Decline in Birth Rates and Marriages observed in Berlin and Brandenburg
In the year 2024, both Berlin and Brandenburg, regions of Germany, experienced a significant demographic shift. According to the latest data, Berlin, with approximately 3.7 million inhabitants, had a total of 3,937 more deaths than births, marking the third consecutive year of a surplus in deaths. Meanwhile, Brandenburg recorded 20,100 more deaths than births, the second-highest excess mortality rate since reunification.
Among German women of childbearing age, the average number of children per woman fell to 1.03 in 2024, the lowest level since 1995. This trend was also observed in Brandenburg, where the average dropped to 1.33, a figure not seen since 2007. For foreign women in Berlin, the average number of children per woman of childbearing age decreased to 1.59, down from 1.63 in the previous year.
The decreasing birth rates and increasing deaths are not solely attributable to local factors. Migration patterns have played a significant role. Over 2024, 222,000 people from Ukraine immigrated to Germany, while 100,000 left Germany for Ukraine, resulting in a net inflow of 122,000 from this group in one year. However, no city-level breakdown is available, making it difficult to determine the exact impact on Berlin and Brandenburg.
The overall migration inflow to Germany has decreased in 2024 compared to 2023, though no specific figures are given for Berlin or Brandenburg, nor for non-Ukrainian foreign residents. This decrease may have contributed to the lower birth rates observed in both regions.
Despite the demographic challenges, Berlin remains a popular tourist destination, attracting over 12.1 million tourist arrivals in 2023, including 4.27 million international visitors. However, these figures do not directly relate to resident births, deaths, or marriages.
The economic context also plays a role in demographic trends. Germany's macroeconomic context shows modest GDP growth, with a large services sector and high GDP per capita. However, no direct link to births, deaths, or marriages is provided.
In Berlin, 37,686 people passed away in 2024, a decrease of 787 people compared to the previous year. The number of marriages in Berlin also decreased, with 11,243 marriages registered, the lowest number since 1991. In Brandenburg, deaths decreased by 1,368 to 35,254, while the number of marriages dropped to 10,920, a decrease of 975.
It is worth noting that heterosexual couples accounted for the majority of marriages in both regions. In Berlin, 94% of marriages were between heterosexual couples, with 6% being same-sex partners. In Brandenburg, 97.5% of marriages were between heterosexual couples.
In conclusion, while migration flows and tourism continue to impact Berlin and Brandenburg's demographics, the current data lacks the necessary detail to accurately report on trends in births, deaths, marriages, or fertility rates among German and foreign residents in these regions. For precise figures, official statistical offices such as the Amt für Statistik Berlin-Brandenburg would need to be consulted.
In response to the shifting demographics in Berlin and Brandenburg, changes in lifestyle choices could potentially be observed. This might include a growing interest in minimalist home-and-garden design, reflecting a focus on efficiency and sustainability in light of smaller families.
Furthermore, the fashion-and-beauty industry might adapt to cater to the needs of an aging population, with an emphasis on anti-aging products and services, as well as comfortable, practical clothing for the elderly. Additionally, relationships might evolve to accommodate smaller family sizes, with more focus on quality time and closer-knit relationships instead of large extended families.
