Germany
EuropeGM December 23, 2025
Background
As Europe's largest economy and second most-populous nation (after Russia), Germany is a key member of the continent's economic, political, and defense organizations. European power struggles immersed Germany in two devastating world wars in the first half of the 20th century and left the country occupied by the victorious Allied powers of the US, UK, France, and the Soviet Union in 1945. With the advent of the Cold War, two German states were formed in 1949: the western Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) and the eastern German Democratic Republic (GDR). The democratic FRG embedded itself in key western economic and security organizations, including the EC (now the EU) and NATO, while the communist GDR was on the front line of the Soviet-led Warsaw Pact. The decline of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War allowed German reunification to occur in 1990. Since then, Germany has expended considerable funds to bring eastern productivity and wages up to western standards. In January 1999, Germany and 10 other EU countries introduced a common European exchange currency, the euro.
Geographic coordinates
51 00 N, 9 00 E
Natural hazards
flooding
Area - comparative
three times the size of Pennsylvania; slightly smaller than Montana
Environmental issues
air pollution and acid rain from coal-burning utilities and industries; water pollution from raw sewage and industrial effluents; hazardous waste disposal
International environmental agreements
Party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Heavy Metals, Air Pollution-Multi-effect Protocol, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protection, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling
Signed, but not ratified: None of the selected agreements
Signed, but not ratified: None of the selected agreements
Climate
temperate and marine; cool, cloudy, wet winters and summers; occasional warm mountain (foehn) wind
Coastline
2,389 km
Land boundaries
Total: 3,694 km
Border countries (9): Austria 801 km; Belgium 133 km; Czechia 704 km; Denmark 140 km; France 418 km; Luxembourg 128 km; Netherlands 575 km; Poland 447 km; Switzerland 348 km
Border countries (9): Austria 801 km; Belgium 133 km; Czechia 704 km; Denmark 140 km; France 418 km; Luxembourg 128 km; Netherlands 575 km; Poland 447 km; Switzerland 348 km
Land use
Agricultural land: 47.5% (2023 est.)
Arable land: 33.4% (2023 est.)
Permanent crops: 0.6% (2023 est.)
Permanent pasture: 13.5% (2023 est.)
Forest: 32.8% (2023 est.)
Other: 15% (2023 est.)
Arable land: 33.4% (2023 est.)
Permanent crops: 0.6% (2023 est.)
Permanent pasture: 13.5% (2023 est.)
Forest: 32.8% (2023 est.)
Other: 15% (2023 est.)
Maritime claims
Territorial sea: 12 nm
Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
Continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation
Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
Continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation
Natural resources
coal, lignite, natural gas, iron ore, copper, nickel, uranium, potash, salt, construction materials, timber, arable land
Geography - note
strategic location on North European Plain and along the entrance to the Baltic Sea; most major rivers in Germany -- the Rhine, Weser, Oder, Elbe -- flow northward; the Danube, which originates in the Black Forest, flows eastward
Terrain
lowlands in north, uplands in center, Bavarian Alps in south
Location
Central Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea and the North Sea, between the Netherlands and Poland, south of Denmark
Map references
Europe
Irrigated land
5,065 sq km (2020)
Total renewable water resources
154 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Population distribution
second most populous country in Europe; a fairly even distribution throughout most of the country, with urban areas attracting larger and denser populations, particularly in the far-western part of the industrial state of North Rhine-Westphalia
Elevation
Highest point: Zugspitze 2,963 m
Lowest point: Neuendorf bei Wilster -3.5 m
Mean elevation: 263 m
Lowest point: Neuendorf bei Wilster -3.5 m
Mean elevation: 263 m
Major watersheds (area sq km)
Atlantic Ocean drainage: Rhine-Maas (198,735 sq km), (Black Sea) Danube (795,656 sq km)
Major lakes (area sq km)
Fresh water lake(s): Lake Constance (shared with Switzerland and Austria) - 540 sq km
Salt water lake(s): Stettiner Haff/Zalew Szczecinski (shared with Poland) - 900 sq km
Salt water lake(s): Stettiner Haff/Zalew Szczecinski (shared with Poland) - 900 sq km
Major rivers (by length in km)
Donau (Danube) river source (shared with Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Moldova, and Romania [m]) - 2,888 km; Elbe river mouth (shared with Czechia [s]) - 1,252 km; Rhein (Rhine) (shared with Switzerland [s], France, and Netherlands [m]) - 1,233 km
Note: [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
Note: [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
Area
Total : 357,022 sq km
Land: 348,672 sq km
Water: 8,350 sq km
Land: 348,672 sq km
Water: 8,350 sq km
Age structure
0-14 years: 13.8% (male 5,925,800/female 5,688,603)
15-64 years: 62.5% (male 26,705,657/female 25,875,865)
65 years and over: 23.7% (2024 est.) (male 8,941,245/female 10,981,930)
15-64 years: 62.5% (male 26,705,657/female 25,875,865)
65 years and over: 23.7% (2024 est.) (male 8,941,245/female 10,981,930)
Sex ratio
At birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.81 male(s)/female
Total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
0-14 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.81 male(s)/female
Total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Nationality
Noun: German(s)
Adjective: German
Adjective: German
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
Total: 17 years (2023 est.)
Male: 17 years (2023 est.)
Female: 17 years (2023 est.)
Male: 17 years (2023 est.)
Female: 17 years (2023 est.)
Urbanization
Urban population: 77.8% of total population (2023)
Rate of urbanization: 0.13% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Rate of urbanization: 0.13% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Drinking water source
Improved:
Urban: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Urban: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Major urban areas - population
3.574 million BERLIN (capital), 1.788 million Hamburg, 1.576 million Munich, 1.144 million Cologne, 796,000 Frankfurt (2023)
Physician density
4.53 physicians/1,000 population (2022)
Hospital bed density
7.8 beds/1,000 population (2020 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth
29.9 years (2020 est.)
