As a business location Germany has made up appreciable ground in recent years. Among Germany‘s strengths is doubtless its backbone of Mittelstand (SME) companies and a high degree of innovative power. There is room for improvement in investment activity and in education policy. Its excellent infrastructure and central position within the European Union are also a boon. Despite the current downturn the German economy is in solid shape, the economic policy backdrop has improved further of late. / Only available in German.