Germany at a Glance

The Federal Republic of Germany comprises sixteen federal states. The capital is Berlin.

The German population originates from a number of different tribes, such as the Franks and Saxons, Prussians, Swabians and Bavarians. Today the names of these tribes still can be found in the names of the different states, e.g. Bavaria, Westphalia, Lower Saxony, etc.

Germany's population amounts to almost 83 million people, including approximately 7.3 million foreigners (8.9%).

The federal system ensures a balance between the power of the central government and the 16 states, which have their own constitution as well as to some extent legislative, judicial and administrative powers. The states are taking care of the development of their own economies and industries. Therefore different states of Germany may simultaneously be joining and supporting their companies at trade fairs and exhibitions in the United Arab Emirates.

 

The Federal Republic of Germany is one of the major industrial counties in the world and with its population of 82.3 million people the largest and most important market in the European Union (EU). In 2010, the Gross Domestic Product was 2.96 trillion Euro, which can be related to Germany's foreign trade and its position as the largest export-oriented country in the world. German companies and products internationally stand for innovation, high quality and technical advance. Internationally Germany takes a leading position regarding research & development, the qualification of human resources and logistics. In addition to these factors Germany possesses a central geographical position, a well developed infrastructure and legal security. In many promising technologies like biotechnology, nanotechnology, information technology and new technologies concerning our environment Germany plays an important role on the world markets. The most important industrial branches appear to be the automobile manufacture, electrical engineering and chemical products. Germany's economic center are situated in the Ruhr district, the areas around Munich and Stuttgart, the Rhein-Neckar area, Frankfurt/Main, Cologne, Hamburg, Berlin and Leipzig.

Since the Second World War Germany's economic system has developed into a socially responsible market economy through macroeconomic management and its integration in the market of the European Community.

The German government does not directly interfere in the economy, but is guiding it on a low level. The government porvi3des various incentives, including investment grants and subsidies, tax incentives such as accelerated depreciation and financial assistance through long-term loans at favorable interest rates to assist certain territories and industries.

A research by Ernst & Young executed in 2007 confirmed Germany's position among foreign managers as one of the leading countries in Europe. Germany's most important trade partners are France, the United States of America and Great Britain. In the last years the trade between emerging countries such as China and India has increased, too.

 

Since the Second World War Germany enjoyed low inflation as well as low interest rates.

Germany has eight stock exchanges, Frankfurt/Main being the largest. The most important ones are situated in Frankfurt, Düsseldorf and Hamburg. Shares of more than 120 foreign countries are officially listed on the Frankfurt stock exchange.

 

The backbone of the German economy is industry. However, the service sector is gaining increasingly more importance. This results from a structural shift in economy and workforce. During the last 25 years, the workforce in the service, trade and transport sectors increased by 27% to 10.8 million employees.

Over 51,700 enterprises are situated in Germany. Only about 2% are large companies with more than 1000 employees. The majority of the enterprises are medium sized. However, large companies account for 50% of the industrial turnover employ about half of the 12.4 million strong industrial workforce of Germany.

Germany is well known for high quality products. In recent years Germany has become a leading country in the field of environmental protection. Despite Germany being a major industrial nation, the country notably poor in natural resources and is therefore dependant on the import of large quantities of crude oil, natural gas, copper, bauxite, manganese and rock phosphate.

 

For Germany, as one of the most densely populated countries in Europe (228 inhabitants per km²) the protection of the environment has become one of the most urgent tasks. The excessive strain on the environment and the resulting damage are caused by a variety of factors, including population density, a high degree of industrialization and the careless treatment of nature.

Ecological damage may be prevented by policies encouraging the set-up of industries in an environmentally responsible way as well as by making the originator of such damage liable for its negligence. Environmental problems in Germany can mostly be solved in co-operation and mutual understanding between the state, the industry and the public, which over the past few decades has become increasingly aware of the problems caused by industrial pollution.

 

Regarding Miami's trade partners Germany takes a strong 19th spot with a total trade amount of $1.39 billion. South Florida's exports to Germany increased in the year 2010 by 38.25% due to a large increase in aircraft. Imports increased in 2010 to the second highest total on record since 2007.

Top 5 Miami exports to Germany in 2010:

Source: WorldCity analysis of US Census Data, provided by the ITC (International Trade Consortium of Miami Dade County)

Top 5 Miami imports from Germany in 2010:

Source: WorldCity analysis of US Census Data, provided by the ITC (International Trade Consortium of Miami Dade County)

Main data source: CIA World Fact Book https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/gm.html