Dependency ratios
Total dependency ratio: 60 (2024 est.)
Youth dependency ratio: 22.1 (2024 est.)
Elderly dependency ratio: 37.9 (2024 est.)
Potential support ratio: 2.6 (2024 est.)
Youth dependency ratio: 22.1 (2024 est.)
Elderly dependency ratio: 37.9 (2024 est.)
Potential support ratio: 2.6 (2024 est.)
Sanitation facility access
Improved:
Urban: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Urban: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Ethnic groups
German 85.4%, Turkish 1.8%, Ukrainian 1.4%, Syrian 1.1%, Romanian 1%, Poland 1%, other/stateless/unspecified 8.3% (2022 est.)
Note: data represent population by nationality
Note: data represent population by nationality
Religions
Roman Catholic 24.8%, Protestant 22.6%, Muslim 3.7%, other 5.1%, none 43.8% (2022 est.)
Languages
German (official); note - Danish, Frisian, Sorbian, and Romani are official minority languages; Low German, Danish, North Frisian, Sater Frisian, Lower Sorbian, Upper Sorbian, and Romani are recognized as regional languages
Major-language sample(s):
Das World Factbook, die unverzichtbare Quelle für grundlegende Informationen. (German)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Major-language sample(s):
Das World Factbook, die unverzichtbare Quelle für grundlegende Informationen. (German)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Health expenditure
12.7% of GDP (2022)
20.5% of national budget (2022 est.)
20.5% of national budget (2022 est.)
Gross reproduction rate
0.77 (2024 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
54.4% (2023 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
Total: 6.7% (2024 est.)
Male: 7.4% (2024 est.)
Female: 5.9% (2024 est.)
note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Male: 7.4% (2024 est.)
Female: 5.9% (2024 est.)
note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Net migration rate
1.8 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Median age
Total: 46.8 years (2024 est.)
Male: 45.5 years
Female: 48.3 years
Male: 45.5 years
Female: 48.3 years
Maternal mortality ratio
4 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Total fertility rate
1.58 children born/woman (2024 est.)
Population
Total: 84,119,100 (2024 est.)
Male: 41,572,702
Female: 42,546,398
Male: 41,572,702
Female: 42,546,398
Infant mortality rate
Total: 3.1 deaths/1,000 live births (2024 est.)
Male: 3.5 deaths/1,000 live births
Female: 2.7 deaths/1,000 live births
Male: 3.5 deaths/1,000 live births
Female: 2.7 deaths/1,000 live births
Tobacco use
Total: 17.2% (2025 est.)
Male: 19.4% (2025 est.)
Female: 15% (2025 est.)
Male: 19.4% (2025 est.)
Female: 15% (2025 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
22.3% (2016)
Death rate
12 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Birth rate
8.9 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
0.6% (2016 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita
Total: 10.56 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Beer: 5.57 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Wine: 3.02 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Spirits: 1.97 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Other alcohols: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Beer: 5.57 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Wine: 3.02 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Spirits: 1.97 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Other alcohols: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Life expectancy at birth
Total population: 81.9 years (2024 est.)
Male: 79.6 years
Female: 84.4 years
Male: 79.6 years
Female: 84.4 years
Education expenditure
5.2% of GDP (2022 est.)
10.7% national budget (2022 est.)
10.7% national budget (2022 est.)
Population growth rate
-0.12% (2024 est.)
Total water withdrawal
Municipal: 10.713 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Industrial: 14.005 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Agricultural: 1.075 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Industrial: 14.005 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Agricultural: 1.075 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Waste and recycling
Municipal solid waste generated annually: 50.628 million tons (2024 est.)
Percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 49.8% (2022 est.)
Percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 49.8% (2022 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
10.6 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
600.192 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From coal and metallurgical coke: 163.407 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From petroleum and other liquids: 277.688 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From consumed natural gas: 159.097 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From coal and metallurgical coke: 163.407 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From petroleum and other liquids: 277.688 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From consumed natural gas: 159.097 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
120.457 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Diplomatic representation from the US
Chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires Alan MELTZER (since July 2024)
Embassy: Pariser Platz 2, 10117 Berlin
Clayallee 170, 14191 Berlin (administrative services)
Mailing address: 5090 Berlin Place, Washington DC 20521-5090
Telephone: [49] (30) 8305-0
FAX: [49] (30) 8305-1215
Email address and website:
BerlinPCO@state.gov
https://de.usembassy.gov/
Consulate(s) general: Dusseldorf, Frankfurt am Main, Hamburg, Leipzig, Munich
Embassy: Pariser Platz 2, 10117 Berlin
Clayallee 170, 14191 Berlin (administrative services)
Mailing address: 5090 Berlin Place, Washington DC 20521-5090
Telephone: [49] (30) 8305-0
FAX: [49] (30) 8305-1215
Email address and website:
BerlinPCO@state.gov
https://de.usembassy.gov/
Consulate(s) general: Dusseldorf, Frankfurt am Main, Hamburg, Leipzig, Munich
Administrative divisions
16 states (Laender, singular - Land); Baden-Wuerttemberg, Bayern (Bavaria), Berlin, Brandenburg, Bremen, Hamburg, Hessen (Hesse), Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania), Niedersachsen (Lower Saxony), Nordrhein-Westfalen (North Rhine-Westphalia), Rheinland-Pfalz (Rhineland-Palatinate), Saarland, Sachsen (Saxony), Sachsen-Anhalt (Saxony-Anhalt), Schleswig-Holstein, Thueringen (Thuringia)
Note: Bayern, Sachsen, and Thueringen refer to themselves as free states (Freistaaten, singular - Freistaat), while Bremen calls itself a Free Hanseatic City (Freie Hansestadt) and Hamburg considers itself a Free and Hanseatic City (Freie und Hansestadt)
