Ranking of the German federal states by population in 2025: A comprehensive guide

Germany is made up of 16 federal states (Bundesländer), each with its own distinctive demographic, economic and cultural profile. Among the key indicators for assessing the size and weight of a state within the country is its population. In this article, we present the ranking of the German federal states by population based on the latest estimates for 2025, and we indicate the approximate percentage that each state represents of Germany’s total population (around 84–85 million inhabitants).

Note: The figures below are recent estimates and may vary slightly depending on statistical sources and ongoing demographic changes.

1. North Rhine-Westphalia (Nordrhein-Westfalen)

Population: around 17.9 million
Share of Germany’s total population: roughly 21 %

General information:

The largest population cluster in the country, stretching from the industrial Ruhr area to major cities such as Cologne and Düsseldorf.
Known for its highly diversified economy, which is clearly reflected in its labour market.

2. Bavaria (Bayern)

Population: about 13.2 million
Share of Germany’s total population: roughly 15.7 %

General information:

The second most populous state; its capital, Munich, is one of the wealthiest cities in Europe.
Features a highly developed industrial and technological economy and a vibrant tourism sector in the Alps.

3. Baden-Württemberg (Baden-Württemberg)

Population: around 11.1 million
Share of Germany’s total population: roughly 13.2 %

General information:

A major industrial pillar of Germany, especially in the automotive and machinery sectors (Stuttgart, Mannheim).
Known for its advanced research and development and for hosting many prestigious universities.

4. Lower Saxony (Niedersachsen)

Population: about 8 million
Share of Germany’s total population: roughly 9.5 %

General information:

A geographically large state that combines important agricultural regions and major industrial sites (Wolfsburg, home of Volkswagen).
Has a coastline along the North Sea, which contributes to the logistics and energy sectors.

5. Hesse (Hessen)

Population: about 6.3 million
Share of Germany’s total population: roughly 7.5 %

General information:

Its capital is Wiesbaden, while Frankfurt am Main is a global centre for finance and business.
Hosts many banks, international financial institutions and the German Stock Exchange.

6. Saxony (Sachsen)

Population: around 4.1 million
Share of Germany’s total population: roughly 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.
Renowned for its rich cultural and historical heritage, especially in Dresden (“Florence on the Elbe”).

7. Rhineland-Palatinate (Rheinland-Pfalz)

Population: about 4.1 million
Share of Germany’s total population: roughly 4.9 %

General information:

Its capital is Mainz; the state is famous for wine production along the Rhine.
Features a diversified industrial base and several mid-sized university towns.

8. Berlin (Berlin)

Population: about 3.7 million
Share of Germany’s total population: roughly 4.4 %

General information:

The capital and the most populous German city within a single city boundary.
Stands out for its broad cultural and artistic scene and its numerous tech start-ups.

9. Schleswig-Holstein (Schleswig-Holstein)

Population: around 2.9 million
Share of Germany’s total population: roughly 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, known for its beaches, ports and the annual sailing event “Kieler Woche”.

10. Brandenburg (Brandenburg)

Population: about 2.5 million
Share of Germany’s total population: around 3 %

General information:

Surrounds the capital Berlin, resulting in significant economic and demographic interlinkages.
Characterised by vast agricultural areas and projects in renewable energy.

11. Saxony-Anhalt (Sachsen-Anhalt)

Population: around 2.2 million
Share of Germany’s total population: roughly 2.6 %

General information:

Its capital is Magdeburg; the state includes chemical and industrial cities as well as historical centres in energy and agriculture.
Faces demographic challenges, as many young people move to larger western cities.

12. Thuringia (Thüringen)

Population: around 2.1 million
Share of Germany’s total population: roughly 2.5 %

General information:

Known for its beautiful natural landscapes and dense forests (Thuringian Forest).
Its capital is Erfurt; it also includes medium-sized industrial and technology centres such as Jena.

13. Hamburg (Hamburg)

Population: about 1.9 million
Share of Germany’s total population: roughly 2.3 %

General information:

A city-state that hosts Germany’s largest port and a strong media and advertising industry.
Despite its small area, it is one of the richest states in terms of per capita income.

14. Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania (Mecklenburg-Vorpommern)

Population: around 1.6 million
Share of Germany’s total population: roughly 1.9 %

General information:

Famous for its picturesque Baltic Sea coastline and lakes, and is one of Germany’s important tourist destinations.
Its capital is Schwerin; the state suffers from relative population decline due to internal migration to larger cities.

15. Saarland (Saarland)

Population: about 0.98 million
Share of Germany’s total population: roughly 1.2 %

General information:

The smallest state after Bremen in terms of population.
Located on the border with France, influenced culturally and economically by it, and known for its past in coal and steel production.

16. Bremen (Bremen)

Population: around 0.68 million
Share of Germany’s total population: roughly 0.8 %

General information:

Germany’s smallest state, consisting of the cities of Bremen and Bremerhaven.
The Bremen/Bremerhaven port complex is essential for maritime business and logistics in northern Germany.

Conclusion

This ranking highlights the considerable differences among the German states in terms of population. North Rhine-Westphalia clearly tops the list, followed by Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. City-states such as Berlin and Hamburg occupy mid-range or lower positions in absolute population figures, despite their strong economic weight. Smaller states like Bremen and Saarland, meanwhile, boast distinctive identities and important cross-border economic links.

Ultimately, the population distribution reflects historical, economic and geographical factors that have turned some states into major urban centres, while others—despite their relatively small populations—have used their natural assets to build strong tourism or industrial sectors. Germany’s demographic landscape is highly diverse and forms a key foundation for understanding how resources and economic power are distributed across the country.

*The team of writers and editors on our website strives to provide accurate information based on thorough research and consultation of multiple sources when preparing articles. Nevertheless, errors may occur or information may be presented that is not yet fully confirmed. Therefore, the information provided in our articles should be regarded as an initial point of reference; for definitive and binding information, readers should always consult the relevant authorities and official bodies.