Leslie Massey
Austria's population is growing due to immigration, and without it, the population would fall back to 1950s levels. In 2024, Vienna's population was 2,005,760, of which 35.4% were foreign nationals, 40.2% were born abroad, and 45.4% were of foreign origin. In the same year, 1,801,184 foreign citizens made up 19.6% of Austria's total population of 9,159,993. German nationals make up the largest immigrant group in Austria, followed by Romanian, Serbian, and Turkish citizens. The biggest single ethnic minority in Austria is made up of 350,000 ethnic Turks, who represent about 3% of the total population.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Largest group of migrants in Austria | German nationals |
| Total number of foreigners in Austria | 1,587,000 |
| Number of German nationals in Austria | 217,000 |
| Number of Romanian citizens in Austria | 138,000 |
| Number of Serbian citizens in Austria | 122,000 |
| Number of Turkish citizens in Austria | 118,000 |
| Number of Ukrainian citizens in Austria | 53,000 (as of April 2022) |
| Number of Syrian citizens in Austria | 68,000 |
| Percentage of foreign-born people in Vienna | 40.2% |
| Percentage of foreign-origin population in Vienna | 45.4% |
| Percentage of foreign nationals in Vienna | 35.4% |
| Percentage of foreign-born people in Austria | 19% |
| Percentage of Austrian population with at least one parent of immigrant background | 19% |
| Percentage of newborns with Catholic mothers in Austria (2015) | 41,783 out of 84,381 |
| Percentage of newborns with Muslim mothers in Austria (2015) | 10,760 out of 84,381 |
| Percentage of newborns with Protestant mothers in Austria (2015) | 2,595 out of 84,381 |
| Number of Jews or adherents of Judaism in Austria | 15,000 |
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What You'll Learn
- German nationals are the largest immigrant group in Austria
- The Austrian government has taken a hardline approach on migration policy
- % of Austrians with daily contact with foreigners described living together as very good or rather good
- ,000 ethnic Turks live in Austria, making up 3% of the population
- In 2023, 32% of newborns had mothers with foreign nationality
German nationals are the largest immigrant group in Austria
Austria has a history of immigration, with about 19% of its population being foreign-born in 2018, the second-highest proportion in the EU after Luxembourg. As of 2023, an average of 2.4 million people with a migration background lived in Austria, constituting around 26.7% of the total population. The country's population is growing solely through immigration, and without it, the population would decline to 1950s levels in the long term, according to Statistics Austria Director General Tobias Thomas.
The issue of migration is politically sensitive in Austria, with the Austrian government adopting a hardline approach to migration policy. Austria has welcomed Ukrainian refugees and refugee applications from countries like Afghanistan, Iran, and Syria. The integration of migrants is a challenge, and organizations like IOM and OMEGA work to facilitate it by providing information, education, and support to promote social cohesion.
German is the dominant language in Austria, with 88.6% of the population being native German speakers, according to the 2001 population census. Vienna, in particular, has a high number of foreign-born residents, with 40.2% of its population falling into this category as of 2024. The right to vote is also impacted by citizenship status, with 40.9% of Viennese between 16 and 24 lacking Austrian citizenship and thus being excluded from voting.
In conclusion, German nationals constitute the largest immigrant group in Austria, and the country's demographics and society are significantly shaped by immigration, with efforts underway to integrate migrants and address related challenges.
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The Austrian government has taken a hardline approach on migration policy
Austria has seen a large influx of migrants in recent years, with 1,587,000 foreigners living in the country as of January this year. German nationals make up the biggest immigrant group, with 217,000 people, followed by Romanian, Serbian, and Turkish citizens. The Austrian government has taken a hardline approach to migration policy, with Chancellor Karl Nehammer emphasizing that issues like illegal migration, terrorism, and organized crime should not be neglected due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Austria has welcomed 75,000 Ukrainian refugees and received up to 17,000 refugee applications from countries such as Afghanistan, Iran, and Syria.
The Austrian government's hardline approach to migration policy has involved strict border controls and a focus on security. They have implemented measures to control illegal migration and combat terrorism and organized crime. The government has also emphasized the importance of integration and social cohesion. A recent survey found that people born in Austria and immigrants who have frequent contact with each other are more likely to describe living together as "very good" or "rather good." This was particularly true for those from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Turkey, with 55% reporting positive experiences when having daily contact with Austrian-born individuals.
To facilitate integration, the Austrian government has encouraged social interaction between Austrian-born individuals and immigrants. Initiatives and support systems have been put in place to promote positive relationships and social cohesion. These efforts recognize that personal contact is a key driver of successful integration, fostering a sense of community and mutual understanding. The survey also revealed that social media plays a more significant role in the lives of foreign-born residents, with higher usage rates among immigrants from Afghanistan, Syria, and the Russian Federation.
While the Austrian government maintains its hardline stance on border security and illegal migration, it also acknowledges the benefits of immigration for the country's demographic challenges. Austria's population growth relies heavily on immigration. Without it, the population would decline to 1950s levels, according to Statistics Austria Director General Tobias Thomas. This highlights the complex balance between managing security concerns and recognizing the positive contributions of immigrants to Austrian society.
In conclusion, the Austrian government's hardline approach to migration policy involves a focus on border security and addressing issues like illegal migration, terrorism, and organized crime. Simultaneously, they recognize the importance of integration and social cohesion, implementing initiatives to encourage positive interactions between Austrian-born individuals and immigrants. This dual-pronged strategy aims to maintain security while fostering a cohesive and inclusive society that benefits from the contributions of its diverse migrant population.
