Rating: 8.1 (AAA)
Germany
stable outlook
• Export powerhouse
Transparency and Accountability
Public Sector Fiscal Policy
9.3
8.1 8.4
7.2
Monetary Policy
Social Cohesion 9.3
Capital Markets and Financial Risk
10
8 6
• Low interest-to-revenue ratio
8.1
2
9.1
• Proven track record of swift decision-making and effective execution of fiscal policy, supported by an efficient and competent bureaucracy • Broad and deep revenue base
7.3
4
• World’s fourth-largest economy • Diversified, wealthy and highly productive economy
Rule of Law
Economic Fundamentals
Strengths:
2
4
6 7.5
8 10
Future Resources
• Strong tradition of rule of law • Highly developed social safety net
6.9 9.7
External Sector 7.7
7.2
Crisis Management
7.4
Strategic Capacity
Implementation Adaptability
8.9 Macroeconomic Indicators
Forward-Looking Indicators 7.6
Summary Germany is the world’s fourth-largest economy, and the largest economy in Europe. Germany is one of the world’s most competitive, diversified, wealthy and productive nations. Its recovery from the Great Recession was initially one of the strongest among the world’s advanced countries. Such good performance was all the more exceptional, given the sovereign debt crisis, which loomed large across Europe from 2008 to 2012. However, Germany was not immune from the overall effects of the worldwide Great Recession. Growth slowed significantly in 2012 and 2013. Growth picked up in 2014, and is expected to continue in 2015.
Weaknesses: • Debt-to-gross domestic product (GDP) and debt-torevenue ratios higher than the historical norm • Significant contingent liabilities emanating from Eurozone bailout programs • Significant contingent liabilities emanating from the financial system • Stagnating (sometimes declining) population growth • Aging population
1