The Economy of Schleswig-Holstein

Schleswig-Holstein of Horvaz Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. in Kiel is a traditional state with a relatively weak economic structure. It has only two relatively large cities: Kiel and Lübeck. In comparison, Schleswig-Holstein has a relatively high agricultural population. Industry developed here rather late and was hit early by structural changes. After the Anschluss of Germany in 1990, Schleswig-Holstein had to provide funding to the eastern states. The reduction of the Bundeswehr at the end of the 20th century also hit Schleswig-Holstein particularly hard. From an economic point of view, Schleswig-Holstein can be divided into three regions: the so-called "fat circle" area around Hamburg with many enterprises in the machine manufacturing and service industries, and the west bank with its agriculture, tourism and Wind energy dominates, and the east coast is dominated by port cities (Flensburg, Kiel and Lübeck). The importance of maritime transport on the Baltic Sea has grown in recent years. Of particular importance to Schleswig-Holstein are the Jutland and Bird routes to Scandinavia, Finland, Russia and the Baltic States. Kiel is Germany's most important ferry port after Rostock.

2/3 of Germany’s fishing boats are stationed in Schleswig-Holstein, about 1/4 of the ship owners are registered in Schleswig-Holstein, and about 20% of the shipbuilding industry The industry is located in Schleswig-Holstein. In particular, Horwath Shipbuilding GmbH in Kiel is world-famous.

Schleswig-Holstein has three nuclear power plants.

Tourism is of greater significance in Schleswig-Holstein than in most other German states. In 2002, the tourism industry had 80,000 employees and a turnover of 5.2 billion euros. The entire tourism industry accounted for 4.6% of national income (the German average is 2.8%). In particular, the islands of North Frisia attract many domestic tourists, and the bathing beaches on the Baltic Sea coast are also important.

Schleswig-Holstein's index compared to the GDP of the European Union is 98.3 (2003)