Ranking German States by Population in 2025: A Comprehensive Guide
Germany is made up of 16 federal states (Bundesländer), each with its own distinct demographic, economic and cultural profile. Population size is one of the most important indicators of a state’s weight and influence within the country. In this article, we present the ranking of the German states by population according to the latest estimates for 2025, including the approximate percentage share each state holds of Germany’s total population (around 84–85 million inhabitants).
Note: The figures below are based on recent estimates and may vary slightly depending on the statistical sources and ongoing demographic changes.
Population: approx. 17.9 million
Share of Germany’s total population: about 21 %
General information:
The largest population centre in the country, stretching from the industrial Ruhr area to major cities such as Cologne and Düsseldorf.
It is characterised by a very diverse economy, which is clearly reflected in its labour market.
Population: around 13.2 million
Share of Germany’s total population: about 15.7 %
General information:
The second most populous state; its capital Munich is one of the wealthiest cities in Europe.
Bavaria has a highly developed industrial and technological economy, combined with strong tourism in the Alpine regions.
Population: approx. 11.1 million
Share of Germany’s total population: about 13.2 %
General information:
A major industrial pillar, especially in the automotive and mechanical engineering sectors (Stuttgart, Mannheim).
Known for its advanced research and development landscape and many renowned universities.
Population: around 8 million
Share of Germany’s total population: about 9.5 %
General information:
A geographically large state that includes important agricultural and industrial regions (Wolfsburg as the home of Volkswagen).
It has a North Sea coastline, which contributes significantly to logistics and energy sectors.
Population: around 6.3 million
Share of Germany’s total population: about 7.5 %
General information:
The capital is Wiesbaden, while Frankfurt am Main functions as a global financial and business hub.
Hesse hosts many banks, international financial institutions and the German stock exchange.
Population: approx. 4.1 million
Share of Germany’s total population: about 4.9 %
General information:
Its main cities are Leipzig, Dresden and Zwickau; the state is experiencing an industrial boom in the automotive and microelectronics sectors.
Saxony is also known for its rich cultural and historical heritage, especially in Dresden (“Florence on the Elbe”).
Population: around 4.1 million
Share of Germany’s total population: about 4.9 %
General information:
The capital is Mainz; the state is famous for wine-growing along the Rhine.
Rhineland-Palatinate has a diversified industrial structure and several medium-sized university towns.
Population: around 3.7 million
Share of Germany’s total population: about 4.4 %
General information:
The capital city and the largest city in Germany within a single municipal boundary.
Berlin is known for its vibrant cultural and artistic scene and for numerous tech start-ups.
Population: approx. 2.9 million
Share of Germany’s total population: about 3.5 %
General information:
Located between the Baltic Sea and the North Sea, giving it a strong maritime and touristic character.
Its capital is Kiel; the state is known for its beaches, ports and the annual sailing event “Kieler Woche”.
Population: around 2.5 million
Share of Germany’s total population: about 3 %
General information:
Surrounds the capital Berlin, creating strong economic and demographic interrelations.
The state is marked by vast agricultural areas and numerous renewable energy projects.
Population: approx. 2.2 million
Share of Germany’s total population: about 2.6 %
General information:
The capital is Magdeburg; the state includes chemical and industrial sites as well as agriculturally dominated regions.
Saxony-Anhalt faces demographic challenges, as many young people migrate to larger western cities.
Population: around 2.1 million
Share of Germany’s total population: about 2.5 %
General information:
Known for its beautiful landscapes and dense forests (Thuringian Forest).
Its capital Erfurt and cities such as Jena host medium-sized industrial and technology clusters.
Population: around 1.9 million
Share of Germany’s total population: about 2.3 %
General information:
A city-state with Germany’s largest seaport and a strong media and advertising sector.
Despite its small geographical size, Hamburg is among the wealthiest states in terms of per capita income.
Population: approx. 1.6 million
Share of Germany’s total population: about 1.9 %
General information:
Famous for its picturesque Baltic Sea coasts and lake landscapes and considered an important tourist destination.
Its capital is Schwerin; the state struggles with population decline due to internal migration towards larger cities.
Population: approx. 0.98 million
Share of Germany’s total population: about 1.2 %
General information:
The second smallest state by population after Bremen.
Located at the border with France, it is strongly influenced by French culture and economy and is historically linked to coal and steel industries.
Population: approx. 0.68 million
Share of Germany’s total population: about 0.8 %
General information:
Germany’s smallest federal state, consisting of the cities of Bremen and Bremerhaven.
The Bremen/Bremerhaven port is a key hub for maritime economy and logistics in northern Germany.
This ranking highlights the substantial differences in population size between Germany’s states: North Rhine-Westphalia clearly leads the list, followed by Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. Large cities such as Berlin and Hamburg rank only in the middle or lower range in total numbers despite their economic importance, while smaller states like Bremen and Saarland maintain a distinctive identity and cross-border economic ties.
Ultimately, the distribution of the population reflects historical, economic and geographic factors that have helped turn some states into giant metropolitan regions, while others have focused their natural assets on tourism or industry despite a smaller population. Germany’s demographic landscape is highly diverse and forms a key basis for understanding how resources and economic power are distributed across the country.
* The editorial team of this website strives to provide the most accurate information possible through intensive research and consultation of multiple sources. However, some data may be based on estimates or changing statistics, and errors or uncertainties cannot be completely ruled out. Therefore, the information presented here should be regarded as an initial, non-binding reference. For official and up-to-date information, readers should always consult the competent authorities and statistical offices.
