The immigrant population

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There are around 7.3 million immigrants living in the Federal Republic of Germany; this is equivalent to 8.9 percent of the total population.

Many foreign workers came to Germany between the mid-1950s and the 1973. The German economy was in need of additional manpower for its bourgeoning economy and therefore focused recruiting efforts on the littoral states of the Mediterranean region.

Many of these workers remained in Germany, and later brought their families to Germany as well. At the end of 2003, one third of immigrants had been living in Germany longer than 20 years, and about two-thirds more than eight years. More than two-thirds of the foreign children living in Germany were born in the country.

Since 2000, children born in Germany to foreign parents are entitled to acquire German nationality as long as they meet certain requirements. Meanwhile, the majority of foreigners living in Germany have become integrated into German society. Marriages between immigrants and Germans are on the increase and are becoming a more natural occurrence.

Since 1970, around 3.2 million immigrants have attained German nationality.

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