Germany

Geographical location: Central-western Europe

Size: Largest country in the European Union

Bordering countries: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, and Switzerland

Landscape: Bavarian Alps, the Black Forest, and coastlines along the North Sea and Baltic

Climate: Temperate, with warm summers and cold winters

Population: More than 83 million people

Capital city: Berlin

Other important cities: Hamburg, Munich, and Frankfurt

Language: German

Currency: Euro

Cuisine: Famous for sausages, sauerkraut, bread, meat, and beer

Famous tourist attractions: Brandenburg Gate, Neuschwanstein Castle, and Oktoberfest

Interesting historical facts: Significant contributions to science and technology; rich cultural heritage in the arts, philosophy, music, and literature. Germany has experienced different political forms throughout its history, including monarchy, republic, dictatorship, and federal parliamentary republic. The events leading up to World War I and II are part of Germany’s historical significance. After World War II, Germany was divided into East and West Germany, reunifying in 1990. West Germany, with other nations, formed the European Coal and Steel Community in 1951, leading to the creation of the European Union.