Germany vs Malta development indicators, 2024

Demography and Health

Germany and Malta present distinct demographic and health profiles. In 2023, Germany had a crude birth rate of 8.3 per 1,000 people, slightly higher than Malta's 8.1, ranking 54th and 59th respectively. However, contrastingly, Germany's crude death rate was significantly higher at 12.3 compared to Malta's 7.3, placing Germany 27th in this metric while Malta ranked 73rd. Life expectancy at birth was also higher in Malta at 83.5 years versus Germany's 80.5 years. Malta performed better in the under-5 mortality rate, with 5.5 deaths per 1,000 live births compared to Germany’s 3.7. Furthermore, the net migration figures indicate that Germany saw a net inflow of 36,954 migrants in 2024, while Malta welcomed significantly fewer at 6,323. While both countries exhibit a low prevalence of undernourishment at 2.5%, the poverty headcount ratio shows Germany at 14.8% across its population compared to Malta's higher 16.7%. Overall, while Germany excels in certain health indicators, Malta shows better performance in life expectancy and youth mortality rates.

Economy

Germany's economy is larger and more diverse than Malta's. In 2024, Germany’s GDP per capita was approximately $55,800, ranking 22nd globally, while Malta's GDP per capita was $42,347, placing it 40th. Adjusted for purchasing power parity (PPP), Germany also leads with $72,300 compared to Malta's $67,364. In terms of exports of goods and services as a percentage of GDP, Germany’s 42.1% contrasts sharply with Malta's impressive 123%, indicating that Malta is highly export-driven. Conversely, Germany has the advantage in technology with high-technology exports amounting to $255.7 billion, far exceeding Malta's mere $1.2 billion. Both countries exhibited low inflation rates in 2024, with Germany at 2.3% and Malta at 1.7%. Employment figures reveal that Germany's unemployment rate matched Malta’s at 3.1%. Overall, while Germany has a stronger economy in terms of size and technological output, Malta demonstrates a unique export-oriented economic model.

Trade and Investment

Trade dynamics between Germany and Malta illustrate significant disparities. In terms of foreign direct investment (FDI) net inflows, Germany recorded a modest 1% of GDP, whereas Malta stands out with a remarkable 175%, indicating its attractiveness to foreign investments. The current account balance is favorable for both, with Germany at 5.7% and Malta also at 5.7%. Notably, Germany, being a trade powerhouse, had substantial imports at 38.2% of GDP, while Malta's imports accounted for an astonishing 106% of its GDP. This showcases Malta's dependency on imports and its role as a trading hub. Furthermore, Germany ranks 1st globally in the logistics performance index concerning infrastructure quality for trade and transport, achieving a score of 4.3, while Malta's score was significantly lower at 3.7, indicating room for improvement in logistics capabilities. Collectively, these indicators suggest that while Germany excels in trade performance and infrastructure, Malta’s high FDI inflow indicates a favorable environment for foreign investors.

Governance and Institutions

In terms of governance, Germany demonstrates stronger institutions as shown by various critical governance indicators. Germany ranks 19th in terms of control of corruption with a score of 1.7, compared to Malta's low score of 0.1 and its rank of 69th. Government effectiveness also highlights Germany's strengths, ranking 29th with a score of 1.2 against Malta's 0.4 and 68th rank. In terms of regulatory quality, Germany again leads with a rank of 23 (score of 1.5) compared to Malta's low performance (ranked 61st, score of 0.7). An assessment of political stability shows Germany has relative stability ranked 52nd with a score of 0.6, whereas Malta scored higher at 0.9, suggesting a more favorable environment for political stability. The rule of law is another strong suit for Germany, ranking 21st with a score of 1.6, while Malta struggles at 54th with 0.7. Overall, while both nations have their strengths, Germany’s governance and institutional frameworks are notably stronger than those of Malta.

Infrastructure and Technology

Germany possesses superior infrastructure and technological capabilities compared to Malta. The logistics performance index reflects this disparity, with Germany ranked first globally at 4.3, indicating well-developed trade and transport infrastructure. Malta, with a lower score of 3.7, ranks 11th, suggesting it has good infrastructure but not on the same scale as Germany. Germany's leadership in patent applications, where it ranks first with 39,822 applications, further indicates its strong emphasis on innovation and technology. Meanwhile, Malta's mere 5 applications rank it 26th, showing a significant gap in research and development output. Additionally, Germany's high-technology exports amounted to a staggering $255.7 billion, leading the globe, in stark contrast to Malta's $1.2 billion. This technological gap highlights the advanced industrial base in Germany compared to Malta. Therefore, Germany clearly excels in infrastructure and technology, while Malta still has room for advancement.

Environment and Sustainability

Germany ranks better in renewable energy consumption at 17.6% of total final energy consumption compared to Malta’s 8.6%, showing its commitment to sustainable energy solutions. Germany’s efforts translate into reducing greenhouse gas emissions effectively, with total emissions per capita at 8.1 t CO2e, while Malta's lower emissions of 3.7 t CO2e per capita suggest a smaller overall carbon footprint. Water stress levels also present a picture of environmental sustainability; with Germany withdrawing 35.4% of its available freshwater resources compared to Malta's higher 78.3%, highlighting more efficient water resource management practices in Germany. Both countries exhibit a similar prevalence of undernourishment at 2.5%, emphasizing food security. In summary, while both nations strive towards sustainability, Germany’s efforts in renewable energy and efficient resource management reflect a stronger commitment to environmental wellbeing.