Fast Facts
Flag of Germany -
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Government: Federal Republic
Area: 357,021 sq km
Population: 83,251,851
Capital: Berlin
Language: German
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Currency: EUR
Religion: Protestant and Roman Catholic
Climate: temperate and maritime
Time zone: +1 GMT
Member of EU: Yes |
Geography
Since the reunification in 1989 Germany is once
more one of the biggest countries in Europe with
its capital Berlin. Obviously, it contains many
geographical features as varied as the shore of
the Baltic and North sea and the ecosystem of
the Alps.
357,000 sq km are home to 82 million people
with almost 80% living in urban areas. Germany
shares borders with Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic,
Denmark, France, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland
and Switzerland.
Population
Germany's population is predominantly Caucasian,
with a significant Turkish minority. Germany has
absorbed a significant number of refugees from
the former Yugoslavia. German is the main language
although local dialects can be strong.
Germany is a rather secular country. Even though
the vast majority is Christian with 38% of the
population being protestant and almost 34% being
catholic. There are a certain number of Muslims
and Jews forming religious minorities.
Weather and Climate in Germany
Germany's climate is almost as varied as its
country but mostly temperate or marine. Extreme
temperature lows and hights are rare. Winter temperatures
vary from west to east, with about freezing temperatures
in the west and well below freezing in eastern
Germany. Summer temperatures are typically between
20 and 30°C, with more rainfall during the
summer.
Life
Exciting Cities Berlin the capital, traditional
Munich close to the Alps, Cologne only five and
a half hours from London by rail.
Attractive Landscapes
Romantic Black Forest, scenic river cruises
on the Rhine, Moselle, Danube etc, Lake Constance
in the south bordering Austria and Switzerland
– a popular holiday destination, Garmisch
Partenkirchen in the Bavarian Alps – host
to international ski competitions.
Vibrant customs & traditions
Charming Christmas markets with romantic atmosphere,
well established music and theatre festivals,
carnival in the Cologne area, the fairytale road
dedicated to the Grimm Brothers, the Passion Play
in Oberammergau.
Rich in history & architecture
Neuschwanstein fairytale castle in Bavaria,
royal palaces and gardens, Colditz Castle near
Leipzig, Brandenburg Gate in the capital Berlin,
enchanting, medieval towns ie. Bamberg, Trier,
Hamelin, over 25 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Events
Range of music festivals, Love Parade in Berlin,
Rhine in Flames, Oktoberfest in Munich, international
sport events – host to the football World
Cup in 2006.
Good Value for Money
Shopping, accommodation, eating and drinking
- generally less expensive than in the UK or USA.
Top Destination for business
International trade fairs i.e. CEBIT, ITB, Book
Fair, IAA, state of the art conference venues
ranging from hotels to unusual locations.
Excellent Transport Infrastructure
Reliable public transport, ICE trains travelling
at speeds of up to 198mph, comprehensive network
of motorways, 30 international and regional airports.
Central Location
Easily accessible by all means of transport,
borders nine countries, EURO as currency enables
smooth travel within Europe.
 Food
and Drink
Large variety of beer i.e smoky beer from Franconia
and Wheat beer from Bavaria, Kölsch from
Cologne, Black Forest gateaux, internationally
renown red and white wines, famous German sausages,
Christmas specialities ie. mulled wine, Lebkuchen
biscuits and Stollen cake. |
About
Germany
...
