Germany vs Croatia development indicators, 2024

Demography and Health

Both Germany and Croatia have a crude birth rate of 8.3 per 1,000 people in 2023, placing them equally at rank 54. However, the crude death rate is higher in Croatia at 13.3 compared to Germany's 12.3, which ranks Germany at 27 and Croatia at 21. In terms of life expectancy, Germany leads with 80.5 years, while Croatia has a lower expectancy of 78.5 years. The mortality rate for under-5 children is also lower in Germany at 3.7 compared to Croatia's 4.6, ranking Germany at 32 and Croatia at 13. Germany shows more positive indicators in healthcare, reflected in a higher domestic general government health expenditure per capita at $6,791 compared to Croatia’s $2,580.

Economy

Germany's GDP per capita is significantly higher at $55,800, ranking 22, while Croatia’s GDP per capita stands at $23,931, ranking 80. The purchasing power parity (PPP) figures are $72,300 for Germany against $48,575 for Croatia, indicating Germany's stronger economic performance. However, the inflation rate is slightly lower in Germany at 2.3%, compared to 3% in Croatia. The country-to-GDP ratio of exports is also lower for Germany at 42.1%, showing a less export-driven economy than Croatia at 49.8%. Conversely, Germany has a lower import-to-GDP ratio (38.2%) compared to Croatia’s 52.9%, reflecting a more self-sufficient economy.

Trade and Investment

Germany stands out for high-technology exports with a value of $255.7 billion, ranking first globally, while Croatia's high-tech exports are negligible at only $1.7 billion, ranking 72. In terms of foreign direct investment, Germany has a net inflow constituting 1% of GDP, ranking 85th, while Croatia performs significantly better with 5%, occupying the 25th rank. Current account balance also reflects favorably on Germany with a surplus of 5.7%, whereas Croatia is at -1.1%, indicating economic challenges.

Governance and Institutions

Germany demonstrates robust governance metrics, with a control of corruption score of 1.7, ranking 19, contrasted with Croatia’s score of 0.2, which places it at 67. Government effectiveness is rated higher in Germany (1.2) than in Croatia (0.7), showcasing different levels of governmental performance. Both countries show similar levels of political stability and absence of violence at 0.6, tied at rank 52. Regulatory quality is significantly better in Germany at 1.5, compared to Croatia's 0.6, showing a marked difference in the regulatory environment.

Infrastructure and Technology

On logistics performance, Germany scores a 4.3, ranking first globally for trade and transport-related infrastructure, while Croatia is substantially lower at 3, ranking 24. This suggests that Germany has a more developed logistics and infrastructure framework which contributes to its economic activities. In terms of research and development expenditure as a percentage of GDP, Germany invests 3.1%, ranking 7, whereas Croatia allocates just 1.4% and ranks 33, indicating a stronger commitment to innovation in Germany.

Environment and Sustainability

Environmental indicators show Germany has a greater challenge in greenhouse gas emissions, with 8.1 tons of CO2e per capita, ranking 36, compared to Croatia's 6.5 tons, which ranks 59. However, Germany's renewable energy consumption stands at 17.6%, which is less than Croatia's notable 34.1%, demonstrating Croatia's stronger stance on renewable energy adoption. Freshwater resources reveal a substantial contrast; Germany faces a level of water stress at 35.4%, ranking 5, while Croatia’s stress level is only 1.5%, ranking 26, indicating more efficient management of water resources in Croatia.