Country Profile: Germany
Germany, located in Central Europe, is the continent's largest economy and the second most populous nation. The country boasts a rich history shaped by the devastating impacts of two world wars and subsequent division during the Cold War. Since reunification in 1990, Germany has significantly invested in elevating the productivity of its eastern regions. Governed as a federal parliamentary republic, Germany plays a vital role in European and global political and economic affairs.
Geography
Germany is situated in Central Europe, bordered by the Baltic Sea and the North Sea, with land boundaries totaling 3,694 km. The country features a temperate marine climate characterized by cool, wet winters and summers. Its diverse terrain includes lowlands in the north, uplands in the center, and the Bavarian Alps in the south, with the highest point being Zugspitze at 2,963 m.
- Total area: 357,022 sq km
- Natural resources: coal, lignite, natural gas, iron ore
- Agricultural land: 47.5% of total land use (2022)
- Major rivers: Danube (2,888 km), Rhine (1,233 km)
- Coastline: 2,389 km
People and Society
Germany has an estimated population of 84,119,100 in 2024, with a nearly equal gender distribution. The population is primarily ethnic German (85.4%), alongside Turkish, Ukrainian, and other groups. The country has a high urbanization rate, with 77.8% of its population living in cities, particularly in industrial regions such as North Rhine-Westphalia.
- Life expectancy: 81.9 years (2024)
- Median age: 46.8 years (2024)
- Urban population: 77.8% (2023)
- Official language: German
- Major religions: None (43.8%), Roman Catholic (24.8%), Protestant (22.6%)
Economy
Germany has a robust export-driven economy, characterized by strengths in automotive, chemical, and green energy sectors. In 2024, the country's GDP (PPP) is projected at $5.247 trillion. However, economic growth has faced challenges due to rising energy costs and declining exports.
- GDP per capita: $62,800 (2024)
- Unemployment rate: 3.5% (2024)
- Inflation rate: 2.3% (2024)
- Labor force: 43.772 million (2024)
- Exports: $1.949 trillion (2024)
Government
Germany operates as a federal parliamentary republic with 16 states. The capital is Berlin, which serves as the political and cultural heart of the nation. The current president is Frank-Walter Steinmeier, with Chancellor Friedrich Merz leading the government since May 2025.
- Executive branch: President and Chancellor, both elected through a bicameral parliamentary system
- Legislative structure: Bicameral (Bundestag and Bundesrat)
- Suffrage: Universal at age 18
- Legal system: Civil law
Military and Security
The Bundeswehr, Germany's federal armed forces, consists of approximately 185,000 active personnel, sharing responsibilities for national security with state police forces. Recent geopolitical tensions have led to increased military investment, with planned expenditures of 2.1% of GDP in 2024.
- Active military personnel: 185,000 (2024)
- Military expenditure: 2.1% of GDP (2024)
- NATO participation: Active in various foreign missions
Energy
Germany's energy sector is diverse, with significant investments in renewable sources like wind and solar. As of 2023, the country produced 49% of its electricity from fossil fuels, while making strides towards sustainable energy practices.
- Electricity consumption: 519.691 billion kWh (2023)
- Installed capacity: 275.658 million kW (2023)
- Renewable energy share: 11.1% solar, 25.9% wind (2023)
- Coal production: 109.741 million metric tons (2023)
Environment
Germany faces environmental challenges such as air pollution and water contamination. Significant measures have been taken to address these issues, including adherence to numerous international environmental agreements.
- Forest cover: 32.7% of land use (2022)
- Recycling rate for municipal waste: 47.8% (2015)
- Total water withdrawal: 28.9 billion cubic meters (2020)
Transportation
Germany's transportation infrastructure is extensive, featuring a well-developed railway and road system, alongside a significant number of airports and ports to facilitate domestic and international travel.
- Total railways: 39,379 km (2020)
- Number of airports: 840 (2025)
- Merchant marine: 595 vessels (2023)
Communications
Germany boasts a high penetration of communication technologies, with an increasing number of internet users and mobile cellular subscriptions.
- Internet users: 94% of the population (2024)
- Fixed-line subscriptions: 38.8 million (2023)
- Mobile subscriptions: 105 million (2023)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 84,119,100 | Estimate for 2024 |
| Area | 357,022 sq km | Total land area |
| GDP (PPP) | $5.247 trillion | Estimate for 2024 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.5% | Estimate for 2024 |
| Inflation rate | 2.3% | Estimate for 2024 |
| Life expectancy at birth | 81.9 years | Estimate for 2024 |
| Total energy consumption per capita | 120.457 million Btu | Estimate for 2023 |
| Total railways | 39,379 km | Data from 2020 |
| Number of airports | 840 | Estimate for 2025 |
| Electricity access | 100% | Total population with access (2022) |
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