Decline in Newborns Compared to Previous Year - Decrease in Birth Rate Compared to Previous Year
Lower Saxony, one of Germany's federal states, experienced a slight decrease in its birth rate in 2024, but it still remained the highest among all the states. According to statistics provided by the State Office, the birth rate in Lower Saxony dropped from 1.46 children per woman in 2023 to 1.42 in 2024.
In 2024, the number of births in Lower Saxony decreased to 65,646, representing a 2.3% decline compared to the previous year (67,162). Despite this decrease, Lower Saxony's birth rate was higher than the national average of 1.35 children per woman.
The average age of mothers at the birth of their first child was 29.9 years in 2024, similar to the previous year. This trend of delayed parenthood is a common occurrence across Germany, with the average age of mothers at childbirth rising to 31.8 years in 2024, up 3.9 years since 1991.
The highest birth rate within Lower Saxony was observed in the district of Gifhorn, where 1.72 children per woman were born. Some regions, such as the city of Emden and the Heidekreis, saw an increase in their birth rates compared to the previous year.
Slightly more boys (33,658) than girls (31,988) were born in Lower Saxony in 2024. The proportion of multiple births remained constant at 3.2% in 2024, the same as in the previous year.
Interestingly, Hanover, presumably a city in Lower Saxony, was not mentioned as having specific statistics or a notable birth rate in the provided paragraph.
Nationwide, fewer children were born in 2024 compared to the previous year. Berlin had the lowest birthrate at 1.21 children per woman, while the independent cities of Brunswick, Oldenburg, and Osnabrück had the lowest birth rate in Lower Saxony, with 1.15 children per woman.
The sustained low fertility rate and trend toward later childbirth are concerns for Germany's long-term demographic sustainability and pressures on social systems. The nationwide birthrate in 2024 stands at 1.35 children per woman, the lowest in nearly 20 years. These trends contribute to population aging and workforce concerns, while immigration currently offsets population decline but does not fully compensate for fewer births.
- In response to the ongoing demographic concerns, the government of Lower Saxony could consider implementing a family-health initiative, such as providing comprehensive parenting resources and support, to encourage earlier and more frequent family formations.
- Recognizing the importance of a skilled workforce for the state's economy, the community policy in Lower Saxony could advocate for expanded vocational training programs in science, health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, and other fields to cater to the needs of the younger generation.
- To address the health issues associated with delayed childbirth, it is suggested that the government invest in health-and-wellness facilities and resources, offering accessible and affordable options for expectant mothers and families in Hanover and other regions within Lower Saxony.