Note: Bayern, Sachsen, and Thueringen refer to themselves as free states (Freistaaten, singular - Freistaat), while Bremen calls itself a Free Hanseatic City (Freie Hansestadt) and Hamburg considers itself a Free and Hanseatic City (Freie und Hansestadt)
Capital
Name: Berlin
Geographic coordinates: 52 31 N, 13 24 E
Time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October
Etymology: The origin of the name is unclear but may be related to the Old Slavic (Polabian) word berl or birl, meaning "swamp" and referring to the original settlement site by the Spree River
Geographic coordinates: 52 31 N, 13 24 E
Time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October
Etymology: The origin of the name is unclear but may be related to the Old Slavic (Polabian) word berl or birl, meaning "swamp" and referring to the original settlement site by the Spree River
Constitution
History: Previous 1919 (Weimar Constitution); latest drafted 10-23 August 1948, approved 12 May 1949, promulgated 23 May 1949, entered into force 24 May 1949
Amendment process: Proposed by Parliament; passage and enactment into law require two-thirds majority vote by both the Bundesrat (upper house) and the Bundestag (lower house) of Parliament; articles including those on basic human rights and freedoms cannot be amended
Amendment process: Proposed by Parliament; passage and enactment into law require two-thirds majority vote by both the Bundesrat (upper house) and the Bundestag (lower house) of Parliament; articles including those on basic human rights and freedoms cannot be amended
Executive branch
Chief of state: President Frank-Walter STEINMEIER (since 19 March 2017)
Head of government: Chancellor Friedrich MERZ (since 6 May 2025)
Cabinet: Cabinet or Bundesminister (Federal Ministers) recommended by the chancellor, appointed by the president
Election/appointment process: President indirectly elected by a Federal Convention consisting of all members of the Federal Parliament (Bundestag) and an equivalent number of delegates indirectly elected by the state parliaments; president serves a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); following the most recent Federal Parliament election, the party or coalition with the most representatives usually elects the chancellor, who is appointed by the president to serve a renewable 4-year term
Most recent election date: president: 13 February 2022
chancellor: 6 May 2025
Election results:
2025: Friedrich MERZ (CDU) elected chancellor in second round; Federal Parliament vote - 325 to 289
2022: Frank-Walter STEINMEIER reelected president; Federal Convention vote count - Frank-Walter STEINMEIER (SPD) 1,045, Max OTTE (CDU) 140, Gerhard TRABERT (The Left) 96, Stefanie GEBAUER (Free Voters) 58, abstentions 86
Expected date of next election: president: February 2027
Head of government: Chancellor Friedrich MERZ (since 6 May 2025)
Cabinet: Cabinet or Bundesminister (Federal Ministers) recommended by the chancellor, appointed by the president
Election/appointment process: President indirectly elected by a Federal Convention consisting of all members of the Federal Parliament (Bundestag) and an equivalent number of delegates indirectly elected by the state parliaments; president serves a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); following the most recent Federal Parliament election, the party or coalition with the most representatives usually elects the chancellor, who is appointed by the president to serve a renewable 4-year term
Most recent election date: president: 13 February 2022
chancellor: 6 May 2025
Election results:
2025: Friedrich MERZ (CDU) elected chancellor in second round; Federal Parliament vote - 325 to 289
2022: Frank-Walter STEINMEIER reelected president; Federal Convention vote count - Frank-Walter STEINMEIER (SPD) 1,045, Max OTTE (CDU) 140, Gerhard TRABERT (The Left) 96, Stefanie GEBAUER (Free Voters) 58, abstentions 86
Expected date of next election: president: February 2027
Flag
Description: Three equal horizontal bands of black (top), red, and gold
History: The colors can be traced back to the medieval banner of the Holy Roman Emperor -- a black eagle with red claws and beak on a gold field
History: The colors can be traced back to the medieval banner of the Holy Roman Emperor -- a black eagle with red claws and beak on a gold field
Independence
18 January 1871 (establishment of the German Empire); divided into four zones of occupation (UK, US, USSR, and France) in 1945 after World War II; Federal Republic of Germany (FRG or West Germany) proclaimed on 23 May 1949 and included the former UK, US, and French zones; German Democratic Republic (GDR or East Germany) proclaimed on 7 October 1949 and included the former USSR zone; West Germany and East Germany unified on 3 October 1990, with all four powers formally relinquishing rights on 15 March 1991; notable earlier dates: 10 August 843 (Eastern Francia established from the division of the Carolingian Empire); 2 February 962 (crowning of OTTO I, recognized as the first Holy Roman Emperor)
Judicial branch
Highest court(s): Federal Court of Justice (court consists of 127 judges, including the court president, vice presidents, presiding judges, other judges; organized into 25 Senates subdivided into 12 civil panels, 5 criminal panels, and 8 special panels); Federal Constitutional Court or Bundesverfassungsgericht (consists of 2 Senates each subdivided into 3 chambers, each with a chairman and 8 members)
Judge selection and term of office: Federal Court of Justice judges selected by the Judges Election Committee, which consists of the Secretaries of Justice from each of the 16 federated states and 16 members appointed by the Federal Parliament; judges appointed by the president; judges serve until mandatory retirement at age 65; half of Federal Constitutional Court judges are elected by the House of Representatives and half by the Senate; judges appointed for 12-year terms with mandatory retirement at age 68
Subordinate courts: Federal Administrative Court; Federal Finance Court; Federal Labor Court; Federal Social Court; each of the 16 federated states or Land has its own constitutional court and a hierarchy of ordinary (civil, criminal, family) and specialized (administrative, finance, labor, social) courts; two English-speaking commercial courts opened in 2020 in the state of Baden-Wuerttemberg -- the Stuttgart Commercial Court and the Mannheim Commercial Court
Judge selection and term of office: Federal Court of Justice judges selected by the Judges Election Committee, which consists of the Secretaries of Justice from each of the 16 federated states and 16 members appointed by the Federal Parliament; judges appointed by the president; judges serve until mandatory retirement at age 65; half of Federal Constitutional Court judges are elected by the House of Representatives and half by the Senate; judges appointed for 12-year terms with mandatory retirement at age 68
