Germany has seen a significant increase in the number of centenarians – individuals aged 100 or older – according to data released by the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis). As of year-end 2024, approximately 17,900 people in Germany were 100 years of age or older, a rise of nearly 24% (+24.0%) compared to 2011, when the number stood at roughly 14,400.
This demographic shift reflects a long-term trend of increasing life expectancy, particularly for women, who consistently demonstrate a higher average lifespan than men. At the close of 2024, women comprised 83.8% of the centenarian population, a slight decrease from the 87.0% observed in 2011.
The proportion of centenarians within the general population has also increased. In 2011, there were 1.8 centenarians per 10,000 inhabitants; this figure rose to 2.1 in 2024.
Regional disparities exist in the distribution of this growing demographic. The highest absolute numbers of centenarians resided in the populous states of North Rhine-Westphalia (3,900), Bavaria (2,400) and Baden-Württemberg (2,300). However, when considering the ratio to total population, Hamburg recorded the highest number, with 2.9 centenarians per 10,000 inhabitants. Significant numbers were also found in Saxony (2.6) and Saarland (2.5). Conversely, Bavaria, Bremen and Brandenburg had the lowest ratios of centenarians relative to overall population size.
Globally, the trend of an increasing number of centenarians is also evident, although at a lower level than observed in Germany. United Nations projections indicate that in 2011, there were 0.4 centenarians per 10,000 inhabitants worldwide; this rose to 0.7 in 2024. As of 2024, there were an estimated 587,000 individuals aged 100 or older worldwide, with women representing 81% of this group. Japan held the highest number of centenarians (121,000), followed by the United States (70,000) and China (43,000).