Increase in settlement and traffic area by 104 hectares per day
WIESBADEN – The settlement and traffic area in Germany grew by a total of 1 516 square kilometres or 3.3% in the years from 2005 to 2008. As reported by the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis), this is a calculated daily increase of 104 hectares or some 149 football fields. In the period concerned, an increase was also observed in the area covered by forest, namely by 0.8% or 861 square kilometres. In contrast, the agricultural area decreased by 0.9% or 1 679 square kilometres. As at the reference day of 31 December 2008, built-up and traffic areas accounted for 47 137 square kilometres or 13.2% of Germany's total area (357 111 square kilometres). Forests covered 107 349 square kilometres or 30.1% and agricultural areas accounted for 187 646 square kilometres or 52.5% of the total area. 8 482 square kilometres were covered by sheets of water, while 6 498 square kilometres were used for other purposes. For further information please call: Michael Deggau, tel: +49 611 75 2730, www.destatis.de/kontakt
