Society
The demographic changes of the past forty years have significantly altered the face of German society. While formerly very homogeneous, Germany’s population has evolved over the past decades into a socially and culturally diversified country. Of Germany’s 82.3 million residents, nineteen percent have an immigrant background, meaning they are foreigners, repatriates of German descent, or children of foreign-born parents.
The drop in total population since 2002, brought on by lower birth rates and longer life expectancy, is leading to an aging of the population with serious social consequences for which policy makers must still find solutions. Meanwhile, recently enacted policies seek to address the difficulties involved in balancing career and family.
In Germany, many children are growing up with another mother tongue, such as Serbian, Turkish or Vietnamese. An increasing number of bilingual kindergartens are helping these kids master both the language spoken in their homes and German, giving them a major head start.
Bilingual Kindergartens
More and more Germans are saddling up and getting on their bikes – both in their free time and to travel to work. Cycling is definitely in. Trend researchers are already talking of a bike boom.
Bike Revolution
Diversity enriches a society; it also causes friction. Many efforts are currently being undertaken to improve the integration of immigrants. Language and education are key factors.
Living Together
Most Germans may live in cities, but they still feel very connected to nature. That’s why those who can’t afford their own house and garden often have a small garden plot, enabling them to get away from the hustle and bustle of their daily lives and work.
Garden "Colonies"
![[Logo Auswärtiges Amt]](/images/logo.gif){kind=logo}
