Germany has the largest population in the European Union with 81.8 inhabitants in January, 2010. The prosperous German economy attracts millions of immigrants from around the world as it is the third largest country in terms of immigration. Germany is bordered by Poland, Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, France and Netherland. The land area is around 357,021 square kilometers and has maintained a high standard of living.

          Germany is the largest national economy in Europe. It is a leading exporter of machinery, vehicles, chemicals and household equipment and benefits from a highly skilled labor force.

          Germany is the leading producer of wind turbines and solar power technology in the world. The largest annual international trade fairs and congresses are held in several German cities such as Hanover, Frankfurt and Berlin.

          Of the world’s 500 largest stock market listed companies measured by revenue, the Fortune Global 500, 37 are headquartered in Germany. In 2010 the ten largest were Volkswagen, Allianz, E.ON, Daimler, Siemens, Metro, Deutsche Telekom, Munich Re, BASF and BMW.

          In business, revenueis income that a company receives from its normal business activities, usually from the sale of goods and services to customers.

          The Fortune Global 500 is a ranking of the top 500 corporations worldwide as measured by revenue. The list is compiled and published annually by Fortune magazine.

                                                                                                            Júlia de Souza e Silva