Subordinate courts: Federal Administrative Court; Federal Finance Court; Federal Labor Court; Federal Social Court; each of the 16 federated states or Land has its own constitutional court and a hierarchy of ordinary (civil, criminal, family) and specialized (administrative, finance, labor, social) courts; two English-speaking commercial courts opened in 2020 in the state of Baden-Wuerttemberg -- the Stuttgart Commercial Court and the Mannheim Commercial Court
Legal system
civil law system
Legislative branch
Legislative structure: Bicameral
Note: due to Germany's recognition of the concepts of "overhang" (when a party's share of the nationwide votes would entitle it to fewer seats than the number of individual constituency seats won in an election under Germany's mixed member proportional system) and "leveling" (whereby additional seats are elected to supplement the members directly elected by each constituency in order to ensure that each party's share of the total seats is roughly proportional to the party's overall shares of votes at the national level), the 20th Bundestag is the largest to date
Note: due to Germany's recognition of the concepts of "overhang" (when a party's share of the nationwide votes would entitle it to fewer seats than the number of individual constituency seats won in an election under Germany's mixed member proportional system) and "leveling" (whereby additional seats are elected to supplement the members directly elected by each constituency in order to ensure that each party's share of the total seats is roughly proportional to the party's overall shares of votes at the national level), the 20th Bundestag is the largest to date
International organization participation
ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Arctic Council (observer), Australia Group, BIS, BSEC (observer), CBSS, CD, CDB, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, ECB, EIB, EITI (implementing country), EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, FATF, G-5, G-7, G-8, G-10, G-20, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD (partners), IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MINURSO, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, Pacific Alliance (observer), Paris Club, PCA, Schengen Convention, SELEC (observer), SICA (observer), UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNHRC, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNMISS, UNOOSA, UNRWA, UNSOM, UNWTO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC
National holiday
German Unity Day, 3 October (1990)
Political parties
Alliance '90/Greens
Alternative for Germany or AfD
Christian Democratic Union or CDU
Christian Social Union or CSU
Free Democratic Party or FDP
Free Voters or FW
The Left or Die Linke
Social Democratic Party or SPD
Alternative for Germany or AfD
Christian Democratic Union or CDU
Christian Social Union or CSU
Free Democratic Party or FDP
Free Voters or FW
The Left or Die Linke
Social Democratic Party or SPD
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal; age 16 for some state and municipal elections
Government type
federal parliamentary republic
Country name
Conventional long form: Federal Republic of Germany
Conventional short form: Germany
Local long form: Bundesrepublik Deutschland
Local short form: Deutschland
Former: German Reich
Etymology: The origin of the name is unclear; it may come from Celtic words meaning "neighboring people," or it may derive from Germanic words meaning either "spear man" or "head man;" the native designation "Deutsch" comes from the Old High German "diutisc" meaning "national"
Conventional short form: Germany
Local long form: Bundesrepublik Deutschland
Local short form: Deutschland
Former: German Reich
Etymology: The origin of the name is unclear; it may come from Celtic words meaning "neighboring people," or it may derive from Germanic words meaning either "spear man" or "head man;" the native designation "Deutsch" comes from the Old High German "diutisc" meaning "national"
Diplomatic representation in the US
Chief of mission: Ambassador Jens HANEFELD (since 5 September 2025)
Chancery: 4645 Reservoir Road NW, Washington, DC 20007
Telephone: [1] (202) 298-4000
FAX: [1] (202) 298-4261
Email address and website:
Info@washington.diplo.de
https://www.germany.info/us-en
Consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco
Chancery: 4645 Reservoir Road NW, Washington, DC 20007
Telephone: [1] (202) 298-4000
FAX: [1] (202) 298-4261
Email address and website:
Info@washington.diplo.de
https://www.germany.info/us-en
Consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco
National anthem(s)
Title: “Lied der Deutschen”(Song of the Germans)
Lyrics/music: August Heinrich HOFFMANN VON FALLERSLEBEN/Franz Joseph HAYDN
History: First adopted 1922; the anthem, also known as "Deutschlandlied" (Song of Germany), was originally adopted for its connection to the March 1848 liberal revolution; the Nazis later appropriated the first verse -- specifically the phrase "Deutschland, Deutschland ueber alles" (Germany, Germany above all) -- to promote nationalism, and the anthem was banned after 1945; in 1952, West Germany adopted the third verse as its national anthem; in 1990, it became the national anthem for the reunited Germany
Lyrics/music: August Heinrich HOFFMANN VON FALLERSLEBEN/Franz Joseph HAYDN
History: First adopted 1922; the anthem, also known as "Deutschlandlied" (Song of Germany), was originally adopted for its connection to the March 1848 liberal revolution; the Nazis later appropriated the first verse -- specifically the phrase "Deutschland, Deutschland ueber alles" (Germany, Germany above all) -- to promote nationalism, and the anthem was banned after 1945; in 1952, West Germany adopted the third verse as its national anthem; in 1990, it became the national anthem for the reunited Germany
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
National symbol(s)
eagle
Citizenship
Citizenship by birth: No
Citizenship by descent only: At least one parent must be a German citizen or a resident alien who has lived in Germany at least 8 years
Dual citizenship recognized: Yes, but requires prior permission from government
Residency requirement for naturalization: 8 years
Citizenship by descent only: At least one parent must be a German citizen or a resident alien who has lived in Germany at least 8 years
Dual citizenship recognized: Yes, but requires prior permission from government
Residency requirement for naturalization: 8 years
National heritage
Total World Heritage Sites: 56 (54 cultural, 2 natural)
Selected World Heritage Site locales:
Selected World Heritage Site locales:
