From 2000 to 2020, the global population surged by 1.7 billion people. However, this growth was not uniform. Immigration played a pivotal role in some regions. In 14 countries and territories, immigration accounted for over 100% of population growth. Without new immigrants, populations in these areas would have declined.
Seventeen other countries saw population decreases from 2000 to 2020. However, these declines would have been more significant without immigrant population growth.
COMMONALITIES: LOW FERTILITY RATES AND AGING POPULATIONS
Countries reliant on immigration for population growth share low fertility rates and aging populations. Immigration becomes crucial when births do not outnumber deaths.
Countries facing population decline grapple with aging populations and fewer working-age individuals. Immigration can help balance these demographic challenges.
IMMIGRATION’S IMPACT IN EUROPE AND BEYOND
Germany’s Growth Through Immigration
Germany’s population grew by 1.7 million between 2000 and 2020. However, without immigrants from Poland, Syria, Kazakhstan, and Romania, it would have shrunk by over 5 million. Germany’s fertility rate is 1.5 children per woman, and half of its population is over 45 years old.
Italy’s Population Increase
Italy’s population increased by 2.7 million, thanks to immigrants from Romania, Ukraine, and Albania. Without them, it would have declined by 1.6 million. Italy’s fertility rate stands at 1.3 children per woman, with a median age of 46.
The Czech Republic’s Modest Growth
The Czech Republic’s population grew by 300,000, with immigrants accounting for all the growth. Without them, the population would have decreased by 20,000. The fertility rate is 1.7 children per woman, and the median age is 42.
Portugal’s Immigration-Driven Growth
Portugal’s population grew by fewer than 40,000, but without immigrants, it would have shrunk by 310,000. Many immigrants came from Angola, Brazil, and France. The fertility rate is 1.4, and the median age is 45.
IMMIGRATION’S ROLE OUTSIDE EUROPE
United Arab Emirates: A Population Surge
The UAE’s population grew by 6.1 million between 2000 and 2020, largely due to immigrants from South Asia and Egypt. Without them, the population would have declined by 210,000. The fertility rate is 1.5 children per woman, and the median age is 32.
Smaller Nations Benefiting from Immigration
Countries like Aruba, the Cook Islands, Curacao, Dominica, the Falkland Islands, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Sint Maarten, and Tokelau saw population growth solely through immigration.
MITIGATING POPULATION DECLINES
Japan’s Immigration Buffer
Japan’s population decreased by 1.1 million from 2000 to 2020. However, without immigrants, the decline would have been 2.2 million. The foreign-born population grew from 1.7 million to 2.8 million, with many immigrants from China, South Korea, Vietnam, and the Philippines. Japan’s fertility rate is 1.3, and the median age is 48.
Romania’s Declining Population
Romania’s population shrank by 2.5 million, but it would have decreased by over 3 million without immigrants, mainly from Moldova. The fertility rate is 1.7, and the median age is 42.
Greece and Hungary’s Population Trends
Greece’s population declined by 500,000 but would have dropped by 700,000 without immigrants. Similarly, Hungary’s population shrank by 440,000 but would have fallen by 730,000 without new immigrants. Both countries have low fertility rates and older populations.
THE GLOBAL DECLINE IN FERTILITY RATES
Women worldwide are having fewer children, influenced by higher education levels, increased workforce participation, and accessible family planning. The global fertility rate dropped from 2.7 to 2.3 between 2000 and 2020.
UNEVEN IMPACT OF FERTILITY DECLINE
While fertility declines globally, its impact varies. Women in some African countries still have over six children on average, while in South Korea and Singapore, the rate is less than one child. Median ages range from 14 in Niger to over 50 in Monaco and the Vatican.
