---
title: "Facts and Figures: The Federal State of Thuringia"
url: https://www.helaba.com/en/facts-and-figures-federal-state-thuringia
type: dd_research
language: en
updated: 2026-09-28
keywords: Länder & Regionen, Regional Focus
---

# Facts and Figures: The Federal State of Thuringia

Helaba Research REGIONAL FOCUS HELABA RESEARCH · 15 JULY 2016 · © HELABA 1 15 July 2016 This publication was very carefully researched and pre- pared. However, it contains analyses and forecasts regarding current and future market conditions that are for informational purposes only. The data is based on sources that we consider reliable, though we cannot assume any responsibility for the sources being accurate, complete, and up-to-date. All statements in this publication are for informational purpos- es. They must not be taken as an offer or recommenda- tion for investment decisions. AUTHOR Barbara Bahadori phone: +49 69/91 32-24 46 research@helaba.de EDITOR Dr. Stefan Mitropoulos PUBLISHER Dr. Gertrud R. Traud Chief Economist/ Head of Research Helaba Landesbank Hessen-Thüringen MAIN TOWER Neue Mainzer Str. 52-58 60311 Frankfurt am Main phone: +49 69/91 32-20 24 fax: +49 69/91 32-22 44 Facts & Figures: The Federal State of Thuringia Germany is a country with a federal structure that consists of 16 federal states. Thuringia, which is situated in the middle of Germany, is one of them and has an area of 16,200 km2 making it a rather small federal state. Thuringia in the middle of Germany Population in millions, 2015 Sources: Statistisches Bundesamt, Helaba Research The German state of Thuringia has a population of 2.2 million, which repre- sents 2.6 % of the total population of the Federal Republic of Germany. The federal state has been through a turbulent development in its history. While the population was 2.7 million before reunification, it declined drasti- cally in subsequent years due to an exodus of people to other states and a low birth rate. In 2015, refugees arriving in Germany were distributed among all federal states and Thuringia benefitted from this; the Thuringian population registered its first rise since the end of the 1980s. The new arrivals are needed by the private sector. Even today, there is an older age structure in Thuringian companies than in western German firms. On top of that, the unemploy- ment rate, at 7.2 % (January to June 2016) is significantly lower than the average of all eastern German states of 9.0 % and only slightly higher than the overall German average of 6.3 %. Economically, too, Thuringia has made up considerable ground. From a starting point of very low economic output – in common with all new federal states after reunification – the state has mean- while reached a level of 71 % of overall German GDP per capita and has thus more than doubled. Selected figures Germany Thuringia Area (in km2) 357,340 16,173 Population (2015) 81.6 2.2 GDP (nominal, EUR billions, 2015) 3,026 57 GDP per inhabitant (in EUR, 2015) 37,100 26,400 GDP per worker (in EUR, 2015) 70,300 54,500 Unemployment rate (in %, Ø January to June 2016) 6.3 7.2 Sources: Statistische Landesämter, Bundesagentur für Arbeit, Helaba Research Hesse 6,1 m Thuringia 2,2 m Schleswig- Holstein 2,8 m Mecklenburg- West Pomerania 1,6 m Hamburg 1,8 m Lower Saxony 7,9 m Bremen 0,7 m Brandenburg 2,5 m Berlin 3,5 m Saxony- Anhalt 2,2 m Saxony 4,1 m Bavaria 12,7 m Baden- Wuerttemberg 10,8 m North Rhine- Westphalia 17,7 m Rhineland- Palatinate 4,0 m Saarland 1,0 m FACTS & FIGURES: THE FEDERAL STATE OF THURINGIA HELABA RESEARCH ·15 JULY 2016 · © HELABA 2 The federal state stands up well to international comparison, too. Thuringia’s GDP per capita is only 8 % below the EU average. This is excellent compared to other successor states of the former Eastern Bloc such as the Czech Republic or Poland, which reached 54 % and 40 % of EU aver- age. In terms of GDP per capita the economic strength of Thuringia is comparable to big southern European countries like Italy (93 %) or considerably higher, for example Spain (81 %). Thuringia’s GDP per capita as high as Italy’s Thuringia: the industry state GDP (nominal) per capita in % of EU 28-average GDP in EUR billions, 2015 Share of gross value added in %, 2015 Sources: Arbeitskreis VGR der Länder, Eurostat, Helaba Research Sources: