The Population Of Cologne: How Many People Live There?

Cologne, Germany's fourth-largest city, is home to nearly 1.1 million inhabitants in the city proper and over 3.1 million people in the Cologne-Bonn urban region. As of 2024, the population is estimated to be 1,149,014, with women outnumbering men. Cologne has grown by 5,299 in the last year, representing a 0.46% annual change. The city's population density is 6,800 people per square mile (2,700 per square kilometer), and it is part of the Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan region, one of the most populous in Europe.

Cologne has a rich history, dating back to its founding in the 1st century CE as a Roman colony. It flourished during the Middle Ages due to its location on major trade routes and was one of the largest European cities during this period. The city has experienced both growth and decline over the centuries, with recent years showing steady population growth.

The people of Cologne are known for their cosmopolitan and open-minded attitudes, and the city is a leading congress and trade fair destination, welcoming foreigners and embracing diversity.

Cologne's population in 2024

Cologne is a city in Germany, located in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. It is the fourth-most populous city in Germany, with nearly 1.1 million inhabitants in the city proper and over 3.1 million people in the Cologne Bonn urban region.

Population Growth

Cologne has experienced significant population growth throughout its history. By 1430, the population had reached 40,000 residents. In 1840, this number grew to over 75,000, and just forty years later, in 1880, the population had doubled to over 144,000. However, there were periods of decline, particularly in the 1930s and 1940s, during World War II, and again in the late 1970s through the 1990s.

Recent Population Estimates

As of December 31, 2021, Cologne's population was estimated to be 1,079,301. The city's population has been steadily increasing in recent years and is expected to continue this trend. The 2024 population of Cologne is now estimated to be 1,149,014, representing an annual change of 0.46% from the previous year.

Population Density and Demographics

Cologne covers an area of over 156 square miles (405 square kilometers), resulting in a population density of approximately 2,700 people per square kilometer. Women slightly outnumber men in the city, with 1,046 females for every 1,000 males.

The city is known for its diversity, with over 36% of its population comprising migrants. The largest migrant groups are from Turkey, Italy, Poland, Greece, Morocco, Algeria, and Iran.

Cologne's Unique Culture

Cologne, with its rich history dating back to the Roman Empire, has a unique culture and is considered a "nation" of its own within Germany. The local language, Colognian or Kölsch, is even regarded as a dialect and has the distinction of being the only language one can drink, as it is also the name of the local beer. The city is renowned for its tolerance, friendliness, and cosmopolitan attitude, attracting merchants, craftsmen, and pilgrims for centuries.

Cologne's Future Population

If the population growth rate were to remain consistent with the rate observed between 2011 and 2013 (+1.4% per year), the population of Cologne in 2024 would be approximately 1,205,332.

Population growth rate

Cologne's population has been on an upward trajectory for most of its history. The city's population growth has been punctuated by periods of decline, notably between the 1930s and 1950s, and again in the late 1970s through to 1990. However, in recent years, the city has experienced steady growth, with a 1.9% increase in 2016 compared to the previous year. Based on this trend of steady increases since 2000, Cologne's population is expected to continue rising.

The population of Cologne as of 31 December 2011 was 1,017,155. By 2013, this had risen to approximately 1,034,200. The last known population figure for the city is from 2024, when it was estimated to be 1,149,014. This represents an annual change of 0.46% compared to the previous year.

Cologne's population growth rate has fluctuated over the years. Between 1950 and 1970, the annual population change was +1.29%, which then decreased to +0.41% between 1970 and 1987. The growth rate picked up again between 1987 and 1995, with an annual change of +0.49%. However, between 2001 and 2011, the growth rate slowed down to +0.04%. The city experienced its highest growth rate between 2011 and 2013, with an annual change of +1.4%. If this growth rate had been maintained, the population of Cologne in 2024 would have been 1,205,332.

The population growth of Cologne can be attributed to several factors. As a leading congress and trade fair city, Cologne attracts people from all over the world. The city has a strong economy based on insurance and media industries, as well as being a cultural and research hub. Additionally, Cologne is part of the Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan region, which is one of the most populous in Europe with over 3.5 million inhabitants. The region's high population density, with approximately 6,800 people per square mile, contributes to the overall growth of Cologne.