Museumsinsel (Museum Island), Berlin (c); Palaces and Parks of Potsdam and Berlin (c); Speyer Cathedral (c); Aachen Cathedral (c); Bauhaus and its Sites in Weimar, Dessau, and Bernau (c); Caves and Ice Age Art in the Swabian Jura (c); Roman Monuments, Cathedral of St. Peter, and Church of Our Lady in Trier (c); Hanseatic City of Lübeck (c); Old Town of Regensburg with Stadtamhof (c); Würzburg Residence with the Court Gardens and Residence Square (c); Pilgrimage Church of Wies (c); Castles of Augustusburg and Falkenlust at Brühl (c); St Mary's Cathedral and St Michael's Church at Hildesheim (c); Abbey and Altenmünster of Lorsch (c); Maulbronn Monastery Complex (c); Collegiate Church, Castle and Old Town of Quedlinburg (c); Cologne Cathedral (c); Castle Church in Wittenberg (c); Classical Weimar (c); Wartburg Castle (c); Garden Kingdom of Dessau-Wörlitz (c); Monastic Island of Reichenau (c); Berlin Modernism Housing Estates (c); Prehistoric Pile Dwellings around the Alps (c); Moravian Church Settlements (c); Speicherstadt and Kontorhaus District with Chilehaus (c); The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement (c); Archaeological Border complex of Hedeby and the Danevirke (c); Naumburg Cathedral (c); Mathildenhöhe Darmstadt (c); ShUM Sites of Speyer, Worms and Mainz (c); The Great Spa Towns of Europe (c); Jewish-Medieval Heritage of Erfurt (c); Schwerin Residence Ensemble (c); The Palaces of King Ludwig II of Bavaria: Neuschwanstein, Linderhof, Schachen and Herrenchiemsee (c); The Palaces of King Ludwig II of Bavaria: Neuschwanstein, Linderhof, Schachen and Herrenchiemsee (c)
National color(s)
black, red, yellow
Population below poverty line
14.8% (2021 est.)
note: % of population with income below national poverty line
note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Household income or consumption by percentage share
Lowest 10%: 2.9% (2020 est.)
Highest 10%: 25% (2020 est.)
note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Highest 10%: 25% (2020 est.)
note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Exports - commodities
cars, vehicle parts/accessories, packaged medicine, plastic products, vaccines (2023)
note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Exports - partners
USA 10%, France 8%, Netherlands 7%, China 7%, Italy 6% (2023)
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Agricultural products
milk, sugar beets, wheat, potatoes, barley, maize, rapeseed, pork, rye, triticale (2023)
note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Budget
Revenues: $1.279 trillion (2023 est.)
Expenditures: $1.369 trillion (2023 est.)
note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Expenditures: $1.369 trillion (2023 est.)
note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Imports - commodities
cars, vehicle parts/accessories, garments, natural gas, vaccines (2023)
note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Exchange rates
euros (EUR) per US dollar -
Exchange rates:
0.924 (2024 est.)
0.925 (2023 est.)
0.95 (2022 est.)
0.845 (2021 est.)
0.876 (2020 est.)
Exchange rates:
0.924 (2024 est.)
0.925 (2023 est.)
0.95 (2022 est.)
0.845 (2021 est.)
0.876 (2020 est.)
Industries
Iron, steel, coal, cement, chemicals, machinery, vehicles, machine tools, electronics, automobiles, food and beverages, shipbuilding, textiles
Economic overview
Leading export-driven, core EU and eurozone economy; key automotive, chemical, engineering, finance, and green energy industries; growth stalled by energy crisis and declining exports; tight labor market with falling working-age population; fiscal rebalancing with phaseout of energy price supports
GDP (official exchange rate)
$4.66 trillion (2024 est.)
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
GDP - composition, by end use
Household consumption: 49.9% (2023 est.)
Government consumption: 21.2% (2023 est.)
Investment in fixed capital: 21.5% (2023 est.)
Investment in inventories: 0.2% (2023 est.)
Exports of goods and services: 43.4% (2023 est.)
Imports of goods and services: -39.4% (2023 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Government consumption: 21.2% (2023 est.)
Investment in fixed capital: 21.5% (2023 est.)
Investment in inventories: 0.2% (2023 est.)
Exports of goods and services: 43.4% (2023 est.)
Imports of goods and services: -39.4% (2023 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Imports - partners
China 12%, Netherlands 7%, USA 7%, Poland 6%, France 5% (2023)
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Average household expenditures
On food: 11.6% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
On alcohol and tobacco: 3.1% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
On alcohol and tobacco: 3.1% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Remittances
0.5% of GDP (2024 est.)
0.5% of GDP (2023 est.)
0.5% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
0.5% of GDP (2023 est.)
0.5% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Labor force
43.772 million (2024 est.)
note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
$377.936 billion (2024 est.)
$322.7 billion (2023 est.)
$293.914 billion (2022 est.)
note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
$322.7 billion (2023 est.)
$293.914 billion (2022 est.)
note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Public debt
63.9% of GDP (2017 est.)
Note: General government gross debt is defined in the Maastricht Treaty as consolidated general government gross debt at nominal value, outstanding at the end of the year in the following categories of government liabilities (as defined in ESA95): currency and deposits (AF.2), securities other than shares excluding financial derivatives (AF.3, excluding AF.34), and loans (AF.4); the general government sector comprises the sub-sectors of central government, state government, local government and social security funds; the series are presented as a percentage of GDP and in millions of euros; GDP used as a denominator is the gross domestic product at current market prices; data expressed in national currency are converted into euro using end-of-year exchange rates provided by the European Central Bank
Note: General government gross debt is defined in the Maastricht Treaty as consolidated general government gross debt at nominal value, outstanding at the end of the year in the following categories of government liabilities (as defined in ESA95): currency and deposits (AF.2), securities other than shares excluding financial derivatives (AF.3, excluding AF.34), and loans (AF.4); the general government sector comprises the sub-sectors of central government, state government, local government and social security funds; the series are presented as a percentage of GDP and in millions of euros; GDP used as a denominator is the gross domestic product at current market prices; data expressed in national currency are converted into euro using end-of-year exchange rates provided by the European Central Bank
Unemployment rate
3.5% (2024 est.)
