Germany vs Slovakia development indicators, 2024

Indicator	Germany, Value	Slovakia, Value	Germany, Rank	Slovakia, Rank	Germany as % of Slovakia
Current account balance (% of GDP)	5.73	-2.75	18	80
Exports of goods and services (% of GDP)	42.1	85.2	53	9	49.4 %
Foreign direct investment, net inflows (% of GDP)	1.02	2.53	73	46	40.4 %
GDP per capita (current US$)	55,800	26,148	17	46	213 %
GDP per capita, PPP (current international US$)	72,300	47,181	18	49	153 %
Imports of goods and services (% of GDP)	38.2	85	75	11	45 %
Individuals using the Internet (% of population)	93.5	89.8	5	7	104 %
Inflation, consumer prices (annual %)	2.26	2.76	103	92	81.8 %
Net migration	36,954	-21,027	29	170
Population, total	83,510,950	5,422,069	19	119	1,540 %

Demography and Health

Germany and Slovakia exhibit contrasting demographic and health metrics. The crude birth rate in Slovakia is slightly higher at 9 per 1,000 people compared to Germany’s 8.3, signifying a more youthful population in Slovakia. The crude death rate, however, is notably higher in Germany at 12.3 compared to Slovakia's 10, possibly indicating better overall health conditions and longevity in Slovakia. Life expectancy at birth is also higher in Germany at 80.5 years against Slovakia’s 78 years. Germany reports a lower under-5 mortality rate of 3.7 per 1,000 live births compared to Slovakia’s 6.1, emphasizing better healthcare facilities for children. Conversely, the suicide mortality rate is higher in Germany at 12.9, compared to Slovakia's 9.9, highlighting a complex health crisis in Germany.

Economy

Germany dominates the economic landscape with a GDP per capita of $55,800, significantly outpacing Slovakia's $26,148. In purchasing power parity (PPP) terms, this gap narrows somewhat, with Germany again leading at $72,300 compared to Slovakia's $47,181. However, Slovakia showcases impressive figures in terms of the export and import of goods and services, with exports constituting 85.2% of GDP and imports at 85%, which reflects a strong reliance on trade. Germany, on the other hand, shows a more balanced economy, with exports at 42.1% of GDP and imports at 38.2%. The inflation rates are relatively close, with Germany at 2.3% and Slovakia at 2.8%.

Trade and Investment

Germany's trade prowess is evident in its high-tech exports totaling $255.7 billion, ranking first globally, while Slovakia’s high-tech exports are substantially lower at $10.1 billion. Both countries fare differently concerning foreign direct investment (FDI); Slovakia's FDI inflows represent 2.5% of its GDP, which is better than Germany's 1%. The current account balance indicates a surplus for Germany at 5.7% of GDP, while Slovakia faces a deficit of 2.7%, reflecting different investment climates and economic strategies. The logistics performance index further highlights Germany’s lead in infrastructure quality connected to trade, scoring 4.3 compared to Slovakia's 3.3.

Governance and Institutions

In terms of governance, Germany ranks significantly higher in control of corruption (1.7 vs. 0.3) and government effectiveness (1.2 vs. 0.2) than Slovakia. This indicates a more robust and reliable governance framework in Germany. Regulatory quality and rule of law also favor Germany, indicating greater stability and protection for economic activities. Both countries share similar scores on political stability and the absence of violence/terrorism, both at 0.6, showing comparable levels of security. However, Slovakia's governance scores suggest challenges with adherence to effective management and legal frameworks, as evidenced by its lower rankings across the board.

Infrastructure and Technology

Germany leads in Internet usage, with 93.5% of the population online compared to Slovakia’s 89.8%. This technological edge aligns with its superior logistics performance index, which reflects efficient trade and transport-related infrastructure. Slovakia, while developing rapidly, still lags in these aspects, with an index score of 3.3. The disparity in patent applications further underscores Germany's innovative capacity, as it filed 39,822 patents compared to Slovakia's mere 146. This difference in intellectual property activity hints at Germany's stronger emphasis on research and development, evidenced by its R&D expenditure at 3.1% of GDP, far exceeding Slovakia's 1%.

Environment and Sustainability

In environmental metrics, both countries show commendable commitment to renewable energy consumption, with Slovakia slightly ahead at 17.9% compared to Germany's 17.6%. However, Germany’s total greenhouse gas emissions per capita are lower (8.1 t CO2e/capita) compared to Slovakia's 8.3, indicating relatively better mitigation efforts despite its larger industrial sector. Water stress also presents a contrasting picture, where Germany faces a significant challenge, with 35.4% of available freshwater being withdrawn, versus Slovakia’s minimal 2.4%. This highlights Slovakia's more sustainable water management practices, a crucial factor in environmental sustainability.