Title: Country statement submitted by the government of Germany.

POPLINE Document Number: 101383

Corporate Author(s):

Germany

Source citation:

In: European Population Conference / Conference Europeenne sur la Population. Proceedings / Actes. Volume 2. 23-26 March 1993, Geneva, Switzerland / 23-26 mars 1993, Geneve, Suisse, [compiled by] United Nations. Economic Commission for Europe, Council of Europe, United Nations Population Fund [UNFPA]. Strasbourg, France, Council of Europe, 1994. :163-70.

Abstract:

Total population in Germany was 80.2 million in 1993, and population is below replacement level. The age structure of the population reflects labor shortages and increased aging. Demographic changes will impact on production, income and wealth distribution, and social services. Recent tax changes have provided for compensation for home-based nursing care. Out-migration from the German Democratic Republic (GDR) occurred throughout its existence; the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) absorbed 12 million Germans before the Berlin Wall was built and experienced foreign immigration until 1973 and after 1980. In 1991 and 1992, 700,000 asylum seekers were received. Demographic pressure and economic disparity account for the foreign migration. Since 1990, Germany has been engaged in efforts to stem the flight from home countries and is promoting voluntary return of destitute refugees and asylum seekers. The integration of legal foreigners would be facilitated by limiting migration from non-EC countries. Unemployment is high and there is no demand for foreign labor. In 1989, total fertility was 1.4 in the FRG and 1.6 in the GDR. Due to social changes, there has been a decline in marriages of 50% between 1990 and 1991, a decline in divorces of 70%, and a decline in births of 40%. Since 1972, the European pattern of increased one person households, single parent families, and consensual unions has appeared. Households of married couples with children decreased. Family policy supports child care under the age of 3, and over the age of 3 in educational institutions. Life expectancy was 72.5 years for men and 79.0 years for women in the FRG. In the GDR, life expectancy was 70.1 years for boys and 76.4 years for girls. Infant mortality was low for both territories at 7.5 and 7.6 per 1000 live births. Prevention of chronic diseases with early diagnosis and treatment, emphasis on nutrition, and information dissemination on AIDS are public health measures in effect. Germany has contributed to development cooperation with developing countries with a focus on population policy. Development efforts have supported a linked approach of provision of family planning and improvement in social and economic conditions with protection of the environment. Voluntary family planning and choice of a wide variety of methods is the backbone of efforts to provide services with respect for human dignity and cultural and religious traditions. Slowing population growth throughout the world is viewed as a means of coping with environmental problems and providing a future for generations to come. Germany has provided support to, among others, Bangladesh, Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Burkina Faso, and the Caribbean countries.

Keywords:

Germany
Summary Report
Conferences and Congresses
UN
Population Growth
Age Distribution
International Migration
Fertility
Family and Household
Mortality
Health
International Cooperation
Europe, Central
Europe
Developed Countries
International Agencies
Organizations
Population Dynamics
Demographic Factors
Population
Age Factors
Population Characteristics
Migration