On 1 January 2021, the median age of the EU’s population hit 44.1 years, 0.2 years more than in 2020. It increased by 2.5 years (on average by 0.25 years per annum) from 41.6 years in 2011. This means that half of the EU’s population was older than 44.1 years, while the other half was younger.
Across the EU Member States, the median age ranged from 38.0 years in Cyprus, 38.5 in Ireland and 39.6 in Luxembourg, the only Member States with a median age below 40, to 47.6 years in Italy, 45.9 in Germany and 45.8 in Portugal. In total, 15 Member States are below the EU’s median age.
This information comes from data published by Eurostat today. The article presents a number of findings from the more detailed Statistics Explained article.
Between 2011 and 2021, this indicator increased in almost all EU Member States, rising by 4 or more years in Spain, Portugal, Greece, Ireland and Slovakia, but not in Sweden, where it decreased (from 40.8 years in 2011 to 40.6 years in 2021). Also, in Malta, there was no change in the median age between 2011 and 2021.
Source dataset: demo_pjanind
Between 2020 and 2021, the median age increased in 23 Member States, while it decreased or remained constant in Belgium, Germany, Lithuania and in the Netherlands. The largest increase in the median age between 2020 and 2021 can be observed in Ireland, Spain, Italy and Slovakia, all rising by 0.4 years.
For more information:
• Eurostat Statistics Explained article on population structure and ageing
• Eurostat dedicated section on population and demography
• Eurostat database on population and demography
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