Local media outlets have analyzed that the economic gap between eastern and western regions in Germany is widening as the country marks the 36th anniversary of its reunification.

On the 3rd, local time, which marks Germany's Reunification Day, the daily Berliner Morgenpost analyzed data from the Federal Statistical Office to compare disposable income per household between the former East and West German regions.

The comparison showed that disposable income per household in the five former East German states and Berlin, half of which was formerly East Germany, averaged 42,259 euros (approx. 64.15 million KRW), which is 7,247 euros (approx. 11 million KRW) lower than the 49,506 euros (approx. 75.15 million KRW) recorded in the West German regions.

The income gap between East and West Germany stood at 6,979 euros (approx. 10.59 million KRW) in 2023 and 7,080 euros (approx. 10.74 million KRW) in 2024, a trend showing the gap continuing to grow each year.

The region with the highest average income was Bavaria, formerly part of West Germany, which recorded 53,067 euros (approx. 80.56 million KRW).

The lowest region was Saxony-Anhalt in the former East Germany, with 38,284 euros (approx. 58.11 million KRW).

Comparing just these two regions, the difference amounts to more than 22.4 million KRW.

The Berliner Morgenpost analyzed that not only wages, but also differences in rental and capital income are contributing to the widening economic gap between East and West Germany.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)