With a population of approximately 6.4 million people, Hesse is Germany's fifth most populous state. The population is heavily concentrated in the southern Rhine-Main region, where over half of the state's residents live.
* **Demographics and Growth**: The state has seen steady population growth, driven almost entirely by domestic and international migration to its urban centers, offsetting natural demographic aging. * **Diversity**: Hesse is highly cosmopolitan. In Frankfurt, over half the population has a migration background (either immigrants themselves or children of immigrants), making it one of the most diverse cities in Europe. Expatriates from over 180 nations live in the state. * **Religion**: Historically divided between Protestant (Lutheran/Reformed) and Catholic regions, the state is now increasingly secular. Today, roughly 30% are Protestant, 22% are Catholic, and a growing percentage are non-religious or practice other faiths, including a significant Muslim population in the urban centers. * **Education and Income**: Hesse boasts a highly educated workforce, reflecting the demands of its tech, finance, and pharmaceutical sectors. The state consistently ranks among the highest in Germany for median household income and purchasing power.