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46% of Austrians with daily contact with foreigners described living together as very good or rather good
Austria has seen a significant increase in its population due to immigration, with 1,587,000 foreigners living in the country as of January 2022. German nationals constitute the largest immigrant group, with 217,000 people, followed by Romanian, Serbian, Turkish, and Croatian citizens. The war in Ukraine has also led to an influx of refugees, with Austria welcoming 75,000 Ukrainians.
Amidst this diverse demographic landscape, it is notable that 46% of Austrians with daily contact with foreigners described living together as "very good" or "rather good." This is a significant finding, indicating that interpersonal interactions play a pivotal role in fostering positive perceptions of coexistence. The survey reveals that regular contact serves as a catalyst for integration, as both Austrians and immigrants who interact frequently are more likely to report positive experiences of living together.
The survey highlights a stark contrast between those with daily contact and those with infrequent or no interaction. Among Austrians with daily contact with foreigners, 46% described their coexistence as positive, whereas this proportion dropped to only 29% for those with infrequent or no contact. This disparity underscores the importance of interpersonal connections in shaping perceptions and promoting social cohesion.
A similar trend was observed among immigrants. For those born in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, or Turkey, 55% of respondents who had daily contact with Austrian-born individuals viewed their living situation favorably. However, when contact was rare or non-existent, this number decreased to 43%. This pattern reiterates the idea that personal interactions are pivotal for fostering a sense of unity and mutual understanding.
The survey also revealed that social media usage varied among the foreign-born population and Austrian-born individuals. Social media played a more significant role for foreigners, with 63% of those born in Bosnia, Serbia, or Turkey, and 76% of those from Afghanistan, Syria, or the Russian Federation using it daily. These findings suggest that social media platforms may serve as important avenues for connection and communication within these communities.
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350,000 ethnic Turks live in Austria, making up 3% of the population
Austria has a population of 9,159,993 residents, as of 2024, and 1,801,184 of these people are foreign citizens, making up 19.6% of the total population. The country has seen a significant influx of immigrants, with 350,000 ethnic Turks, including Turkish Kurds, currently living in Austria. This population makes up approximately 3% of the total population and constitutes the largest single ethnic minority group in the country.
The presence of such a large Turkish community in Austria can be attributed to various factors, including historical connections, economic opportunities, and refugee movements. Austria has a history of accepting refugees and asylum seekers, and many Turks may have sought refuge in the country due to political or economic instability in their homeland. Additionally, Austria's central location in Europe may have made it a desirable destination for Turkish immigrants seeking to settle within the continent.
Over time, the Turkish community in Austria has established itself and become an integral part of the country's social fabric. They have contributed to various aspects of Austrian society, including culture, cuisine, and commerce. Intercultural marriages and social interactions between Austrians and Turks have also led to a greater level of integration and understanding between the two communities.
While the Turkish community in Austria has made significant strides, they may still face challenges and barriers. Language barriers, cultural differences, and discrimination can pose difficulties for Turkish immigrants in accessing education, employment, and social services. Additionally, socio-economic disparities and a lack of social mobility may persist within this community.
To facilitate the integration process, the Austrian government and non-governmental organizations have implemented various initiatives. These include language and integration courses, cultural orientation programs, and social services provided by organizations such as IOM and OMEGA. These efforts aim to assist Turkish immigrants in navigating the complexities of life in Austria and promoting social cohesion and equality.
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In 2023, 32% of newborns had mothers with foreign nationality
Austria has a significant number of migrants, with 1,587,000 foreigners living in the country as of January 2023. German nationals make up the largest group of immigrants, followed by Romanian, Serbian, Turkish, and Bosnian citizens. The country's population growth can be attributed to immigration, and without it, Austria's population would likely decline to 1950s levels.
In 2023, 32% of newborns in Austria had mothers with foreign nationality. This statistic highlights the impact of migration on the country's demographics and the increasing cultural diversity of its population. It's worth noting that children born to Austrian mothers and foreign fathers may also acquire Austrian citizenship under specific conditions.
Austria's migration policies have been a topic of discussion, with the Austrian government adopting a hardline approach. Despite this, the country has welcomed Ukrainian refugees and processed refugee applications from countries like Afghanistan, Iran, and Syria. The integration of migrants is a key focus, and surveys indicate that personal contact between Austrian-born individuals and immigrants fosters positive perceptions of living together.
Vienna, Austria's capital, has experienced significant growth due to migration. As of 2024, 35.4% of Vienna's residents were foreign nationals, and 45.4% were of foreign origin. The city's foreign net migration in 2023 was 21,959 people, contributing to its diverse and dynamic population.
The demographics of Austria are shaped by various factors, including native Austrians' stagnant population trends and the country's history as part of the Habsburg monarchy. German speakers comprise a significant majority, with 88.6% speaking Austro-Bavarian and 4% speaking Alemannic. The remaining population speaks minority languages, contributing to Austria's cultural and linguistic diversity.
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Frequently asked questions
German nationals make up the biggest immigrant group in Austria, with 217,000 people.
The second largest group is made up of Romanian citizens, with 138,000 people. Serbian citizens are the third largest group, with 122,000 people, and the fourth largest group is made up of Turkish citizens, with 118,000 people.
In 2023, an average of 2.4 million people with a migration background lived in Austria, making up 26.7% of the total population.
As of 1 January 2024, Austria had a population of 9,159,993 residents, including 1,801,184 foreign citizens (19.6% of the total population).
Ethnic Turks, including a minority of Turkish Kurds, make up the largest single ethnic minority in Austria, with 350,000 people or 3% of the total population.
