Germany Germany vs Denmark Denmark development indicators, 2024

Indicator
Germany
Germany, Value
Denmark
Denmark, Value
Germany
Germany, Rank
Denmark
Denmark, Rank
Germany Germany as % of
Denmark Denmark
Current account balance (% of GDP) 5.73 13 18 8 44 %
Exports of goods and services (% of GDP) 42.1 69.7 53 24 60.4 %
Foreign direct investment, net inflows (% of GDP) 1.02 4.21 73 26 24.2 %
GDP per capita (current US$) 55,800 71,852 17 11 77.7 %
GDP per capita, PPP (current international US$) 72,300 79,514 18 13 90.9 %
Imports of goods and services (% of GDP) 38.2 58.9 75 36 64.9 %
Individuals using the Internet (% of population) 93.5 99.8 5 1 93.7 %
Inflation, consumer prices (annual %) 2.26 1.37 103 129 164 %
Net migration 36,954 25,639 29 34 144 %
Population, total 83,510,950 5,976,992 19 114 1,397 %

Demography and Health

Germany's demographic profile shows a birth rate of 8.3 per 1,000 people, slightly lower than Denmark's 9.7, indicating a potential future population decline concern for Germany. Conversely, the death rate is higher in Germany at 12.3 per 1,000 compared to Denmark's 9.8, reflecting differing health outcomes. Life expectancy also favors Denmark with 81.9 years compared to Germany's 80.5 years. Furthermore, under-5 mortality rates are marginally better in Denmark (3.4) than Germany (3.7). On the poverty front, Germany has a higher poverty headcount ratio (14.8%) than Denmark (12.4%), though both countries display a similar prevalence of undernourishment at 2.5% of the population.

Economy

Germany's GDP per capita stands at $55,800, significantly lower than Denmark's $71,852, which places Denmark in a stronger position economically. Interestingly, when adjusted for purchasing power parity (PPP), Germany's GDP per capita is $72,300, compared to Denmark's $79,514. Inflation rates from 2024 also show Germany at 2.3%, higher than Denmark's 1.4%. However, Germany's research and development expenditure (% of GDP) is higher at 3.1%, compared to Denmark's 2.9%, indicative of Germany's emphasis on innovation.

Trade and Investment

Germany's economy is heavily reliant on exports, with 42.1% of GDP coming from exports and 38.2% from imports in 2024. In contrast, Denmark exhibits a more export-centric economy with exports comprising 69.7% of GDP and imports at 58.9%. Foreign direct investment inflows also differ significantly, with Germany attracting a mere 1% of GDP compared to Denmark's 4.2%. Notably, Germany leads in high-technology exports, valued at $255.7 billion, compared to Denmark's $16.1 billion, illustrating Germany’s dominance in advanced manufacturing sectors.

Governance and Institutions

In the governance realm, Denmark outperforms Germany in several key indicators. The Control of Corruption score is 2.4 for Denmark, compared to Germany's 1.7, demonstrating a stronger integrity framework in Denmark. Denmark also excels in Government Effectiveness with a rating of 2, compared to Germany's 1.2. In terms of regulatory quality, Germany stands at 1.5 while Denmark is at 1.8, favoring the latter in terms of ease of doing business. However, Germany’s military expenditure is considerably higher at $66.8 billion compared to Denmark's $8.1 billion, which indicates a substantial focus on defense in Germany.

Infrastructure and Technology

Germany's logistics performance index is rated at 4.3, reflecting its stellar trade and transport infrastructure, whereas Denmark is slightly behind at 4.1. Internet usage in the population shows Germany at 93.5%, which is lower compared to Denmark's impressive 99.8%, highlighting a more digitally connected society in Denmark. Additionally, the number of patent applications reveals Germany’s innovation capability dominates with 39,822 applications, while Denmark lags significantly behind with only 1,090, indicating a robust innovation ecosystem in Germany.

Environment and Sustainability

Germany is working towards sustainability with 17.6% of its energy consumption from renewable sources, which is substantially lower than Denmark's impressive 39.5%. In terms of greenhouse gas emissions, Germany's per capita emissions are at 8.1 tons of CO₂ equivalents compared to Denmark's 7 tons, indicating Denmark's relatively lower carbon footprint. The level of water stress also suggests Germany is under greater strain with 35.4% of available freshwater resources being withdrawn compared to Denmark's 26.4%. Overall, Denmark appears more committed to environmental sustainability while Germany is still transitioning.