Economy of Germany today

The German economy has always been the largest economy of the European zone. This is a post-industrial country, the basis of which is the sphere of services, production (23-28%) and agribusiness (0.5-1.5%). The main characteristics of the economy are well-developed infrastructure and highly skilled labor.

A feature of the economic life of Germany are the following. The economy of the country is organized on the basis of the principle of socio-market economy, in which the social balance is combined with market freedom. In the center is the entrepreneurial activity of the state, which ensures an even distribution of social benefits.

In recent years, the German economy has experienced some difficulties associated with the implementation of this model. High social guarantees led to the fact that a very high percentage (about 40) goes to pay and contributions to social funds. In this regard, significantly increased and taxation. Today, the tax rate on undistributed profits is 50%.

A very important role in the economy is played by banks, which are the largest shareholders of industrial enterprises in the service sector. Within the territory, economic development is uneven. Up to now, the modernization and integration of the economy of the eastern part of the country has not been removed from the agenda.

In general, the German economy is export-oriented. Over the past decades, Germany's presence in the world market has significantly expanded. As before, the main trading partners remain European countries (first of all, France and Great Britain).

The German Statistical Office published the latest data on the country's development in mid-August 2012. During the first half of 2012, Germany's economy grew by 0.5 percent, in the second half by 0.3 percent. Analysts expect further improvement of the situation in the economic sphere: further growth in exports of German goods, an increase in profits is expected. Germany managed to avoid a recession, despite the fact that industrial production is characterized by some slowdown. This decline was offset by growth in services and construction.

In comparison with other European countries, Germany, whose economy has always been particularly strong, feels very well. Today, there is a decline in the economy of Greece, Italy, Spain, and France is experiencing a period of stagnation. Against this background, the situation in Germany looks particularly optimistic. It is thanks to this country that the euro can strengthen in relation to the dollar.

The standard of living in Germany remains high, despite the crisis, which affected virtually all areas of its economy. Undoubtedly, the crisis has shaken the country's position, but today it is confidently moving towards restoring its former positions. The economic situation in the country is characterized by stability. Experts see the reason for this in the fact that Germany was able to form stable trade relations with the eastern regions (China and other countries), which also proved resistant to the crisis.

The economy of Germany today occupies a leading place among European economies. The last two years of Germany were characterized by the highest indicators of economic development, which allowed it to receive positive support for the ratings. On a general negative economic European background, Germany shows even a decrease in the unemployment rate, which became possible due to previous structural reforms.

A positive role for the economy was played by the fact that German automotive products successfully mastered the American market. In addition, it should be noted that the crisis did not affect the real estate sphere. The increase in state investments also played a positive role in the country's gaining a stable position in the international market.