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Map of Germany

Map of Germany.
flag of the Federal Republic of Germany.

The Federal Republic of Germany

Bilateral relationship

New Zealand and Germany enjoy open and warm links. There is mutually beneficial co-operation in trade, commerce, cultural exchange, and science and technology. As the largest economy within the European Union, Germany has influence over decisions affecting New Zealand's economic and trade interests, and has proved generally supportive of New Zealand in these matters.

As a country with competitive skills in technological development and research, Germany is an important source for New Zealand capital imports. It is a stable market for New Zealand exports, particularly our primary products. The proportion of exports of manufactured goods has increased in recent years from a small base. Germany is also a significant potential source of investment.top of page

Key facts

Geography/Demographics

Land Area - 357,021 sq km Population - 82.4 m (2007) - Capital City  - Berlin - Language  - German

Political

Political system - Parliamentary democracy. 16 Länder (states), each with own constitution, legislature and government. - National government - CDU/CSU/FDP centre-right coalition. - National legislature - Bicameral Federal Assembly. Bundestag (lower house) of 622 members, elected from individual constituencies and through party lists (MMP proportional representation system). Bundesrat (upper house) of 69 members, nominated by state governments. - Last election - Sept 2009 (Bundestag); May 2009 (Presidential) - Next election due - September 2014 (Bundestag); May 2014 (Presidential) - Head of State - President Prof Dr Horst Köhler (since July 2004) - Head of Government - Dr Angela Merkel (CDU) (since November 2005)

Economic (2008 est.)

GDP €2,460 billion

Real GDP growth 1.4%

Exports (fob) US$1,509 billion

Imports (fob) US$1,192 billion

Main exports motor vehicles, machinery, chemical products

Current account balance US$274 billion (surplus)

Inflation 4.3%

Unemployment 7.5%

New Zealand Trade

New Zealand Trade (to year ended June 2009) - NZ Exports (FOB) - NZ$860 million - Main Exports - Sheepmeat, venison, casein, whey and products, wool, apples, albumins, fish fillets - NZ Imports (CIF) - NZ$1.983 billion - Main Imports - Motor vehicles and parts, dishwashing machines, tractors, medicaments, printing machinery, motor vehicle parts, derricks and cranes, medical or veterinary instruments top of page

Visits

New Zealand Official Visits to Germany

German Official Visits to New Zealand

Representation

Travel advice

The Safetravel website provides a travel advisory for travellers to Germany [external link].

 

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Page last updated: Friday, 11 December 2009 15:45 NZDT