Content and Objectives

An important task of the BiB is to inform science, politics and the public about key aspects of demographic change in Germany, Europe and the world. This project coordinates and carries out cross-research activities that serve this task. Extensive demographic information and long historical time series on the various facets of demographic change (fertility, migration, mortality, etc.) are prepared according to high scientific standards. This information is also available in the facts section of the BiB website. An interactive search function facilitates the search and selection of specific illustrations and maps. There is also a comprehensive glossary with descriptions of important demographic terms and methods. The figures, maps and tables available on the BiB homepage are regularly updated. A regular and increasing number of enquiries from the research community, the media, politicians and the general public about the facts on offer demonstrates the high socio-political relevance of the content presented.

Another focus is on transfer publications and BiB online portals on cross-cutting demographic topics, in which several research areas often work together. For this purpose, demographic data and facts on focal topics are prepared for the public in a clear and comprehensible form. Great importance is attached to vivid visualisations, whereby cooperation with leading external visualisation experts is carried out on a project-related basis. Since 2022, special population charts have been created and published that illustrate the structure of the population by age, gender and one other thematic aspect. For the first time in this form and breadth, these provide an insight into demographic change over the last 30 years on topics such as education, working life and migration background. The aim is to analyse selected topics in more detail at regular intervals using these population charts. For example, a brochure with population charts on the population with a migration background is currently being prepared under the leadership of Research Area 2 "Migration and Mobility" and with the collaboration of the "Education and Human Capital" research group and will be published in 2024.

In addition, studies on changing aspects of the world's population are carried out on a regular basis. The questions and objectives are derived from the topics arising from the current need for policy advice. In accordance with the decree, the BIB has the task of supporting the Federal Government in international co-operation on population issues. This primarily includes the representation of the Federal Ministry of the Interior at the United Nations Commission on Population and Development, for which annually changing topics on global demographic trends are to be scientifically monitored.