Germany vs. South Africa

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Final Outline

Introduction
This paper compares two salient countries, namely Germany and South Africa. Notably, the
comparison is based on specific aspects, such as the two countries’ climate, politics, culture,
religion, and history. The comparative study helps establish the differences and similarities
between the countries.
Body
Preliminary background research

Germany

Germany is a large country located in Northern Europe with a complex history. Additionally,
Germany has a population of about 82 million people, and its major ethnic groups include the
German, Danish minority, and Sorbian minorities in the east (Briney, 2019). Remarkably, the
capital city of Germany is Berlin, and it occupies an area of 357022 square kilometers.

South Africa

A critical examination of South Africa indicates that it was originally inhabited by the Khoi and
the San people, who were pastoralists and hunters. Based on geographical studies, South Africa
occupies about 1.2 million square kilometers. Over the years, South Africa has been known as
the Rainbow Nation because it consists of numerous and diverse cultures. The population of
South Africa is about 60 million people, and its capital city is Cape Town (BBC News, 2019).
Climate
Germany is favored with a temperate climate due to its distance from the North Atlantic Current.
During the winters, Germany experiences cool and wet weather, while in summer, it is often
mild. Notably, Germany experiences well-distributed rainfall throughout the year. The

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temperatures vary from one season to another, although the lowest temperatures are
approximately 28.6 and 74.7 degrees.
In contrast, South Africa experiences sub-tropical and temperate climatic conditions. The climate
of South Africa is greatly dependent on the ocean and the west coasts (South African
Government, 2022). Notably, the average amount of rainfall annually is about 464mm, and the
temperatures vary from 15 to 36 degrees Celsius.
Religion
A critical examination of Germany indicates that the main religion is Christianity, as about 60
percent of the population are Christians (Kalender, 2017). Additionally, Germany has other
minority religions, which are practiced by some of its people, including Buddhism, Islam, and
Hinduism.
On the other hand, Christianity is the main religion in South Africa, and this is one of the
similarities between the two countries. Some people in South Africa practice other religions,
such as Hinduism and other traditional African religions.
Culture
Historical studies reveal that Germany has a unique culture, which is mainly centered on
perfection and precision (Bussmann et al., 2018). Notably, Germans believe in high levels of
perfection, and this is one of the reasons they produce high-quality products. Additionally,
Germans are welcoming and courteous to people from other cultures.
On the other hand, South Africa has a diverse culture, and it is the main reason it is often known
as the Rainbow Nation. Additionally, South Africans are welcoming, which is why many people
from different cultures live in South Africa.
Politics

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Germany is a federal republic that has three main branches of government. Notably, the
executive branch has a chief of state and a chancellor. Also, the legislature mainly consists of the
Federal Council and Federal Diet. Germany is divided into 16 states for easy administration.
On the contrary, South Africa is a constitutional democracy with arms of the government.
Notably, the President of South Africa heads the state and government.
Preliminary observations
Germany is one of the most developed countries in Northern Europe, and its culture is a major
contributor to its development. Additionally, Germany and South Africa have similarities in
religion because most people are Christians.
Conclusions
The two countries have salient differences, especially in the economic development arena.
Germany has high levels of economic development when compared to South Africa.

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Preliminary References

BBC News (2019). South Africa country profile. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-
14094760
Briney, A. (2019). Geography of Germany. https://www.thoughtco.com/geography-of-germany-
1434929
Bussmann, K. D., Niemeczek, A., & Vockrodt, M. (2018). Company culture and prevention of
corruption in Germany, China and Russia. European Journal of Criminology, 15(3), 255-
277.
Kalender, M. (2017). Planted diversity:“Gardens of religions” in Germany. Material Religion,
13(3), 399-401.
South African Government. (2022). Geography and climate. https://www.gov.za/about-
sa/geography-and-climate