Population demographics

Cologne, Germany's fourth-largest city, is home to a diverse population with a rich cultural and historical background. As of 2024, the city proper is estimated to have nearly 1.1 million inhabitants, with over 3.1 million people in the broader Cologne-Bonn urban region. Here is a closer look at the population demographics of this vibrant city:

Language and Culture:

The people of Cologne, known as "Kölner," are often described as cosmopolitan, open-minded, and friendly. The local language, Colognian or Kölsch, is a unique German dialect, and interestingly, it is also the name of the local beer. Cologne has a long history as a trading metropolis, dating back to its ancient Roman roots, and this has contributed to its diverse and tolerant culture. The city has attracted merchants, craftsmen, and pilgrims from around the world, creating a melting pot of languages and traditions.

Gender and Age Distribution:

Women slightly outnumber men in Cologne, with approximately 1,046 females for every 1,000 males. In terms of age, 16.3% of the population is under 18 years old, while 17.8% are 65 or older. This indicates a relatively balanced age structure, with a slightly larger proportion of younger individuals.

Religion:

Cologne has a significant Catholic population, with 35.5% of residents belonging to the Roman Catholic Church. The city is the seat of the Archdiocese of Cologne, and its medieval Cologne Cathedral is a renowned landmark. Additionally, 15.5% of the population is affiliated with the Evangelical Church. Other religious groups include Eastern Orthodox Christians (2.1%), Jews (0.3%), and Muslims (11.2%).

Migration and Ethnic Diversity:

Migration has played a significant role in shaping Cologne's population. Over 36% of the total population are migrants, with the largest groups originating from Turkey (over 90,000 people), Italy (over 25,000), and Poland (over 18,000). Other notable migrant communities include people from Greece, Serbia, Bulgaria, Iraq, Syria, and Russia. This diversity reflects Cologne's historical role as a trading centre and its current status as a cosmopolitan city.

Historical Population Trends:

Cologne has experienced population growth throughout most of its history. As early as the 15th century, the population had reached 40,000 residents. By 1840, this number had grown to over 75,000, and by the early 20th century, it had doubled to over 144,000. However, there were periods of decline, particularly during the 1930s to 1950s, due to the impact of World War II, and again during the late 1970s through the 1990s. In recent years, Cologne has seen steady population growth, with a 1.9% increase in 2016 compared to the previous year.

Cologne's status as a cultural hub

Cologne is a major cultural centre for the Rhineland, hosting more than 30 museums and hundreds of galleries. The city is also home to several institutions of higher education, including the University of Cologne, one of Europe's oldest and largest universities; the Technical University of Cologne, Germany's largest university of applied sciences; and the German Sport University Cologne.

Cologne is a leading congress and trade fair city, and its residents are accustomed to dealing with foreigners. The city's tolerance and cosmopolitanism stem from its history as a trading metropolis, which attracted an influx of merchants, bargees, craftsmen, and pilgrims over the centuries.

Cologne's cultural significance is further enhanced by its diverse performing arts scene, including music, film, and television. It has more than 60 music venues and is home to several orchestras, such as the Gürzenich Orchestra and the WDR Symphony Orchestra Cologne. The city also has a thriving media industry, with major radio and television stations, film and TV production companies, and publishing houses based there.

The city's carnival is one of the largest street festivals in Europe, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors. It is a time when locals dress up, sing local songs, and celebrate with parties in the streets, public squares, and pubs. The carnival reflects the unique character of the people of Cologne, who are known for their cosmopolitanism, open-mindedness, and friendliness.

With its vibrant cultural offerings, diverse population, and rich historical heritage, Cologne continues to be a prominent cultural centre in Germany and beyond.

Cologne's historical population

Cologne, Germany, has a long and fascinating history, and its population has fluctuated over the centuries.

The city was founded in the 1st century CE as a Roman colony called Colonia Agrippina, and it became a major trading centre in the Middle Ages. During this period, the city flourished due to its location on important trade routes between eastern and western Europe. By the end of the 12th century, the population of Cologne had reached 50,000–55,000.

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Cologne underwent a period of industrialisation and urban growth. By World War I, the population had grown to 700,000. However, during World War II, Cologne was heavily bombed, and the population decreased significantly. The bombing reduced the population by 93%, mainly due to evacuations. By the end of the war, only about 5% of the pre-war population remained in the city.

After World War II, the population of Cologne slowly recovered. In the following decades, the city became a centre for media companies and insurance industries, attracting people from all over the world. By the 1970s, the population had surpassed 1 million, and it has continued to grow since then. Today, Cologne is the fourth-largest city in Germany and the largest city in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, with a population of over 1 million people in the city proper and over 3.1 million in the urban region.

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