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Germany profile

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(Last updated: 5 Aug 2009)


Current business situation

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) provides advice for business travellers and tourists going to Germany. This is regularly updated, and should be checked before planning travel.

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Country facts

Capital city: Berlin
Surface area: 357,000 sq km
Population: 82 million
Official language(s): German
Head of State: Federal President HE Prof Dr Horst Koehler
Head of Government: Federal Chancellor HE Dr Angela Merkel
Australian exports to Germany: A$2,185 million
Australian imports from Germany: A$11,107 million
Germany's principal export destinations: France, USA, UK
Germany's principal import sources: France, Netherlands, China
(Source: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade - Country economic fact sheet)
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Economic climate

Germany is the world's third biggest economy and the second biggest exporter after the USA. It is a major economy within European Union, which has ongoing moves towards increasing integration/expansion.


In all economic indicators the old East German states (‘the new states’) still lag behind the West, but the gap is closing. More than any of its European neighbours, Germany is very decentralised, with the states holding considerable economic and political strength.

A number of the key economic centres include Frankfurt, Hamburg, Munich, Berlin, Stuttgart and the Ruhr region.


For the latest key economic indicators and statistics, please see the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade country economic fact sheet.
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Political climate

Germany is a parliamentary democracy with a directly elected lower House (Bundestag) and an upper house (Bundesrat) made up of state government representatives.

The country is a federation of 16 states (Länder). The states all have their own constitution, government and independent courts, while the federal parliament retains the responsibility for major legislation change.

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Trade relations and statistics

As the largest single unit in the European Union (EU), and with the EU as its principal economic partner, Germany continues to be a strong proponent of closer European integration. Germany is also a major player in trade with central and eastern Europe.


Please see the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade -country economic fact sheet for key trade statistics.

News Feeds


From Spiegel Online
  1. Restructuring, GM Style: Opel Slashes Jobs and Demands State Money
  2. An EU Protectorate: How Brussels Is Trying to Prevent a Collapse of the Euro
  3. The World from Berlin: Is Deutsche Bank Becoming a Paragon of Modesty?
  4. Severe Slump: German Auto Sales Crash in January
  5. The Gender Gap: 'Men Who Have Daughters Tend to See Better'

Bilateral agreements

Australia has social security agreements with several countries that address the issue of 'double super coverage' for employees sent to work overseas. To take advantage of these agreements, Australian employers sending employees overseas to work must apply to the Tax Office for a Certificate of coverage.

For more details, please visit the Australian Taxation Office website.

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OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises

Multinational Enterprises should be aware of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises that provide voluntary principles and standards for responsible business behaviour in a variety of areas, consistent with applicable domestic laws. These Guidelines are endorsed and promoted by the Australian Government. For more information, go to the ANCP website.

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Disclaimer

Austrade makes no warranty, express or implied as to the fitness for a particular purpose, or assumes any legal liability for the accuracy or usefulness of any information contained in this document. Any consequential loss or damage suffered as a result of reliance on this information is the sole responsibility of the user.