Germany

Germany

Health Care in Germany:

A brief history:

Germany was the first country to establish a universal health care system. When Germany was established as a country in 1871, one of their first main concerns was to set up a system that united "sickness funds". The system was officially established by Otto van Bismarck.

Who provides the health care?

The government provides health care in Germany. The contribution for health care is 14.9 percent of an employee's paycheck. Unless a person makes between 400 and 800 Euros a month, in which they contribute 4 percent. The cost is split between the employer and the employee. This system covers over 90% of Germany. Employees that make a salary that is over the limit can choose to either receive private health care, or enroll themselves in the state provided program.

Who qualifies for the health care?

Not only is health care automatic for employees, but compulsory. Also, students at universities, pensioners, disabled people, unemployed people, and farmers are covered. For those who are new citizens, health care is much harder to obtain. In 2001, Germany accepted only 3.8% of applicants. Germany's health care regulations are known to be some of the most strict in Europe.

Opinion:

Economy/Exports:

Economy:

Germany's economy is the largest in Europe, and the fourth largest by Gross Domestic Product (GDP). 37 companies of the Fortune Global 500 are German companies. The unemployment rate in Germany is 6.2%.

Exports:

Germany is the world's top exporter. In 2006, they exported $1.336 trillion worth of goods. They are also the leading producer of wind and solar power technology in the world. Some well-known German companies are Adidas, Audi, BMW, Mercedes Benz, Nivea, Porsche, and Volkswagen. Hamburg Harbor is also Europe's second largest port.

Recent Recession:

Germany's economy was hit hard, if not harder than the United States'. Their GDP dropped 6.4 percent in early 2009, and their banking crisis was the second worst in the world. In the second half of 2009, the GDP rose 0.3 percent, and unemployment rates dropped.

Top 15 Countries for German Exports:

France ... $99 billion(10.2% of total German exports)
U.S. ... $85.5 billion (8.8%)
U.K. ... $76.7 billion (7.9%)
Italy ... $67 billion (6.9%)
Netherlands ... $59.2 billion (6.1%)
Belgium ... $54.4 billion (5.6%)
Austria ... $52.4 billion (5.4%)
Spain ... $49.5 billion (5.1%)
Switzerland ... $36.9 billion (3.8%)
China ... $31.1 billion (3.2%)
Poland ... $25.3 billion (2.6%)
Czech Republic ... $23.3 billion (2.4%)
Sweden ... $21.4 billion (2.2%)
Russia ... $19.4 billion (2.0%)
Japan ... $16.5 billion (1.7%)

Opinion:

Immigration:

General:

20% of Germany's population has a migration background. Which is one of the highest in Europe.
2.4% of Germany's population is Turkish. Half of the people with a Turkish background are born in Germany. Berlin is the third largest Turkish city in the world.
A good portion of migration into Germany is due to Germany's health care.

Immigrant Integration:

According to a recent study from the Berlin Institute of Population and Development, Turkish integration has been poor. Citing poor education, higher unemployment rates, and low participation in public German events.
Recently, Germany has adopted social programs to help immigrant integration.

Energy Conservation:

Germany has one of the world's biggest energy sectors.
Germany is the third largest consumer of natural gas in the world.
Germany is the fifth largest consumer of oil in the world.
In 2002, Germany was Europe's biggest consumer of electricity.
The government's policy emphasizes the use and research of renewable resources.
The government has set a goal to satisfy half of the country's energy demands with renewable resources by the year 2050.
The government also strives to phase out all nuclear power plants by the year 2021.
The world's leading manufacturer in solar and wind power technology.

Germany and the European Union:

Last Modified 10/26/09 10:47 PM