Germany Germany vs France France development indicators, 2024

Indicator
Germany
Germany, Value
France
France, Value
Germany
Germany, Rank
France
France, Rank
Germany Germany as % of
France France
Current account balance (% of GDP) 5.73 0.392 18 49 1,464 %
Exports of goods and services (% of GDP) 42.1 33.2 53 75 127 %
Foreign direct investment, net inflows (% of GDP) 1.02 1.75 73 63 58.3 %
GDP per capita (current US$) 55,800 46,150 17 26 121 %
GDP per capita, PPP (current international US$) 72,300 61,322 18 28 118 %
Imports of goods and services (% of GDP) 38.2 34 75 85 113 %
Inflation, consumer prices (annual %) 2.26 2 103 114 113 %
Net migration 36,954 90,527 29 20 40.8 %
Population, total 83,510,950 68,516,699 19 23 122 %

Demography and Health

In terms of demography, Germany has a total population of 83.5 million, significantly larger than France's 68.5 million. The crude birth rate in France, at 9.9 per 1,000 people, surpasses Germany's 8.3, suggesting a relatively younger demographic structure in France. Conversely, Germany exhibits a higher crude death rate of 12.3 compared to France's 9.2, indicating potential challenges related to an aging population. Life expectancy at birth is higher in France (82.9 years) than in Germany (80.5 years), showcasing better health outcomes for the French population. The under-5 mortality rate is also lower in Germany (3.7) than in France (4.3). On the migration front, Germany experiences a net migration of 36,954, while France's figure is significantly higher at 90,527, reflecting differing immigration patterns and policies.

Economy

Germany outperforms France in several economic indicators. The GDP per capita in Germany is $55,800, higher than France's $46,150, indicating a stronger individual economic output. Adjusted for purchasing power parity (PPP), Germany's GDP per capita also leads at $72,300 against France's $61,322. Germany has a high-tech export value of $255.7 billion, placing it first globally, while France is fourth with $115.3 billion. Moreover, Germany's inflation rate is slightly higher at 2.3% compared to France's 2%. Both countries have comparable poverty headcount ratios, with Germany at 14.8% and France at 15.6%, signifying relatively similar struggles with poverty.

Trade and Investment

Germany excels in trade with exports of goods and services constituting 42.1% of its GDP, in contrast to France's 33.2%. The imports as a percentage of GDP are also higher for Germany at 38.2% over France's 34%. Notably, Germany has a current account balance of 5.7% while France’s is just 0.4%, highlighting better external economic stability for Germany. While both countries see foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows as a percentage of GDP, France is slightly ahead with 1.8% compared to Germany's 1%, indicating a more favorable investment climate in France.

Governance and Institutions

In governance metrics, Germany shows stronger performance in areas such as corruption control (1.7 vs. 1.2 for France), government effectiveness (1.2 vs. 1.1), and regulatory quality (1.5 vs. 1.2). Germany ranks better in political stability and absence of violence (0.6) compared to France's 0.3. Additionally, the rule of law is more robust in Germany (1.6 vs. 1.2). Employment figures reflect a more favorable labor market in Germany with an unemployment rate of 3.1%, significantly lower than France’s 7.3%, indicating better job market conditions and economic resilience.

Infrastructure and Technology

Germany leads in logistics performance with a score of 4.3 compared to France’s 3.8, reflecting superior trade and transport-related infrastructure. This efficiency supports higher levels of trade and economic activity within Germany. The country also has a robust research and development expenditure at 3.1% of GDP, compared to France's 2.2%, highlighting Germany's commitment to innovation and technological advancement. Moreover, Germany’s patent applications rank first globally, demonstrating a thriving environment for intellectual property and innovation.

Environment and Sustainability

When considering sustainability metrics, both countries show similar levels of undernourishment at 2.5% of their populations. In terms of renewable energy consumption, Germany leads with 17.6% of its total final energy consumption coming from renewable sources compared to France's 16.2%. However, Germany's greenhouse gas emissions per capita are 8.1 tons of CO2e while France has a lower rate of 5.6 tons. Additionally, Germany demonstrates a higher level of water stress, with freshwater withdrawal at 35.4% of available freshwater resources, compared to France's 21.6%. These figures reflect the pressing environmental challenges that Germany faces compared to France's more sustainable management of natural resources.