Arbeitskreis VGR der Länder, Helaba Research At first glance, Thuringia has an economic structure that appears to be similar to the overall Ger- man average: manufacturing and construction make up 32 % of the economy, in Germany as a whole this figure is 31 %. Assuming this rough breakdown, the service sector would account for the majority of economic activity in Thuringia as well as in all other federal states. Any deviations from this only occur within the service sector. For instance, the weight of the gov- ernment-dominated sector of “public and other service providers”, with a share of gross value add- ed of 30 % is higher (Germany: 22%). The provision of government services to citizens of Thurin- gia leads to a similar amount being “produced” per head of population in this segment as in Ger- many as a whole. The two private-sector service industries, on the other hand, have a lower share. Thuringian companies are often involved in national or international corporations and their demand for services is therefore concentrated on locations of head offices, which in many cases are situat- ed in the western federal states. The construction industry is also relatively strongly represented, since public infrastructure and private construction investment were neglected during the time of the GDR and there was no ade- quate existing infrastructure that could be used by authorities, companies or private individuals. This is still partly true in case companies in Thuringia want to expand their operations. In addition, not all transportation projects from the program “German unification” have been completed yet. Industrial production (in terms of gross value added) per capita has reached a level in Thuringia, at 72 %, that beats all other new German federal states. Even traditional locations for industry, such as Saxony or Saxony-Anhalt, only manage 65 % and 57 %, respectively. Thus, per head of popula- tion more goods are produced in Thuringia on average than anywhere else in eastern Germany. The share of manufacturing industry (excluding construction) as a proportion of gross value added is equal to the German average of 26 %. Thuringia is thus a federal state with an industrial focus. 0,0 0,3 0,6 0,9 1,2 1,5 1,8 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 GDP GDP per capita 26% 20% 26% 6% 6% 5% 16% 19% 20% 21% 25% 26% 30% 30% 22% Thuringa Eastern Germany Germany Construction Trade, transport, tourism, telecommunications Total industry (without construction sector) Financing, insurance, renting, business service providers Public and other services Agriculture, forestry Thuringia’s GDP per capita reaches 92 % of EU average Industrial country Thuringia FACTS & FIGURES: THE FEDERAL STATE OF THURINGIA HELABA RESEARCH ·15 JULY 2016 · © HELABA 3 Diversified structure of the Thuringian industry German industry: automotive important Thuringia: Share of industrial revenues, 2015 Germany: Share of industrial revenues, 2015 Sources: Thüringer Landesamt für Statistik, Helaba Research Sources: Statistisches Bundesamt, Helaba Research The biggest four industrial segments in Thuringia “motor vehicles and equipment”, “basic metals and metal products”, “electric/electronic/optical products” and “food products and beverages” show almost the same share of industrial revenues (range between 12 % and 16 %). They are closely followed by “rubber/plastic products” and “machinery” with shares of respectively 9 %. This diversi- fied industrial structure is something typical of Thuringia. Nationwide “motor vehicles” contribute nearly one fourth to industrial revenue. Four more sectors (machinery, chemicals/pharmaceutical products, basic metals/metal products, electric/electronic/optical products) have considerably lower shares between 9 % and 12 %. With respect to exports, the differences are smaller. Internationally, technical products made in Germany and in Thuringia are high regarded. Therefore there is a great demand for these products when it comes to investment projects worldwide. The economic structure of the federal state is clearly reflected in Thuringia’s largest companies. The following ranking1, which we compiled ourselves, is based on a company’s total workforce in Thuringia and is not measured by its German or global significance. Ranking of 