Germany’s Southwest – Excellence in the Heart of Europe
  Baden-Württemberg |
Baden-Württemberg, founded in 1952, is the third-largest of the 16 German federal states - not only in terms of its surface area of 35,752 km2 but also with its 10.7 million inhabitants. With a current economic output (GDP) per capita of around €30,000 and purchasing power per capita of close to €18,000 (national average: €16,484), Baden-Württemberg ranks one-third above the average in the European Union and about 15 percent above the average for consumer goods.
Nowhere in Germany do white-collar workers earn more: salaries on average surpass €3,200 gross in Baden-Württemberg. Baden-Württemberg's economy is driven by technology and innovation. With 121 patent applications for every 100,000 citizens, the Southwest region of Germany is among the world leaders in innovation. Baden-Wuerttemberg's export rate also surpasses the figures for all other industrial nations including Japan and the US.
Strong Network of Key Industries
Baden-Württemberg is characterised by an excellent geographic position bordering France to the west, and Switzerland and Austria to the south. A network of highways and international airports provide the local economy with an excellent infrastructure, offering fast transport to suppliers and to a market of close to 400 million customers throughout Europe. No other region can boast such a strong network of key forward-looking industries. These include not only mechanical and automotive engineering, but also electrical engineering, information technology and the metalworking industry. Moreover, it is also a vital centre for the TIME sector (Telecom, Information, Media, Entertainment).
Home to Global Players
Global players such as DaimlerChrysler, Bosch, Porsche, Heidelberger Druckmaschinen and SAP are based in Baden-Württemberg. Major foreign companies such as IBM, Sony, Hewlett Packard, Alcatel SEL, ABB and Michelin have set up their German or European headquarters and development divisions in the state in order to supply European markets. Many small and medium-sized companies in Baden-Württemberg also lay claim to a leading position.
Cultural Diversity – International Outreach
In global terms, the state has established cooperative arrangements and partnerships, which have increased since globalisation has called for the expansion of existing links, welcoming people from all around the world. Therefore, Baden-Württemberg is also a state with a wide range of cultural diversity: 1.29 million inhabitants of Baden-Württemberg are non-German. A large number of international schools and universities contribute to a world-class education, also for non-German citizens. At the same time, we preserve and support our traditions such as local dialects, literature, costumes, music and cuisine.
Schools and Universities – Investing in the Future
As Baden-Württemberg views education, science and research as its most important investment in the future, the state offers a higher education landscape featuring a wide range of diverse universities. With nine research universities, 27 universities of applied science, six universities of education, ten art academies, eight universities of cooperative education and 18 non-state run universities, Baden-Württemberg offers more academic training than any other German state. More than 100 independent research institutes enjoy close links to the state's universities.
An Attractive Place to Live and Work
Baden-Württemberg not only offers the best conditions for companies but also for people working here. Baden-Württemberg boasts the lowest unemployment figure throughout the whole of Germany. Its beautiful landscapes include the Black Forest and Lake Constance, as well as beautiful, medieval university towns like Heidelberg and Tübingen. Statistically, more than 900 nature conservation areas and 6,000 historical monuments constitute one quarter of the state's area, so there are lots of opportunities to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. The state also enjoys the lowest crime rate in Germany - one more argument for the high tech-region Baden-Württemberg.
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