According to the latest data from the Statistical Office of the Federal State of Baden-Württemberg, the number of Croatian citizens living in that German federal state has decreased significantly over the past three years.

Historical context and economic importance of the region

Baden-Württemberg, along with Bavaria and Hesse, is considered one of the most industrially developed German federal states, with a strong export sector and a long tradition of attracting economic migrants, including Croats.

Development of the Croatian community

The Croatian community in Baden-Württemberg began to take shape as early as the 1950s, and its connection with industrial centers, especially Stuttgart, was particularly pronounced among emigrants from Dalmatia and the Dalmatian hinterland.

The number of Croats in Baden-Württemberg grew significantly after 2010, reaching its peak in 2021 with 126,110 registered Croatian citizens.

Since 2021, a continuous decline in the number of Croats in that region has been recorded, with an average annual decrease of around one thousand people. The latest data show that at the end of 2024, 121,995 Croats were residing in Baden-Württemberg, which is 2,925 fewer than the previous year, and over three years the number decreased by a total of 4,115 people, writes Fenix Magazin.

The Consul General of the Republic of Croatia in Stuttgart, Ivan Sablić, points out that in the past few years there has been a trend of Croats returning to their homeland, with almost 3,000 people returning in 2024. This trend is particularly pronounced among young and working-age people as well as families with children.

Returnees most often cite the desire for a better future in Croatia, using the knowledge and experience gained in Germany. Older generations generally remain registered in Germany for administrative reasons and fear of losing acquired rights, although this is not justified. An increasing number of returnees are using state projects and support measures for return, such as the program "I Choose Croatia" and employment support, which further encourages the return wave. More than 820 people have already used this support, and the number of employed people exceeds 1,200.