Germany

Women constitute 51 percent of Germany’s population of 82 million. They are still underrepresented in many key areas of social life, despite Germany’s basic law stipulating equal rights for women. They also earn less money and provide most of the unpaid care of family members. Recent demographic developments in Germany include a low birth rate, increasing life expectancy, and because of this, an aging society. The fertility rate (1.4 children per woman) is one of the lowest in the world. Life expectancy has risen continuously and is now 77 years for men and 82 years for women. This aging society has been perceived as one of the greatest challenges facing Germany today, especially in regard to health insurance and pension plans, and has caused the implementation of many family-related measures to increase the number of children.