3.1% (2023 est.)
3.2% (2022 est.)
note: % of labor force seeking employment
3.1% (2023 est.)
3.2% (2022 est.)
note: % of labor force seeking employment
Taxes and other revenues
11% (of GDP) (2022 est.)
note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$5.247 trillion (2024 est.)
$5.26 trillion (2023 est.)
$5.274 trillion (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
$5.26 trillion (2023 est.)
$5.274 trillion (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
Inflation rate (consumer prices)
2.3% (2024 est.)
5.9% (2023 est.)
6.9% (2022 est.)
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
5.9% (2023 est.)
6.9% (2022 est.)
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
Current account balance
$267.056 billion (2024 est.)
$251.479 billion (2023 est.)
$161.759 billion (2022 est.)
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
$251.479 billion (2023 est.)
$161.759 billion (2022 est.)
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Real GDP per capita
$62,800 (2024 est.)
$62,700 (2023 est.)
$62,900 (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
$62,700 (2023 est.)
$62,900 (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
Imports
$1.774 trillion (2024 est.)
$1.781 trillion (2023 est.)
$1.808 trillion (2022 est.)
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
$1.781 trillion (2023 est.)
$1.808 trillion (2022 est.)
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports
$1.949 trillion (2024 est.)
$1.958 trillion (2023 est.)
$1.917 trillion (2022 est.)
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
$1.958 trillion (2023 est.)
$1.917 trillion (2022 est.)
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Real GDP growth rate
-0.2% (2024 est.)
-0.3% (2023 est.)
1.4% (2022 est.)
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
-0.3% (2023 est.)
1.4% (2022 est.)
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
Industrial production growth rate
-3% (2024 est.)
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
Agriculture: 0.8% (2024 est.)
Industry: 25.8% (2024 est.)
Services: 63.9% (2024 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Industry: 25.8% (2024 est.)
Services: 63.9% (2024 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Electricity access
Electrification - total population: 100% (2022 est.)
Coal
Production: 109.741 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Consumption: 140.994 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Exports: 1.68 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Imports: 32.933 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Proven reserves: 35.4 billion metric tons (2023 est.)
Consumption: 140.994 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Exports: 1.68 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Imports: 32.933 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Proven reserves: 35.4 billion metric tons (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
Fossil fuels: 49% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Nuclear: 1.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Solar: 11.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Wind: 25.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Hydroelectricity: 3.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Biomass and waste: 9.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Nuclear: 1.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Solar: 11.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Wind: 25.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Hydroelectricity: 3.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Biomass and waste: 9.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Natural gas
Production: 4.337 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Consumption: 82.371 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Imports: 74.989 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Proven reserves: 23.39 billion cubic meters (2021 est.)
Consumption: 82.371 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Imports: 74.989 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Proven reserves: 23.39 billion cubic meters (2021 est.)
Petroleum
Total petroleum production: 131,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Refined petroleum consumption: 2.062 million bbl/day (2024 est.)
Crude oil estimated reserves: 115.2 million barrels (2021 est.)
Refined petroleum consumption: 2.062 million bbl/day (2024 est.)
Crude oil estimated reserves: 115.2 million barrels (2021 est.)
Electricity
Installed generating capacity: 275.658 million kW (2023 est.)
Consumption: 519.691 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Exports: 60.316 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Imports: 69.353 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Transmission/distribution losses: 25.774 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Consumption: 519.691 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Exports: 60.316 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Imports: 69.353 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Transmission/distribution losses: 25.774 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Internet users
Percent of population: 94% (2024 est.)
Internet country code
.de
Broadcast media
a mix of publicly operated and privately owned TV and radio stations; 70 national and regional public broadcasters compete with nearly 400 privately owned national and regional TV stations; more than 90% of households have cable or satellite TV; hundreds of radio stations, including national and regional networks and a large number of local stations
Telephones - mobile cellular
Total subscriptions: 105 million (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 125 (2022 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 125 (2022 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions
Total: 38.4 million (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 45 (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 45 (2023 est.)
Telephones - fixed lines
Total subscriptions: 38.8 million (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 46 (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 46 (2023 est.)
Railways
Total: 39,379 km (2020) 20,942 km electrified
15 km 0.900-mm gauge, 24 km 0.750-mm gauge (2015)
15 km 0.900-mm gauge, 24 km 0.750-mm gauge (2015)
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
D
Airports
840 (2025)
Merchant marine
Total: 595 (2023)
By type: Bulk carrier 1, container ship 69, general cargo 82, oil tanker 32, other 411
By type: Bulk carrier 1, container ship 69, general cargo 82, oil tanker 32, other 411
Heliports
449 (2025)
Military service age and obligation
17-23 years of age for voluntary military service for men and women (must have completed compulsory full-time education and have German citizenship); service obligation 7-23 months or 12 years (2024)
Note 1: Conscription ended in 2011; in 2020, the German Government launched a new voluntary conscript initiative focused on homeland security tasks, with the volunteers serving for 7 months plus 5 months as reservists over a 6-year period
Note 2: Women have been eligible for voluntary service in all military branches and positions since 2001 and accounted for about 12% of the active-duty German military in 2023
Note 1: Conscription ended in 2011; in 2020, the German Government launched a new voluntary conscript initiative focused on homeland security tasks, with the volunteers serving for 7 months plus 5 months as reservists over a 6-year period
Note 2: Women have been eligible for voluntary service in all military branches and positions since 2001 and accounted for about 12% of the active-duty German military in 2023
Military expenditures
2% of GDP (2024 est.)
1.6% of GDP (2023 est.)
1.5% of GDP (2022 est.)
1.4% of GDP (2021 est.)
1.5% of GDP (2020 est.)
1.6% of GDP (2023 est.)
