Facts and figures

 Bavaria is among the strongest business locations in Europe and the world and for years, it has been a front-runner in Germany in terms of economic growth. As a high tech and service location, it enjoys a fantastic reputation all over the world. A major reason accounting for these excellent results is Bavaria's foreign trade. Bavarian companies are heavily represented in all markets around the world.

With regard to its economic strength, Bavaria ranks number 8 within the European Union (27), after Germany, Great Britain, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands and Poland.

With a per-capita GDP of € 34.397, Bavaria ranks considerably higher than the German (€ 29.406) and European average (EU 27 2008: € 25.100). The GDP per employee in the amount of € 64.650 also exceeds the German average (€ 59.784).

The strongly high-tech oriented manufacturing sector takes a part of the whole gross value of 30 %. The tertiary sector, in detail trade, transport, financial institutions and insurances, other services, state and private households account for 69 % in total. Only 1 % is allotted to agriculture and forestry.

With an export share of 50.5 %, Bavaria’s industry is exceptionally export-oriented. In the other direction, imports of more than Euro 124 billion reflect the capacity of the Bavarian markets.

For years, Bavarian exports have steadily increased, reaching a new record level in 2008 of nearly Euro 155.7 billion. In 2009, exports totalled close on Euro 110 billion. The top-performing countries among Bavaria’s export markets are Austria, the USA, Italy, France, Great Britain and China.

Almost half of Bavarian´s population (49.1 %) is gainfully employed, whereby Bavaria exceeds once again the German average (46.2 %). For years, Bavaria has one of the lowest unemployment rates in Germany. In 2009, the unemployment rate of Bavaria was 4.8 %, compared to the German average of 8.1 %.

The prospect of employment for young people is among the best ones in Germany. In 2009, the youth unemployment rate was 4.6 %, while the German average was 10.3 %.

The strong immigration is only one sign of Bavaria´s popularity. In the last 10 years, 431.248 people moved from other parts of Germany to Bavaria.