Germany vs Greece development indicators, 2024

Indicator	Germany, Value	Greece, Value	Germany, Rank	Greece, Rank	Germany as % of Greece
Current account balance (% of GDP)	5.73	-6.38	18	95
Exports of goods and services (% of GDP)	42.1	42	53	54	100 %
Foreign direct investment, net inflows (% of GDP)	1.02	2.51	73	47	40.7 %
GDP per capita (current US$)	55,800	24,752	17	49	225 %
GDP per capita, PPP (current international US$)	72,300	44,074	18	50	164 %
Imports of goods and services (% of GDP)	38.2	47.3	75	59	80.8 %
Inflation, consumer prices (annual %)	2.26	2.74	103	93	82.3 %
Net migration	36,954	-122,772	29	202
Population, total	83,510,950	10,388,805	19	93	804 %

Demography and Health

Germany's population stands at approximately 83.5 million, while Greece has a much smaller population of around 10.4 million. The birth rate in Germany is 8.3 births per 1,000 people, which is higher than Greece’s 6.8, placing Germany 54th and Greece 77th globally. Both countries have similar death rates, with Germany at 12.3 and Greece at 12.2, ranked 27th and 29th respectively. Life expectancy in Germany is 80.5 years, slightly lower than Greece's 81.5 years, although Germany ranks 49th compared to Greece's 35th position. Notably, the prevalence of undernourishment is the same in both nations at 2.5%. The under-5 mortality rate is also equal at 3.7 per 1,000 live births for both countries.

Economy

Germany's GDP per capita is significantly higher at $55,800, ranking 22nd in the world, compared to Greece's $24,752, which ranks 76th. In terms of purchasing power parity (PPP), Germany stands at $72,300 (15th) versus Greece's $44,074 (86th). The inflation rate in Germany is lower at 2.3% compared to Greece's 2.7%, indicating a more stable economic environment. Both nations exhibit high ratios of exports to GDP, with Germany at 42.1% and Greece at 42%. However, Germany performs better in imports as well, with a lower ratio of 38.2% compared to Greece’s 47.3%. The poverty headcount ratio is lower in Germany at 14.8% versus Greece’s 18.8%. Furthermore, Germany's unemployment rate is significantly lower at 3.1%, whereas Greece experiences much higher unemployment at 11%.

Trade and Investment

Germany achieves net foreign direct investment inflows of 1% relative to GDP, which ranks it 85th globally, while Greece generates a healthier 2.5%, ranking 68th. The current account balance is also favorable for Germany at 5.7% of GDP, contrasted with Greece's detrimental -6.4%. Germany is positioned 88th for exports as a percentage of GDP, while Greece is marginally behind at 89th. In terms of logistics performance, Germany leads with a score of 4.3, demonstrating exceptional trade and transport infrastructure, compared to Greece's score of 3.7.

Governance and Institutions

Germany ranks significantly higher in governance with a Control of Corruption index of 1.7, placing it 19th globally, versus Greece's dismal score of 0.1, ranked 70th. The Government Effectiveness index also demonstrates a disparity, with Germany at 1.2 (29th) compared to Greece's 0.1 (75th). With a Rule of Law score of 1.6 and ranking 21st, Germany outperforms Greece, which scores only 0.2 and ranks 78th. Additionally, Germany's military expenditure far exceeds that of Greece, at $66.8 billion compared to just $7.7 billion. Lastly, Germany's political stability is higher (0.6) versus Greece (0.2), indicating a more secure governance environment.

Infrastructure and Technology

Germany demonstrates exceptional performance in research and development expenditure at 3.1% of GDP, ranking it 7th in the world, while Greece invests only 1.5%, placing it 26th. Patent applications per residents show a stark contrast; Germany leads with 39,822 applications, vastly outpacing Greece's mere 394 applications. This reveals Germany's strong emphasis on innovation and technology. The logistics performance index further solidifies Germany’s superiority in trade infrastructure, highlighting the efficiency of their trade and transport systems.

Environment and Sustainability

In terms of renewable energy consumption, Greece outperforms Germany, utilizing 21.5% of its total final energy consumption from renewable sources compared to Germany's 17.6%. Regarding water stress, Germany faces higher levels, withdrawing 35.4% of available freshwater resources, while Greece maintains a more sustainable rate at 20.7%. Germany's total greenhouse gas emissions per capita are higher at 8.1 tons of CO2e, contrasting with Greece’s 6.7 tons, marking a notable difference in environmental impact. This comparison indicates that while Germany excels in several economic and governance metrics, Greece demonstrates strengths in renewable energy usage.