<P> Small - to medium - sized manufacturing firms (Mittelstand companies) which specialize in technologically advanced niche products and are often family - owned and form major part of the German economy . It is estimated that about 1500 German companies occupy a top three position in their respective market segment worldwide . In about two thirds of all industry sectors German companies belong to the top three competitors . </P> <P> Germany is the only country among the top five arms exporters that is not a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council . </P> <P> In 2008 services constituted 69% of gross domestic product (GDP), and the sector employed 67.5% of the workforce . The subcomponents of services are financial, renting, and business activities (30.5%); trade, hotels and restaurants, and transport (18%); and other service activities (21.7%). </P> <P> Germany is the seventh most visited country in the world, with a total of 407 million overnights during 2012 . This number includes 68.83 million nights by foreign visitors . In 2012, over 30.4 million international tourists arrived in Germany . Berlin has become the third most visited city destination in Europe . Additionally, more than 30% of Germans spend their holiday in their own country, with the biggest share going to Mecklenburg - Vorpommern . Domestic and international travel and tourism combined directly contribute over EUR43. 2 billion to German GDP . Including indirect and induced impacts, the industry contributes 4.5% of German GDP and supports 2 million jobs (4.8% of total employment). The largest annual international trade fairs and congresses are held in several German cities such as Hannover, Frankfurt, and Berlin . </P>

Where does german economy rank in the world