Denmark’s population could drop by millions

Denmark’s current population of just under six million could decrease by several million over the next three generations if the fertility rate remains the same as today. Excluding immigration and increased life expectancy from the projection, calculations by Professor Rune Lindahl-Jacobsen from the University of Southern Denmark indicate a significant decline. Over the past ten years, Danish women have had an average of 1.7 children. The fertility rate was around 1.5 in 2022 and 2023. To maintain population levels, a rate of 2.1 is required. If immigration were halted today and the current fertility rate and life expectancy maintained, Denmark’s population would shrink considerably, potentially dropping to 5 million by 2050 and 2.54 million by 2100. However, in the past decades, the population has not decreased but increased due to immigration and longer lifespan. Danish Business’ projections for Politiken suggest that the population will stabilize until 2050 before declining, reaching 5.8 million by 2060.