25 largest companies in Thuringia1 Sources: Helaba Research, LEG Thüringen The export ratios of industrial companies have risen strongly over the last fifteen years. With a share of 34 % of total revenues in January to April 2016, the foreign turnover in Thuringia achieved an export ratio that is in fact below the German average, the exports being underestimated though. A lot of high-tech products are used as components in export goods of other German companies and are therefore not captured in the Thuringian exports. The economic crisis of 2008/2009 led to a slump in domestic and foreign demand, so that total export ratios declined slightly. Thuringian companies could benefit from the worldwide recovery in 2010 and export ratios rose again. As the 1 For Thuringia, the ranking is based on data of 2010. Experience shows, that there are only minor changes in companies and ranking positions. Food products, beverages 12% Basic metals, metal products 16% Electric/ electronic/ optical products 15% Motor vehicles, trailers 16% Rubber/plastic products 9% Machinery, equipment 9% Wood/paper 6% All others 9% Non metalic mineral products 4% Chemicals, pharmazeutical products 4% Chemicals, pharmazeutical products 11% Motor vehicles other transport equipment 24% Basic metals, metal products 11% Electric/ electronic/ optical products 9% Machinery, equipment 13% Food products, beverages 9% Rubber/plastic products 4% All others 19% 1 Edeka Wholesale and retail trade 2 Deutsche Bahn AG Transportation 3 Deutsche Post AG Transportation 4 Randstad Deutschland Temporary employment company 5 Bosch Electric/electronic products 6 Helios Kliniken GmbH Hospitals 7 Rewe Markt Region Ost Wholesale and retail trade 8 Rhön-Klinikum Hospitals 9 Zeitungsgruppe Thüringen Publishing 10 SWE Stadtwerke Erfurt GmbH Utility 11 Carl Zeiss AG Optical/electronic products 12 Deutsche Telekom AG Telekommunication 13 Opel Eisenach GmbH Automotive industry Rank Company Sector 14 Continental Gruppe Automotive supplier 15 E.ON Thüringer Energie AG Utility 16 GeAT Temporary employment company 17 Jenoptik-Konzern Optical/electronic products 18 Metro Group Wholesale and retail trade 19 ITT Industrie- und Transport- schutz Thüringen GmbH Security firm 20 Bertelsmann Printing, call center 21 Rege Motorenteile GmbH Automotive supplier 22 Stadtwerke Jena Utility 23 August Storck KG Food industry 24 Siemens Electric/electronic products 25 K+S Kali GmbH Exploitation of salt Rank Company Sector The 25 largest companies Diversified industrial structure High export ratios FACTS & FIGURES: THE FEDERAL STATE OF THURINGIA HELABA RESEARCH ·15 JULY 2016 · © HELABA 4 domestic economy strengthened, export ratios initially remained largely constant. In 2015 and 2016 there was slight increase again, which could be observed in Thuringia, too. Export ratios on a high level Exports primarily destined for Europe Foreign turnover as proportion of total revenues in % Share of exports, 2015 \*Average of January to April 2016 Sources: Statistisches Bundesamt, Helaba Research Sources: Statistisches Bundesamt, Helaba Research In 2015, the euro area was the main destination for exports, accounting 35 % of Thuringia’s ex- ports, with Germany’s neighbouring countries and Italy being among the chief export markets. 72 % of Thuringian exports went to Europe as a whole. Asia was the second-biggest destination (share of exports 15 %), with China as primary importer. Especially the eastern neighbours – Hun- gary, Poland and the Czech Republic – played an important role for companies in Thuringia. 2015: Growth in Germany on last year’s level Stable labour market Real change in GDP yoy in % Unemployment rates in % of total workforce Sources: Statistisches Bundesamt, Helaba Research \*Average of January to May 2016 Sources: Bundesagentur für Arbeit, Helaba Research After the economic slump, Thuringia experienced strong growth rates in 2010 and 2011 before the economy subsequently slowed down considerably. The Thuringian economy was initially more heavily affected by the downturn, but in 2013 it recovered fast. Economic growth in almost all Ger- man federal states was positive again in 2014 and 2015. With 1.3 % and 1.1 %, Thuringia GDP growth rates were less dynamic than Germany as a whole (1.6 % and 1.7 %). German economic