THE JOB MARKET

Despite the inherent difficulties in the long reunification process and the progression of unemployment, the economic importance of Germany no longer needs to be proved and job opportunities are numerous. In Germany it must be said that technical and manual professions are highly regarded, and are fairly well sought after. Companies themselves attach a particular attention to young professional graduates.

Economic growth rate: 2.9%

Unemployment rate: 9.9%

Principal economic partners: France, Italy, Great Britain, the Netherlands, and USA.

Number of foreign workers: 2,030,300 in 1998 (source: Federal Office of Statistics/ Federal Office of Employment)