Lowest growth in a decade: Statec summarises 2023 results and forecasts for 2024

According to Statec, Luxembourg's population reached 672,050 by 1 January 2024, increasing by 11,241 (+1.7%) over the year. Despite the increase, this is one of the lowest figures in the last decade. By comparison, in 2022, marked by the arrival of a large number of Ukrainian refugees, the increase was 2.4 per cent.

Slow but steady

The rate of population growth in 2023 is comparable to the pandemic years, with 1.4% and 1.7% growth in 2020 and 2021, respectively. Over the past decade, growth has ranged from 2.0% to 2.5%.

Nevertheless, Luxembourg's overall demographic trend remains impressive. Since 1981, the population has grown by 84.3 per cent, confirming the country's attractiveness to migrants.

The impact of migration and the challenges of population ageing

Migration remains the main source of growth. Luxembourg continues to attract international professionals, investors and migrants, which ensures constant population growth.

However, the country is threatened by gradual ageing. The growing proportion of older people requires adaptation of social and health systems to ensure sustainability in the future.

Expert view

The report's authors, François Pelletier and Charly Klein, say the slowdown in population growth is due to a combination of factors, including post-pandemic stabilisation and reduced migration inflows.

Statec also emphasises the importance of analysing this data to plan policies and develop infrastructure that can respond to the needs of a growing and ageing population.

Predictions 

Luxembourg continues to show steady demographic growth despite the slowdown. In the future, the country will have to find a balance between remaining attractive to migrants, addressing the challenges of an ageing population and maintaining a high quality of life.