Germany vs. Italy: The most striking differences in figures

Germany and Italy are both large European countries, but they differ significantly in many ways. While Germany is known for its robust economy and infrastructure, Italy's main attraction is its climate and lifestyle. How do the two countries really compare? Here are the most striking figures. according to WorldData.info and other sources.

Table of contents

Population and demography
Birth, death and migration
Economy and work
Education and health care
Political stability and civil rights
Religion
Climate
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Population and demography

Germany is larger in area than Italy: 357.580 km² opposite 301.340 km². Yet, significantly more people live in Germany: over 83 milion opposite 59 milion in Italy. That's why Germany is also slightly more densely populated (233 inhabitants per km² opposite 196 in Italy).

It is striking that the average age is high in both countries, but even higher in Italy: 48,4 years opposite 46,8 years in Germany. Italy also has a better record in terms of life expectancy. Italian women live on average 86 years and Italian men 82 years, in Germany this is respectively on 83 en 78 years, quite a significant difference.

If we look at the number of children per woman, in both countries it is below the replacement level of 2,1. In Italy, the fertility 1,21 children per woman, in Germany 1,46 children per womanThis means that the German population is recovering somewhat faster, although the aging population remains a major challenge there as well.

Birth, death and migration

The birth rate is higher in Germany than in Italy: 8,3 births per 1.000 inhabitants opposite 6,4The mortality rate is also higher in Germany (12,3 ‰ opposite 11,2 ‰), but on balance, the German population is growing slightly less rapidly. This is because Italy is welcoming relatively more migrants: 1,6 per 1.000 inhabitants opposite 0,4 in Germany (however, it could very well be that a large proportion of these migrants will ultimately end up in Germany).

Economy and work

Germany is the economic engine of Europe and that is reflected in the figures. The average income there is € 51.100 per year, a lot higher than the € 35.600 in Italy. The Germans are also doing better on the labor market: unemployment has increased 3,4% almost half of those in Italy (6,8%).

In addition, government finances are healthier. The German national debt is around 60% of gross domestic product (GDP), while Italy is well above the 130% comes true.

Education and health care

Germany has a slightly longer compulsory education period (13 years opposite 12 year in Italy) and a higher level of education: 29% of the population has a bachelor's or higher degree, in Italy this is only 16,5%.

Germany also scores better in the area of health care. There are 7,8 hospital beds per 1.000 inhabitants opposite 3,2 in Italy and there are slightly more doctors per capita.

Political stability and civil rights

In terms of political stability and civil rights, Germany scores significantly higher. The country achieves a score of 85/100 on political stability, Italy 74/100. For civil rights, that is respectively on 93 versus 67.

Religion

Germany and Italy are both traditionally Christian countries, but the religious map is steadily changing.

Italy is still predominantly Catholic: 75-80% of the population consider themselves members of the Roman Catholic Church, although only about 20-25% attend Mass every week. In Germany, that percentage is much lower: approximately 25-27% is Catholic and an equal proportion is Protestant, together accounting for about half of the population.

The Muslim share is in Germany about 6%, in Italy 3-4%, while especially in Germany the group without religion is growing strongly (20-30%).

According to Pew Research projections, the Muslim share could reach 100 million by 2050 14% in Italy en up to 20% in Germany in a scenario with persistently high migration.

The share of Christians, including Catholics, will continue to decline by then, especially in Germany (possibly to <50%), while Italy is likely to remain predominantly Catholic, but with a lower share of around 65-70%.

Climate

It won't surprise you that Italy wins here with ease. The country has an average 19,2 degrees during the day and 6 hours of sunshine per dayIn Germany that is 14,1 degrees en 4,7 hours of sunshine. In addition, it almost rains in Germany 10 days a month, in Italy but 6.

Ready to see how Snowflake works?

Germany and Italy are both important European countries, but with very different profiles. Germany excels in economic strength, low unemployment, good education, and robust healthcare. Italy, on the other hand, offers a warmer climate with more sunshine, a higher life expectancy, and yes, probably a bit more sweet life.

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