1.5% of GDP (2022 est.)
1.4% of GDP (2021 est.)
1.5% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military and security forces
Federal Armed Forces (Bundeswehr): German Army (Deutsche Heer), German Navy (Deutsche Marine, includes naval air arm), German Air Force (Deutsche Luftwaffe, includes air defense), Cyber and Information Space (Cyber und Informationsraum) (2025)
Note: Responsibility for internal and border security is shared by the police forces of the 16 states, the Federal Criminal Police Office, and the Federal Police; the states’ police forces report to their respective interior ministries while the Federal Police forces report to the Federal Ministry of the Interior
Note: Responsibility for internal and border security is shared by the police forces of the 16 states, the Federal Criminal Police Office, and the Federal Police; the states’ police forces report to their respective interior ministries while the Federal Police forces report to the Federal Ministry of the Interior
Military - note
the Bundeswehr’s core mission is the defense of Germany and its NATO partners; it has a wide range of peacetime duties, including crisis management, cyber security, deterrence, homeland security, humanitarian and disaster relief, and international peacekeeping and stability operations; as a key member of NATO and the EU, the Bundeswehr typically operates in a coalition environment, and its capabilities are largely based on NATO and EU planning goals and needs; it has participated in a range of NATO and EU missions in Europe, Africa, and Asia, as well as global maritime operations; the Bundeswehr has close bilateral defense ties with a number of EU countries, including the Czechia, France, the Netherlands, and Romania, as well as the UK and the US; it also contributes forces to UN peacekeeping missions
The Bundeswehr was established in 1955; at the height of the Cold War in the 1980s, it had nearly 600,000 personnel, over 7,000 tanks, and 1,000 combat aircraft; in addition, over 400,000 soldiers from other NATO countries—including about 200,000 US military personnel—were stationed in West Germany; in the years following the collapse of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War, the Bundeswehr shrank by more than 60% in size (over 90% in tanks and about 80% in aircraft), while funding fell from nearly 3% of GDP and over 4% of government spending in the mid-1980s to 1.2% and 1.6% respectively; by the 2010s, the Bundeswehr’s ability to fulfill its regional security commitments had deteriorated; the Russian annexation of Crimea in 2014 and full-scale assault on Ukraine in 2022 led to renewed emphasis on Germany’s leadership role in European defense and NATO and efforts to boost funding for the Bundeswehr to improve readiness, modernize, and expand (2025)
The Bundeswehr was established in 1955; at the height of the Cold War in the 1980s, it had nearly 600,000 personnel, over 7,000 tanks, and 1,000 combat aircraft; in addition, over 400,000 soldiers from other NATO countries—including about 200,000 US military personnel—were stationed in West Germany; in the years following the collapse of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War, the Bundeswehr shrank by more than 60% in size (over 90% in tanks and about 80% in aircraft), while funding fell from nearly 3% of GDP and over 4% of government spending in the mid-1980s to 1.2% and 1.6% respectively; by the 2010s, the Bundeswehr’s ability to fulfill its regional security commitments had deteriorated; the Russian annexation of Crimea in 2014 and full-scale assault on Ukraine in 2022 led to renewed emphasis on Germany’s leadership role in European defense and NATO and efforts to boost funding for the Bundeswehr to improve readiness, modernize, and expand (2025)
Military and security service personnel strengths
approximately 185,000 active-duty military personnel (2025)
Military deployments
up to 500 Iraq (NATO); 300 Kosovo (NATO/KFOR), Lebanon 170 (UNIFIL); up to 1,700 Lithuania (NATO) (2025)
Note: The German military also has air and naval contingents deployed to support NATO missions
Note: The German military also has air and naval contingents deployed to support NATO missions
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the inventory of Federal Armed Forces is comprised of weapons systems produced domestically or jointly with other European countries and Western imports, particularly from the US; Germany's defense industry is capable of manufacturing the full spectrum of air, land, and naval military weapons systems; it also participates in joint defense production projects with European partners and the US (2025)
Illicit drugs
USG identification:
Major precursor-chemical producer (2025)
Major precursor-chemical producer (2025)
Refugees and internally displaced persons
Refugees: 3,098,169 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 100 (2023 est.)
Stateless persons: 28,813 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 100 (2023 est.)
Stateless persons: 28,813 (2024 est.)
Terrorist group(s)
Terrorist group(s): Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps/Qods Force; Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS); al-Qa'ida
Note: Details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide
Note: Details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide
Nuclear energy
Percent of total electricity production: 1.4% (2023 est.)
