Demographics of Cologne

Since the construction of the Medieval wall in 1180, the area of the old imperial city of Cologne has not changed for more than 600 years and was only extended over the old city walls in 1794, just short before the arrival of French troops and Cologne's incorporation into the First French Empire.

After 1815, the Kingdom of Prussia enforced the construction of fortifications which again hindered any growth for the city.

November 1883 a strip of territory from parts of the municipalities of Ehrenfeld, Kriel, Longerich, Müngersdorf and Rondorf was added to the city.

Since 1886, the Cologne City Council intensified negotiations with the surrounding communities, and on 1 April 1888 ended in a first major incorporation.

The territorial expansion, beginning in the late 19th century, were significant marks for the city's population growth.