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Germany

Germany is a large country in central Europe. From 1949 to 1990, it was divided into the German Democratic Republic (East Germany) and the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany).

On Oct. 3, 1990, East and West Germany were unified into a single nation, also called the Federal Republic of Germany.

The Federal Republic of Germany is one of the world's leading industrialised countries, located in the heart of Europe. It is bordered to the north by the North Sea, Denmark, and the Baltic Sea, to the south by Austria and Switzerland, to the west by France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg, and to the east by Poland and the Czech Republic...more information on Germany

Full country name:Federal Republic of Germany
Area: 357,021 sq km
Population: 82.39 million
Capital City: Berlin
People: Predominantly Caucasian, with a significant Turkish minority. Germany has also absorbed many refugees from the former Yugoslavia
Language: German
Religion: 34% Protestant, 34% Catholic, 4% Muslim, 28% unaffiliated or other. There are about 74,000 Jews (the pre-Holocaust figure was over half a million).
Government: Federal republic
Head of State: President Horst Köhler
Head of Government: Chancellor Gerhard Schröder

History of Germany

The rise of Prussian power in the 19th century, supported by growing German nationalism, eventually ended in the formation of the German empire in 1871 under the chancellorship of Otto von Bismarck. Political parties developed during the empire, and Bismarck was credited with passing the most advanced social welfare legislation of the age...More on German History.

Also read: A Short Background on Germany

Overview of German Economy

GDP: US$ 2.16 trillion
GDP per capita: US$ 26,200
Annual Growth: 2.7%
Inflation: 1%
Major Industries: Motor vehicles, engineering, chemicals, iron, steel, coal, electronics, environmental technology, food, clothing
Major Trading Partners: EU (esp. France, Netherlands, Italy, UK, Belgium/Luxembourg, ), USA and Japan
Member of EU: Yes

Also Read: Detailed Analysis of Economly of Germany

Political System in Germany

- Government And Political Condition
- Foreign Relations
- German Military and Defense

Climate, Vegetation and Fauna

Germany today includes mostly areas that have long been cleared. forest conservation since the 18th century has preserved large areas of oak, ash, elm, beech, birch, pine, fir, and larch. About one-third of the nation is woodland. Of the many animals that once roamed the forests, deer, red foxes,and weasels are still common, but these animals and wilder game such as wild boars, wildcats, and badgers depend increasingly...More on Plants and Animal found in Germany.


Population:The population of Germany manifests trends characteristic of most advanced industrial countries: lower marriage rates...German Population.

Culture: In the past, when regional differences were acute, convention held that marriages between a Prussian and a Bavarian..More about Culture of Germany.

Education: Germany has one of the world's best and most considerable school and university systems...more on Education System in Germany

Envoirnment: The lowlands in the north of Germany stretch from the Netherlands to Poland, skimming southern Denmark where...more on Envoirnment of Germany


Facts for the Traveler

Visas: EU citizens can enter on an official identity card. Americans, Australians, Canadians, New Zealanders and Japanese just need a valid passport (no visa). Unless you're a citizen of a developing country, you can probably stay up to three months.
Time Zone: GMT/UTC +1 (Central European Time)
Dialling Code: 49
Electricity: 230V ,50Hz
Weights & Measures: Metric

Also Read:Money and Cost Required | Transportation In Germany

When to Go to Germany

Germany is a fine destination year-round, but most people visit between May and September when sunny skies are most likely and much of life moves outdoors. Beer gardens and cafes bustle at all hours; outdoor events and festivals enliven cities and villages; and hiking, cycling and swimming are popular pursuits – at least as long as the weather plays along. Remember that rain is a possibility in any month. The flipside of summer travel is, of course, larger crowds at museums and other attractions. Accommodation needn't be hard to come by unless you're drawn to beach and mountain resorts popular with German holiday-makers.

The shoulder seasons (from March to May and from October to early November) bring fewer tourists and often surprisingly pleasant weather. In April and May, when flowers and fruit trees are in bloom, it can be mild and sunny. Indian summers that stretch well into autumn are not uncommon.

With the exception of winter sports, activities between November and early March are likely to focus more on culture and city life. In these months, skies tend to be gloomy and the mercury often drops below freezing. On the plus side, there are fewer visitors and shorter queues (except in the winter resorts). Just pack the right clothes and keep in mind that there are only six to eight hours of daylight. In December the sun (if there is any) sets around 3:30pm.

Also Read: Getting Around Germany | Germany: Getting There and Away

What to See in Germany

Major Tourist Attractions in Germany

- Berlin: Of strategic importance since it first straddled the Spree River...
- Frankfurt: Frankfurt is often seen only as a transit hub or a business centre...
- Lübeck: Lübeck is a glorious medieval town that's earned its place on UNESCO's World Heritage list...

Other Tourist Attractions in Germany
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