Socioeconomic development of Eastern Germany, 1989-1998: A comparative perspective

An American geographer specializing on Germany examines the effects of German reunification on the social and economic development in its new eastern provinces (the former German Democratic Republic). The focus is on comparing progress in this region (e.g., in terms of GDP, investment levels, demographic variables, availability of goods and services) with that experienced by other Central and Eastern European countries since the disintegration of the Soviet bloc. Insights derived from such a comparison are contrasted with those based on an examination of current conditions in the eastern and western regions of Germany. Journal of Economic Literature, Classification Numbers: H23, O52, P52. 6 tables, 63 references.