Germany vs Sweden development indicators, 2024

Demography and Health

Germany has a birth rate of 8.3 per 1,000 people, slightly lower than Sweden's 9.5, placing Germany at rank 54 and Sweden at rank 28. In terms of death rate, Germany's figure of 12.3 per 1,000 people is significantly higher than Sweden's 9, with ranks of 27 and 66 respectively. Life expectancy at birth in Germany is 80.5 years compared to Sweden's 83.3 years, showcasing Sweden's superior health outcomes, ranking 5th globally against Germany’s 49th. Regarding children's health, Germany has a mortality rate of under-5 at 3.7 per 1,000 live births, while Sweden’s rate is lower at 2.5, showing better child health in Sweden ranked 67 compared to Germany’s 32. Notably, both countries see a prevalence of undernourishment at 2.5%, ranked 3rd globally.

Economy

Germany's GDP per capita for 2024 stands at $55,800, which is slightly lower than Sweden's $57,723, placing them at ranks 22 and 18 respectively. On purchasing power parity (PPP), Germany's GDP per capita is $72,300, while Sweden's is $71,030, both with close rankings of 15 and 18. However, Germany's exports of goods and services constitute 42.1% of GDP, while Sweden's is notably higher at 54.6%, ranking them 88th and 70th respectively. Sweden's strength is reflected in high-technology exports totaling $25.2 billion compared to Germany's $255.7 billion, where Germany ranks 1st globally. In terms of inflation, Germany's annual consumer price inflation is lower at 2.3% than Sweden's 2.8%.

Trade and Investment

Germany's imports of goods and services account for 38.2% of GDP, lower than Sweden's 50.2%, which places them at ranks 97 and 77 respectively. Foreign direct investment net inflows are also modest for Germany at 1% of GDP compared to Sweden’s more robust 4.4%, ranking 85 and 32 respectively. Sweden exhibits a stronger current account balance at 7.4% of GDP, with Germany at 5.7%, indicating greater economic stability for Sweden (ranks 15 and 22). Additionally, Sweden's logistics performance index is 4.2, just behind Germany's top rank of 4.3, indicating high-quality trade and transport infrastructure in both nations.

Governance and Institutions

In governance, Germany scores a 1.7 in corruption control, while Sweden scores slightly better at 2.0, with ranks of 19 and 9 respectively. Both countries are relatively close in government effectiveness, with Germany at 1.2 and Sweden at 1.6, ranking 29 and 13. The rule of law in both nations is comparable, with Germany at 1.6 and Sweden also at 1.6, ranked 21 and 19. However, the political stability and absence of violence/terrorism score is slightly lower for Germany at 0.6, contrasted with Sweden's 0.8, leading to ranks 52 and 27, indicating a more secure political climate in Sweden.

Infrastructure and Technology

Germany holds the top rank for patent applications by residents, amounting to 39,822, while Sweden trails with 1,771 applications, ranking 1st and 7th respectively, showcasing Germany's innovation capacity. Furthermore, research and development expenditure as a percentage of GDP stands at 3.1% for Germany, just behind Sweden's 3.4%, with both countries ranked 7th and 1st. Germany leads in logistics performance with a quality index score of 4.3, compared to Sweden's 4.2, evidencing robust trade and transport-related infrastructure.

Environment and Sustainability

Germany's renewable energy consumption is at 17.6% of total final energy use, significantly less than Sweden's impressive 57.9%, ranking 17th and 1st, showcasing Sweden's leadership in sustainable energy. In terms of greenhouse gas emissions, Germany emits 8.1 tons CO2e per capita versus Sweden’s 4.7 tons, ranked 36th and 78th respectively, indicating a larger environmental footprint in Germany. Moreover, the level of water stress due to freshwater withdrawal is considerably higher for Germany at 35.4%, compared to Sweden’s low 3.6%, highlighting severe sustainability concerns for Germany ranked 5th and 23rd in freshwater management.