• Fish catch per year: 264,691 tonnes
• Oil production and reserves: 65,723 b/d (216m barrels)
• Estimated livestock resources: 26.3m pigs, 13.7m cattle, 9m turkeys, 110m chickens
• Main mineral resources: Coal, oil, natural gas, copper, salt, potash, tin, nickel

Electricity generation

With relatively few natural resources, Germany imports over 60% of its energy needs, mainly oil and gas. Coal, the basis of industrialization, now accounts for under a quarter of energy consumption. West Germany invested less heavily than France in nuclear power, and Soviet-built plants in the east have been shut down. The "red–green" coalition government decided in mid-2000 to phase out nuclear power. Renewable resources, particularly wind, account for 4% of primary energy consumption (with a target of 50% by 2050); Germany is the world's leading user of wind power.

Consumption and spending

The effects of the Nazi period, which discredited many of the ruling class, and the destruction of the property of millions of families in the war, explain the relatively classless nature of society. Status is now more closely linked to wealth than to birth. In the west, there are fewer disparities than in most of Europe; workers are generally well paid and social security is generous. Wages in the east, however, are 10% below western rates, and unemployment is higher. Proposals in 2004 to means-test benefits led to street protests. Most Germans own a mobile phone, and over half had direct Internet access by 2003.

• Total number of visitors per year: 18.4m visitors
• Tourism trend: Up 2% in 2003

Main tourist arrivals

Northerly beaches and a colder climate make Germany less of a tourist destination than France or Italy. Skiing in the Bavarian Alps, the historic castles of the Rhine valley, the Black Forest, and Germany's excellent beer all attract visitors. Berlin, even before 1989, drew tourists with its rich cultural life and its Wall separating capitalist West and communist East. Now capital of the reunified Germany, and with a dynamic and vibrant atmosphere, it has undergone massive reconstruction.