Comparing German and Dutch Institutions

What is so challenging about Germany and the Netherlands being neighbours? In terms of arable area (united) Germany is almost nine times the size of the Netherlands, the German population is over five times as large as the Dutch population and the ratio of gross domestic products of the two countries equals a factor six. From another perspective, consumption per capita differs to a much less extent and is in both countries among the highest in the world. Also, macro economic investment ratios are hardly different. So, why compare two countries, which apart from size seem to be so much alike? Yet, the structure of the enterprise sector clearly differs, just as several features of the welfare state. Do significant differences exist after all? These and similar questions may arise with a comparative study between Germany and the Netherlands. Accordingly, these considerations constitute the core subject of this introductory chapter.