German economy grew by 3.6% in 2010

The German economy made a strong bounce-back in 2010, growing by 3.6%, according to provisional figures from the national statistics office.

Today's figures from the powerhouse of Europe are in stark contrast to those of many Continental economies which are stalling or growing much more slowly. German GDP grew at its fastest pace since reunification in 1990, as an export recovery was combined with increased domestic demand. Europe's biggest economy had contracted by 4.7% in 2009, its worst performance since World War II. Exports from Germany, the world's second biggest exporter after China, grew by 14.2% last year, following a 14.3% decline in 2009. The country is driving the eurozone's fragile economic recovery as s...