In this series, we take a closer look at the countries that are taking part in the G20.
JOHANNESBURG - Germany was established as a state in 1871 under the leadership of the Prussians. It was then reunified after the Cold-War on October 3, 1990 as the Federal Republic of Germany.
The German constitution (Basic Law for the Federal Republic of Germany) provides for the President and Chancellor as heads of state and Government respectively.
The President is the head of state, mainly a ceremonial figure.
He or she represents Germany in international matters, signs federal laws, accredits diplomats, and may grant pardons.
The President can act politically in moments of instability and influences public debate. The current President is Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
The Chancellor is the head of government.
He or she leads the federal cabinet, sets government policy, and is comparable to a prime minister, overseeing the execution of federal laws and leads in forming coalitions and directing state administration.
The current Chancellor is Friedrich Merz.
Germany is a founding member of the G20, established in 1999 following the Asian financial crisis.
As Europe's largest economy and the world's third-largest by nominal GDP, Germany plays a pivotal role within the forum.
The country contributes significantly to the G20 as one of the world's top exporters.
Germany held the G20 presidency in 2017, hosting the Hamburg Summit with the motto "Shaping an Interconnected World".
During this presidency, Germany prioritised climate action, sustainable development, and health security, establishing the first-ever G20 health ministers meeting.
The Hamburg Summit achieved consensus in implementing the Paris Climate Agreement among 19 members, despite US withdrawal.
Currently, Germany actively contributes to G20 initiatives, recently becoming the first G20 country in 2024 to join Brazil's Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty.
Germany continues leveraging its economic strength - representing 23.7% of the eurozone economy - to promote multilateral cooperation on global challenges including climate change, trade, and development cooperation within the G20 framework.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz is confirmed to attend the G20 Leaders' Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, scheduled for November 22-23, 2025.
The German ambassador to South Africa, Andreas Peschke, said during the M20 summit in September 2025: "We expect our chancellor to be here at the summit as well".
President Frank-Walter Steinmeier's attendance has not been explicitly confirmed in the available sources, though as Germany's head of state, he may participate in related diplomatic activities surrounding the summit.
5 Fun Facts about Germany
- Germany Has the World's Longest Word: The longest German word ever published is "Donaudampfschifffahrtselektrizitätenhauptbetriebswerkbauunterbeamtengesellschaft" at 79 letters long.
- Escaping Prison is Legal: In Germany, attempting to escape from prison is not considered a crime because the law recognises that wanting freedom is a basic human instinct. However, any crimes committed during the escape attempt (like assault or property damage) are still punishable.
This unique legal principle reflects the German philosophy that the desire for liberty is fundamentally human. - A Town Built on Diamonds: The Bavarian town of Nördlingen sits inside a 15-million-year-old meteor crater, and the asteroid impact left tiny diamonds embedded in the buildings throughout the town.
- 65% of German Highways Have No Speed Limit: The famous Autobahn system has no speed limit on approximately 65% of its highways, making it a paradise for speed enthusiasts.
While there's a recommended speed of 130 km/h (81 mph), drivers can legally travel much faster on unrestricted sections, attracting car lovers from around the world. Germany Invented Fanta and Gummy Bears: Fanta was created in Germany during World War II when Coca-Cola syrup couldn't be imported. Meanwhile, the beloved gummy bear was invented in 1922 by Hans Riegel Sr., who founded Haribo in 1920.
by Nkateko Muloiwa