Number of nuclear reactors permanently shut down: 33 (2025)
Number of nuclear reactors permanently shut down: 33 (2025)
Space program overview
has one of Europe’s largest space programs and is a top contributor to the ESA; builds and operates satellites, satellite/space launch vehicles (SLVs), probes, and unmanned orbiters; researches and develops a range of capabilities and technologies, including reusable space planes, satellite payloads, rockets, propulsion-assisted landing technologies, and aeronautics; participates in EU and ESA programs, including the Cassini-Huygens research mission to Saturn, Mars and Venus exploration missions, and the Galileo global navigation satellite system; participates in ESA’s astronaut training program and human space flight operations; hosts the European Astronaut Center; participates in international programs such as the International Space Station (ISS) and the James Webb Space Telescope; hosts mission control centers for the ISS, the ESA, and the European Organization for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT); has ties to foreign space programs, including those of China, Japan, Russia, and the US; has a robust commercial space sector (2025)
Space launch site(s)
a commercial offshore launch platform that will operate from the North Sea is under development with both government and private funding (2025)
Space agency/agencies
German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt, DLR; established 1997) (2025)
Note: DLR's predecessor organization, the German Test and Research Institute for Aviation and Space Flight, was established in 1969; the Federal Republic of Germany was allowed to research space flight after gaining sovereignty in 1955
Note: DLR's predecessor organization, the German Test and Research Institute for Aviation and Space Flight, was established in 1969; the Federal Republic of Germany was allowed to research space flight after gaining sovereignty in 1955
Geoparks
Total global geoparks and regional networks: 8
Global geoparks and regional networks: Bergstraße-Odenwald ; Harz, Braunschweiger Land; Swabian Alb; TERRA.vita; Vulkaneifel; Thuringia Inselsberg -Drei Gleichen; Muskauer Faltenbogen / Łuk Mużakowa (includes Poland); Ries (2023)
Global geoparks and regional networks: Bergstraße-Odenwald ; Harz, Braunschweiger Land; Swabian Alb; TERRA.vita; Vulkaneifel; Thuringia Inselsberg -Drei Gleichen; Muskauer Faltenbogen / Łuk Mużakowa (includes Poland); Ries (2023)
Ports
Total ports: 35 (2024)
Large: 5
Medium: 4
Small: 11
Very small: 15
Ports with oil terminals: 12
Key ports: Brake, Bremen, Bremerhaven, Cuxhaven, Emden, Hamburg, Kiel, Lubeck, Rostock
Large: 5
Medium: 4
Small: 11
Very small: 15
Ports with oil terminals: 12
Key ports: Brake, Bremen, Bremerhaven, Cuxhaven, Emden, Hamburg, Kiel, Lubeck, Rostock
Legislative branch - lower chamber
Chamber name: German Bundestag (Deutscher Bundestag)
Number of seats: 630 (all directly elected)
Electoral system: Mixed system
Scope of elections: Full renewal
Term in office: 4 years
Most recent election date: 2/23/2025
Parties elected and seats per party: Christian Democratic Union (CDU) (164); Alternative for Germany (AfD) (152); Social Democratic Party (SPD) (120); Green Party (85); Left Party (Die Linke) (64); Christian Social Union of Bavaria (CSU) (44); Other (1)
Percentage of women in chamber: 32.4%
Expected date of next election: February 2029
Note 1: Total seats can vary each electoral term; currently includes 4 seats for independent members; approximately one-half of members directly elected in multi-seat constituencies by proportional representation vote and approximately one-half directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote; members' terms vary depending on the states they represent
Note 2: The 20th Bundestag is the largest to date, due to Germany's recognition of "overhang" (when a party's share of the nationwide votes would entitle it to fewer seats than the number of individual constituency seats won in an election) and "leveling" (when additional seats are elected to supplement the members directly elected in order to ensure that each party's share of the total seats is roughly proportional to its overall share of votes at the national level)
Number of seats: 630 (all directly elected)
Electoral system: Mixed system
Scope of elections: Full renewal
Term in office: 4 years
Most recent election date: 2/23/2025
Parties elected and seats per party: Christian Democratic Union (CDU) (164); Alternative for Germany (AfD) (152); Social Democratic Party (SPD) (120); Green Party (85); Left Party (Die Linke) (64); Christian Social Union of Bavaria (CSU) (44); Other (1)
Percentage of women in chamber: 32.4%
Expected date of next election: February 2029
Note 1: Total seats can vary each electoral term; currently includes 4 seats for independent members; approximately one-half of members directly elected in multi-seat constituencies by proportional representation vote and approximately one-half directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote; members' terms vary depending on the states they represent
Note 2: The 20th Bundestag is the largest to date, due to Germany's recognition of "overhang" (when a party's share of the nationwide votes would entitle it to fewer seats than the number of individual constituency seats won in an election) and "leveling" (when additional seats are elected to supplement the members directly elected in order to ensure that each party's share of the total seats is roughly proportional to its overall share of votes at the national level)
Legislative branch - upper chamber
Chamber name: Federal Council (Bundesrat)
Number of seats: 69 (all appointed)
Parties elected and seats per party: SPD 23; CDU 17; Green Party 15; Left Party 4; CSU 3; FW 3; FDP 2; other 2
Percentage of women in chamber: 34.8%
Number of seats: 69 (all appointed)
Parties elected and seats per party: SPD 23; CDU 17; Green Party 15; Left Party 4; CSU 3; FW 3; FDP 2; other 2
Percentage of women in chamber: 34.8%
National coat of arms
Germany’s coat of arms is the world’s oldest, said to date back to 1200, and uses the country’s national colors; it features the oldest European national symbol, an eagle known as the Bundesadler (Federal Eagle); the coat of arms has varied over time for military or political reasons, but the eagle has always been part of the design; the Federal Republic of Germany adopted this version in 1950
Key space-program milestones
1969 - first German scientific satellite (Azur) launched by US
1973 - participated with other European states, particularly France and the UK, in development of Ariane satellite launch vehicle
1978 - first German in space on Soviet Salyut space station
1980s-1990s - participated in US Space Shuttle program, including providing astronauts
1999 - launched a space-based X-ray telescope (ABRAXIS) on Russian rocket
2005 - began development of reusable space plane/shuttle/transporter
2019 - launched first space-based X-ray telescope (eROSITA) capable of imaging the entire sky (joint project with Russia)
2023 - signed US-led Artemis Accords for the exploration of space and the Moon; adopted a new national space strategy
1973 - participated with other European states, particularly France and the UK, in development of Ariane satellite launch vehicle
1978 - first German in space on Soviet Salyut space station
1980s-1990s - participated in US Space Shuttle program, including providing astronauts
1999 - launched a space-based X-ray telescope (ABRAXIS) on Russian rocket
2005 - began development of reusable space plane/shuttle/transporter
2019 - launched first space-based X-ray telescope (eROSITA) capable of imaging the entire sky (joint project with Russia)
2023 - signed US-led Artemis Accords for the exploration of space and the Moon; adopted a new national space strategy
Methane emissions
Energy: 476.2 kt (2022-2024 est.)
Agriculture: 1,197.8 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Waste: 459 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Other: 110 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Agriculture: 1,197.8 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Waste: 459 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Other: 110 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
32.4 (2020 est.)
note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality