Statistics (and More) of Note

These are from the May issue of the "Atlantic Times", the English language German paper, and I thought they were worth noting:

1. Germany has no minimum wage; it is a matter of continuing debate. The minimum wages in countries like France, Belgium, Holland, Britain and Ireland are approximately twice that of the United States. Ours in on a par with Greece.

2. There are currently 4,880,000 unemployed in Germany.

3. Adidas and Puma are both German companies, and were founded in 1948 by brothers, who had been in the shoe business together, but had a falling out. If you want to visit the factories, go to Herzogenaurach.

4. The U.S. accounts for 25% of global energy consumption, and Germany 3%. But their energy sources are similar: oil accounting for 40% and gas between 20% and 25%. 12% of American oil comes from Middle East; 17% of German oil does.

5. In the U.S., taxes equal 2% to 6% of the cost of electricity. In Germany, 40%.

6. A recent German poll had the following bizarre results: the country with whom Germans felt the closest ties was France, followed by Russia, and then Austria and the U.S. Up until this year, the U.S. always was first.

7. After the end of World War II, during the "denazification process", 3,500,000 people were indicted in West Germany, and 950,000 trials were held. There were 1,549 "major offenders", 21,600 "offenders", 104,000 "lesser offenders" and 475,000 "followers". In East Germany, 200,000 public workers were dismissed, along with 1/2 of the school teachers in the country. Denazification ended on March 31, 1948.

8. 80% of Germany regard the end of World War II as a day of liberation; 9% as a day defeat.

9. The deaths of two Germans are being recognized this year by various programs: Schiller (200 years) and Einstein (50 years).

10. "Maglev" or magnetic levitation trains are the future. In Shanghai, since 2003, a train runs from the airport to downtown (approximately 20 miles) at 267 mph. That means Washington to New York in 90 minutes. Or Washington to Baltimore in 17.

11. Members of the European Parliament from Italy make 10,975 Euros per month. Those from Hungary make 805 Euros per month. The rest are in between, at all levels.