ABSTRACT
This chapter provides Germany profiles which includes key information about the relevant corporate sustainability and responsibility (CSR) history, country-specific issues, trends, research, education and leading organizations. The Federal Republic of Germany with its 82 million inhabitants is the most populous country among the member states of the European Union and the third largest economy in the world. Some of the features that define CSR thinking in Germany can be traced back to the early stages of industrialisation in Germany. The social market economy, which Germany adopted as its economic model after the Second World War, combines the principle of a free market economy with social justice. In Germany, labour issues, consumer rights, sustainability and environmental concerns are well integrated into the law. Germany has many companies that are considered 'heavyweights' in global markets. Hence, CSR issues such as ethical supply chain management, fair trade and observation of international standards will continue to be among the priorities for Germany companies.
