Allgemeinbevölkerung

Allgemeinbevölkerung, a term used in German-speaking countries, refers to the general population of a country or region, excluding specific groups such as military personnel, prisoners, or certain institutionalized individuals. The concept is primarily used in the context of compulsory military service, where the Allgemeinbevölkerung is the pool from which conscripts are drawn.

The term was introduced in the German Empire in 1871 and has since been adopted in various forms in other German-speaking countries. It is defined by law and typically includes all male citizens within a certain age range, usually between 18 and 45 years old. The exact criteria may vary by country and over time.

The Allgemeinbevölkerung is subject to periodic reviews and updates to ensure that it accurately reflects the current population and that all eligible individuals are accounted for. These reviews are often conducted through national censuses or other demographic surveys.

In some countries, the Allgemeinbevölkerung is also used for purposes other than military conscription, such as in the context of civil defense or emergency services. However, the primary focus remains on the selection and management of potential conscripts.

The term Allgemeinbevölkerung is a neutral and inclusive concept, designed to ensure that all eligible individuals have an equal opportunity to be considered for military service. It is a fundamental aspect of the conscription system in many German-speaking countries.