Exploring Cologne, Germany: Population And Lifestyle Insights

Cologne, Germany, is the fourth-largest city in the country and the largest in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. It is also the largest city in the Rhineland region. As of 2024, the population of the city proper is estimated to be between 1,075,935 and 1,149,014. The wider Cologne-Bonn urban region is home to over 3 million people.

Cologne's population in 2024

Cologne, Germany is estimated to have a population of around 1,149,014 in 2024. This number varies slightly depending on the source, with one source citing the population as 1,149,010 and another as 1,013,665. Cologne is the largest city in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia and the fourth-most populous city in Germany. The city has seen steady population growth in recent years, with a 0.46% annual change between 2023 and 2024.

Cologne has a total area of over 156 square miles (405 square kilometers), resulting in a population density of approximately 6,800 people per square mile (2,700 per square kilometer). The city is part of the Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan region, the second-biggest metropolitan region in the European Union by GDP, with a population of over 3.5 million.

As of 2024, women slightly outnumber men in Cologne, with 1,046 females for every 1,000 males. The primary language spoken in Cologne is German, with a dialect known as Colognian or Kölsch also being used. In terms of religion, 35.5% of the population identify with the Roman Catholic Church, while 15.5% belong to the Evangelical Church.

Cologne has a diverse population, with over 36% of its residents being migrants. The city is home to significant populations from Turkey, Italy, Poland, Greece, Serbia, Bulgaria, Iraq, Syria, and Russia, among other countries. The city has a rich history, dating back to its founding in the 1st century CE as a Roman colony.

Cologne is known for its medieval architecture, including the famous Cologne Cathedral, and its vibrant cultural scene, hosting various museums, galleries, and festivals throughout the year. The city is also a major educational hub, with several universities and colleges, and is considered a center for media and insurance industries.

Population growth over time

Cologne is the fourth-largest city in Germany by population and the largest in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. It is also part of the Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan region, the second-biggest metropolitan region in the European Union by GDP.

The population of Cologne has grown over time, with some periods of decline. In 1430, the population was 40,000, and by 1840, it had grown to 75,000. Forty years later, in 1880, the population had doubled to over 144,000. In 1910, 1914, 1922, and 1975, major communal reorganisations took place, which contributed to the city's population growth. In 1950, the population was 597,725, and by 1975, it had reached 1 million for the first time due to the incorporation of Wesseling. However, this was reversed after public opposition. In 2009, the population again reached 1 million and has remained close to or above that mark since then. The population in 2021 was 1,079,301, and in 2024, it is estimated to be between 1,149,000 and 1,149,014.

Cologne's population growth has not been consistent, with periods of decline between the 1930s and 1950s, and again in the late 1970s through the 1990s. The city's population was also significantly impacted by World War II, when it was reduced by 95% due to evacuations. However, by the end of 1945, the population had recovered to approximately 450,000.

The city's population is expected to continue growing as it draws residents from around the world. It is part of the polycentric megacity region Rhine-Ruhr, which has a population of over 11 million people.

Population density

Cologne is the fourth-largest city in Germany and the largest in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. It has a population of nearly 1.1 million inhabitants in the city proper, and over 3.1 million in the Cologne-Bonn urban region. The city covers an area of over 156 square miles (405 square kilometres), resulting in a population density of 6,800 people per square mile (2,700 per square kilometre).

Cologne's population has grown significantly over time, with notable periods of expansion in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The city has a rich history, dating back to its founding in the 1st century CE as a Roman colony. Despite periods of decline and war, Cologne has consistently been one of the most populous cities in Germany.

The city's population growth has been influenced by its favourable location on major trade routes and its status as a free imperial city. Today, Cologne is a major cultural and economic centre, known for its medieval architecture, vibrant nightlife, and diverse population, with over 36% of its residents having a migrant background.

The Cologne-Bonn region is part of the Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan area, which is the second-largest in the European Union by GDP and one of the most populous in Europe, with over 3.5 million inhabitants. This region benefits from its central location and strong transport connections, making it a hub for trade and economic activity.

Language and religion

Cologne, Germany's fourth-largest city, has a population of nearly 1.1 million in the city proper and over 3.1 million in the Cologne-Bonn urban region. The city is a major cultural centre in the Rhineland and is known for its rich history, architecture, and diverse communities.

Language

Cologne has a unique dialect called "Colognian" or "Kölsch", which is a Ripuarian dialect spoken in the region. The city also attracts thousands of international students who come to learn German and experience its cultural offerings. There are several well-known language schools in the city, including Insula, Berlitz, and Tandem.

Religion

Cologne is home to diverse religious communities, with significant Christian, Muslim, and Jewish populations.

Christianity

Cologne has a strong Christian heritage, with the medieval Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) being a globally recognised landmark. The city also features the Twelve Romanesque churches, which contribute to its distinctive cityscape. As of 2015, 35.5% of the population belonged to the Catholic Church, the largest religious body, and 15.5% to the Protestant Church.

Islam

Cologne has one of the largest Muslim communities in Germany, with over 100,000 Muslim residents. The city's Central Mosque, run by the Turkish-Islamic Union for Religious Affairs, is one of the country's biggest mosques. In 2021, the city allowed all 35 mosques in Cologne to broadcast the Adhan (call to prayer) for up to five minutes on Fridays between noon and 3 pm, showcasing the city's appreciation for religious diversity.

Judaism

Cologne also has one of the oldest and largest Jewish communities in Germany, dating back to Roman times. As of 2011, 0.3% of the city's population was Jewish.

Migration background

Cologne, Germany's fourth-largest city, has a population of over 1 million inhabitants in the city proper and over 3.1 million in the Cologne-Bonn urban region. The city is part of the Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan region, the second-largest metropolitan region in the European Union by GDP.

Cologne has a large migrant population, with around a third of its population having a migrant background. The city has a history of immigration and has long been considered a melting pot of integration. However, this perception was challenged by the mass sexual assaults that took place during the 2015 New Year's Eve celebrations, primarily perpetrated by men of North African or Arab origin. The incident brought to light the challenges of migration and integration in Germany and triggered a worldwide media response.

In the aftermath of the 2015 New Year's Eve attacks, there was a total of 1,210 criminal complaints, 511 of which involved sexual assaults. The Cologne police were heavily criticized for their handling of the situation and their initial hesitation to report on the foreign citizenship of the suspects. As a result, the press council changed its guidelines, allowing journalists to report on a suspect's country of origin or migration background if there is a justified public interest.

The attacks also had political repercussions, with far-right populist parties such as the Alternative for Germany (AfD) gaining support from those who felt a newfound need for security. The incident also put pressure on Chancellor Angela Merkel's "welcoming culture" towards refugees, leading to tightened asylum laws and reforms to sexual offense legislation.

While the 2015 New Year's Eve attacks were a shock to many, it is important to note that the majority of refugees and migrants in Germany are law-abiding. However, there are concerns about the integration of young, single men from North African countries, who make up a significant proportion of the suspects in the attacks. This has sparked debates about distinguishing between those genuinely in need of protection and those who may pose a security risk.

Overall, the migration background of Cologne's population is diverse, and the city continues to be a major cultural and economic center in Germany, known for its rich history and vibrant present.

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