growth has primarily been underpinned by domestic consumption which, due to increases in real wages and a high level of immigration, is expanding strongly. In addition, loose monetary policy as well as historically low interest rates should provide some support to the econ- omy. The improved situation in many euro area countries is having a positive effect, whereas glob- al economic growth is subdued. Accordingly, there is only weak growth in investment by German companies. Growth prospects are likely to be only slightly effected by the withdrawal of Britain from the EU. However Thuringia’s growth rate should draw nearer to the estimated German average of 1.7 % (not calendar-adjusted). 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Germany Thuringia \* Eastern Germany 12% 10% 6% 10% 14% 4% 8% 8% 4% 5% 5% 7% 9% Germany France Italy Netherlands Belgium Austria Other Eurozone UK Other EU USA China Other Asia Other countries Russia 1.8% Poland -6 -4 -2 0 2 4 6 -6 -4 -2 0 2 4 6 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 Thuringia Germany 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Thuringia Eastern Germany Germany \* 14% 9% 6% 7% 5% 5% 5% 8% 6% 13% 5% 5% 5% 7% France Italy Spain Czech Republic Austria Other Eurozone UK Other EU USA China Other Asien Other Countries Poland Thuringia Hungary Russia 1.8% Main destination for exports: Europe GDP forecast 2016: Germany 1.7 % FACTS & FIGURES: THE FEDERAL STATE OF THURINGIA HELABA RESEARCH ·15 JULY 2016 · © HELABA 5 The overall high output level of recent years is continuing to have an effect on Thuringian labour market. The unemployment rate will continue to decline and converge to national average. Besides the quite high degree of capacity utilization, demographic factors play an important role especially in the eastern German states. Furthermore, the stability of the labour market is reflected in the employment trend of jobs subject to social insurance contributions, which has been almost con- stantly positive for the last six years. In this respect, local employees are not the only ones who are able to find a new job, but companies are also able to fill vacancies, according to their require- ments, with migrant jobseekers as well. Public debt: Thuringia slightly above average Public debt of federal states per inhabitant in EUR, December 2015 Sources: Bundesfinanzministerium, Helaba Research Economically strong federal states generate considerably higher tax revenues. In this regard the per capita financial strength of Hesse is 22 % above the German average in terms of both income and corporation taxes, whereas Thuringia only reaches 53 % of average. Since, on the one hand, Germany is a federal country and, on the other, is concerned about ensuring the uniformity of living conditions, value added tax is distributed according to other criteria, so that financially weak federal states are able to catch up. The ensuing fiscal equalization system between federal states leads to a further harmonization of per capita income, which is additionally boosted by general supplemen- tary federal grants. As a consequence, per capita financial strength in Hesse is only 2 % above the German average after these redistributive measures, whereas Thuringia reaches 94 % of national average. The closely intertwined system of fiscal harmonization between federal states as well as the consti- tutional guarantee of existence for the federal states prompts the rating agency Fitch to couple the ratings of German states to that of the Federal Republic of Germany. Thuringia could achieve an „AAA“-rating if it had an active rating relationship to Fitch as an issuer. Standard & Poor’s cites the economic performance as well as debt situation and differentiates accordingly. However, Thuringia is not rated by this agency.  6 651 566 1 781 3 791 5 782 6 785 6 978 7 223 7 414 7 753 7 983 8 976 9 423 14 272 Total Saxony Bavaria Baden- Wuertt. Mecklenb.- W. Pom. Lower Saxony Hesse Branden- burg Thuringia North Rhine- Westphalia Rhinel.- Palatinate Saxony- Anhalt Schlesw.- Holstein Saar- land Rising employment Rating supported by fiscal equalization system

Thuringia focused on manufacturing. Diversified product mix. Main export destination Europe. Economic growth almost on German level. Rising employment.