Germany vs Spain development indicators, 2024

Indicator	Germany, Value	Spain, Value	Germany, Rank	Spain, Rank	Germany as % of Spain
Current account balance (% of GDP)	5.73	3.03	18	32	189 %
Exports of goods and services (% of GDP)	42.1	37.3	53	66	113 %
Foreign direct investment, net inflows (% of GDP)	1.02	1.89	73	58	54.1 %
GDP per capita (current US$)	55,800	35,297	17	34	158 %
GDP per capita, PPP (current international US$)	72,300	56,926	18	32	127 %
Imports of goods and services (% of GDP)	38.2	33	75	87	116 %
Inflation, consumer prices (annual %)	2.26	2.77	103	90	81.3 %
Net migration	36,954	111,674	29	18	33.1 %
Population, total	83,510,950	48,807,137	19	32	171 %

Demography and Health

Germany has a crude birth rate of 8.3 per 1,000 people, compared to Spain's 6.7, indicating a slightly higher birth rate in Germany (54th rank vs. 79th). However, Germany has a higher crude death rate at 12.3 per 1,000 compared to Spain's 9 (27th rank vs. 66th). Life expectancy in Spain is notably higher at 83.9 years compared to Germany's 80.5 years, ranking Spain first worldwide while Germany ranks 49th. Both countries have a prevalence of undernourishment at 2.5%, showing equitable food security. The under-five mortality rate is slightly better in Spain at 3.1 per 1,000 live births versus Germany's 3.7 (32nd vs. 56th rank). Overall, Spain's demographic health indicators paint a more favorable picture, particularly in life expectancy and child wellbeing.

Economy

Germany's GDP per capita stands at $55,800, significantly higher than Spain's $35,297 (22nd vs. 51st rank). In terms of purchasing power parity (PPP), Germany again leads with $72,300 compared to Spain’s $56,926 (15th vs. 45th rank). The inflation rate is slightly lower in Germany at 2.3% compared to Spain's 2.8%. Germany is more robust in economic output, with exports accounting for 42.1% of GDP versus 37.3% in Spain, both countries rank similarly in imports as a percentage of GDP (Germany 97th vs. Spain 103rd). The unemployment rate in Germany is substantially lower at 3.1%, while Spain's is relatively high at 12.2%, highlighting a significant disparity in labor market performance and economic stability.

Trade and Investment

Germany leads in global high-technology exports with $255.7 billion, while Spain’s figure is significantly lower at $25.8 billion (1st vs. 27th rank). Both countries attract foreign direct investment relatively evenly, with Germany at 1% of GDP compared to Spain’s 1.9%, ranking them 85th and 77th, respectively. Despite Germany's superior performance in traditional trade metrics, Spain shows a slightly better current account balance at 3% of GDP, compared to Germany's 5.7% (22nd vs. 30th rank). This indicates a potential strength in Spain’s trade dynamics that could foster economic stability.

Governance and Institutions

Germany ranks higher than Spain in most governance indicators, including control of corruption (1.7 vs. 0.6), government effectiveness (1.2 vs. 0.8), and regulatory quality (1.5 vs. 0.7). Germany also performs better in the rule of law with a score of 1.6 compared to Spain's 0.8 (21st vs. 51st rank). Political stability is higher in Germany with a score of 0.6 versus Spain's 0.3, highlighting a lower risk environment in Germany (52nd vs. 78th rank). Military expenditure is significantly higher in Germany, amounting to $66.8 billion versus Spain's $23.7 billion, showcasing its stronger defense capabilities. Overall, Germany exhibits more robust governance structures conducive to economic growth.

Infrastructure and Technology

Germany scores an impressive 4.3 on the logistics performance index for the quality of trade and transport-related infrastructure, outstripping Spain’s 3.8 (ranked 1st vs. 8th). This underscores Germany's efficient logistic networks that enhance its trade efficiency and overall economic competitiveness. In research and development expenditure as a percentage of GDP, Germany also takes the lead at 3.1% compared to Spain's 1.4% (7th vs. 29th rank), indicating a stronger commitment to innovation and technology advancement. Furthermore, Germany’s superior number of patent applications (39,822) versus Spain’s (1,308) underscores its prowess in technological innovation and intellectual property development.

Environment and Sustainability

In renewable energy consumption, Spain leads slightly with 19% of total final energy consumption coming from renewables compared to Germany's 17.6% (17th vs. 15th rank). However, Germany has a lower level of water stress, using 35.4% of its available freshwater resources compared to Spain’s 43.3% (5th vs. 3rd rank), indicating a better conservation of water resources. On the greenhouse gas emissions front, Germany emits 8.1 tons of CO2e per capita, while Spain's per capita emissions are lower at 5.9 tons (36th vs. 67th rank). These figures indicate Germany's significant industrial emissions, which may need to be addressed as it transitions to sustainable practices. Both countries face challenges and opportunities in their paths toward environmental sustainability.