Imports, Exports, and what Germany is known for

Germany has become a knowledge-driven economy with a strong tertiary sector. Yet, industrial enterprises play a key role in the country's economic growth. As a result, Germany has the world's largest industrial sector.

Although large local companies have a strong position in the industrial sector, more than 33 percent of the industrial turnover and 98 percent of all German industrial activity is generated by small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs - companies with 500 employees or less). These SMEs employ over 20 million people that yield a turnover of more than 1.3 trillion Euros per year.

Imports



Germany plays an important role within the European steel and metal processing sector. With a demand volume of about 18 million tons, it is the largest customer of the European steel industry. From the primary products of steel flats and rods, it produces innumerable intermediate and finished products. As a major processing nation, Germany relies basically on imports to feed the metals industry. Regarding metal raw materials, Germany depends 100% on imports.

Exports



The German industry is very diversified and has a leadership position in many sectors worldwide. The automobile Industry, the mechanical engineering sector and the chemical industry are leading producing and exporting industries. Innovative sectors like renewable energy, nano- and biotechnology have been growing steadily in the past years boosting the country's competitive edge and consolidating Germany's presence and impact in the world economy.

The German Mechanical Engineering Industry is the second largest industry in the country and employs more people than any other industrial sector. About 6,000 companies and 975,000 employees ensure the industry's leadership in exports.


A Highly Developed Infrastructure

A highly developed infrastructure facilitates doing business and supports Germany's integration into the world market. The German railway network is one of the densest in the world and motorways feature more than 12,000 kilometers.



A number of international airports establish a basis for an excellent domestic interconnection as well as to Europe and the world. In particular, the airports of Frankfurt and Munich, rank among the top ten hubs in the European Union.


Destination Germany - Tourism

Germany is becoming increasingly popular as a travel destination: With almost 55 million overnights by foreign guests in 2007, the German National Tourist Board recorded a notable 3- percent increase on the record achieved during 2006, the World Cup year. Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt and Cologne are the most popular cities with international visitors. Most come from other European countries, the USA and Asia. With regard to individual states, Bavaria, North Rhine-Westphalia and Baden-Württemberg are the preferred destinations.

In addition to historical sights, top-quality concert series, art exhibitions, theater performances as well as major international sports events, not to mention street festivals and atmospheric Christmas markets are just a few of the attractions that bring the visitors flocking. The Germans love to celebrate, and never miss an opportunity to do so. Many festivals such as Munich’s renowned Oktoberfest, Christopher Street Day in Cologne, the Carnival of the Cultures in Berlin, Fastnacht in Mainz and Carnival in Cologne have long become an international synonym for high spirits and a cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Whereas most foreign visitors are drawn to the big cities, Germans themselves tend to visit smaller places and rural regions in their home country: The coasts of the North and Baltic Seas, the Black Forest and Lake Constance are the most popular vacation destinations. Germany boasts no less than 14 National parks, 95 nature parks and 13 biosphere reserves. However, coastlines, lakes, as well as low and high mountain ranges are all becoming increasingly important as a sort of open-air health club. There are all sorts of opportunities available: There are as many as nine long distance trails stretching for 9,700 kilometers throughout the country and a total of 190,000 kilometers of signposted walks. And for cyclists there are 50,000 kilometers of track on which to discover the country