Business and Economy in Germany

GDP	$34,200 in 2009
Per Capita Income	$44,555
Unemployment Rate	8.2% in 2009
Major industries/sectors	Manufacturing, automobiles, technology, services, agriculture

The largest economy in the European Union, Germany is a social market economy having a highly qualified labor force. It is one of the least-corrupt nations in the world. The service sector is the largest sector, contributing approximately 71% of the total GDP, followed by industry (28%), and agriculture 0.9%. In 2010, the unemployment rate was about 7.5%.

The economy of Germany, to a large extent, is driven by automobile industry. The country is the fourth-largest producer of automobiles; BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche are some of the leading brands. It is also the largest exporter of automobiles.

Germany has been one of the largest exporter in the world. It is a founding member of the EU, the G8 and the G20. The major exports include machinery, automobiles, chemical goods and metals.

Germany leads the world in the production of wind turbines and solar-power technology.

Agriculture is an important sector and the major agricultural products include potatoes, wheat, barley, cabbage, sugar beets, fruits, cattle, pigs and poultry.