Fact Check: "The European Union has almost 450 million inhabitants."
What We Know
As of January 1, 2024, the population of the European Union (EU) is approximately 449 million people (Demographics of the European Union). This figure reflects a slight increase from the previous year, where the population was recorded at 448 million (Demography of Europe – 2025 edition). The EU comprises 27 member states, with Germany being the most populous, housing around 83.4 million residents, while Malta has the smallest population at approximately 0.56 million (Demographics of the European Union).
Analysis
The claim that "The European Union has almost 450 million inhabitants" is substantiated by the latest demographic data. The population figure of 449 million is close to the threshold of 450 million, making the claim accurate within a reasonable margin of error.
The sources used for this fact-checking include the Wikipedia page on the demographics of the European Union, which provides up-to-date population statistics (Demographics of the European Union), and the Eurostat publication, which confirms the population count as of January 1, 2024 (Demography of Europe – 2025 edition). Both sources are credible and widely recognized for their statistical data, with Eurostat being the statistical office of the European Union, thus enhancing the reliability of the information presented.
While there are variations in the total population of Europe as a whole, which is over 751 million (Demographics of Europe), the specific claim regarding the EU's population is focused and accurate.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that "The European Union has almost 450 million inhabitants" is true, as the current population is reported to be approximately 449 million. This figure is consistent across multiple reliable sources, confirming the accuracy of the statement.
