, mainly because many people moved to the western states for better opportunities and because of low birth rates. This population decline has contributed to political changes, including rising support for the right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, especially in states like Saxony-Anhalt.Key Facts
- After German reunification, many businesses in East Germany closed or shrank, causing job losses.
- Between 1990 and 2025, the overall population in Germany grew by 3.8 million due to immigration, but the eastern states lost 16% of their population (excluding East Berlin).
- Saxony-Anhalt experienced the greatest population drop in the east, with a decline of 26%.
- Population decline in the east is expected to continue because of low birth rates and ongoing migration westward.
- The eastern states outside Berlin are projected to have fewer people by 2070 under various scenarios.
- The economic transition from a socialist to a capitalist system was difficult, resulting in mass unemployment and social challenges in the east.
- Some of the population loss occurred in two waves: immediately after reunification and another in the early 2000s.
- The demographic changes may be increasing support for the AfD party, which is seen as right-wing extremist by German domestic intelligence.
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