Climate and natural diversity
Germany has a moderate climate with cold, often wet winters and pleasantly warm summers. In winter, temperatures are often around freezing point, while the summer months can reach temperatures of over 30 degrees Celsius. Typical for Germany are clear seasonal changes - spring, summer, fall and winter are in full splendor.
There are subtle differences in climate depending on the region: in the west and north, the sea ensures a more maritime climate with milder winters and cooler summers. The further east and south you go, the more continental the climate becomes - meaning hotter summers, harsher winters and greater temperature fluctuations overall.
Economy
Despite its rather limited natural resources, Germany is one of the world's leading industrial countries. While it has significant lignite deposits and smaller quantities of raw materials such as iron, copper, nickel, uranium and natural gas, the country's economic strength is primarily based on technology, innovation and highly qualified industry.
In various areas such as IT, natural sciences and applied sciences, the country is dependent on foreign workers - not least because of its ageing population. This demographic change also leads to an increasing demand for medical personnel in numerous disciplines.
Universities, labor market and medicine
Germany is known for its scientific research and the excellence of its universities. It is the country with the highest number of foreign students who do not speak English. A special feature of the German education system is the high level of state funding, which covers 60 % of universities.
Due to the increasing number of older people and the decreasing number of young professionals, Germany has a high demand for young people moving to Germany from abroad. Qualified employees from abroad have established themselves in many areas of the German workforce, particularly in the natural sciences, technology, applied sciences and healthcare.
Medicine has a particularly high status in Germany and is one of the best-paid professions in the country. With 60,000 foreign doctors (as of 2024), Germany is one of the countries that takes in the most foreign healthcare professionals. Specialists from Syria are currently (as of 2024) in the lead with 6120 doctors, followed by Romania (4608), Austria (2993), Greece (2943), Russia (2941) and Turkey (2628).
According to the Federal Statistical Office, Germany recorded the highest immigration from other countries in 2024. Net immigration amounted to 1,46 million people, which is the highest figure in the country's history.