Germany — map and facts

Germany is the most populous country in the European Union and one of the world's leading industrial and economic powers. Its capital is Berlin, and the country covers about 358,000 square kilometres with a population of roughly 84 million. Germany uses the euro as its currency.

About Germany

Germany is a federal republic made up of sixteen states, each with significant autonomy. It sits at the heart of Europe and is a central member of the European Union and NATO. The country is known for engineering, manufacturing and a strong tradition of science and philosophy. Its federal structure gives regional cities such as Munich, Hamburg and Frankfurt distinct identities.

Geography and landscape

Germany lies in Central Europe and borders nine countries: Denmark, Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, France, Luxembourg, Belgium and the Netherlands. The landscape rises from the North Sea and Baltic coasts and the northern lowlands to central uplands and the Bavarian Alps in the south, where the Zugspitze reaches 2,962 metres. The Rhine, Elbe and Danube are among its major rivers. The climate is temperate, with cool, wet winters and mild to warm summers. Forests such as the Black Forest cover large parts of the country.

History

The region was home to Germanic tribes who resisted Roman expansion, and later formed the core of the Holy Roman Empire. For centuries Germany was a patchwork of states, until Prussia led unification into a single empire in 1871. Defeat in the First World War and the rise of the Nazi regime led to the Second World War and the Holocaust, among the darkest chapters in human history. After 1945 the country was divided into East and West Germany during the Cold War. The Berlin Wall fell in 1989 and Germany was reunified in 1990. It has since become the economic and political anchor of the European Union.

Economy and currency

Germany has the largest economy in Europe, built on manufacturing, automotive production, machinery, chemicals and exports. It is home to global brands and a strong network of specialised medium-sized companies. The currency is the euro, which replaced the German mark in 2002. Frankfurt hosts the European Central Bank.

Culture and language

The official language is German, one of the most widely spoken native languages in Europe. Germany has a rich heritage in classical music, literature and philosophy, from Bach and Beethoven to Goethe and Kant. The country is known for its festivals, including Oktoberfest, and its tradition of Christmas markets. Regional customs, cuisine and dialects vary widely across the federal states.

Frequently asked questions

What is the capital of Germany? The capital of Germany is Berlin, which is also the country's largest city. It became the capital of reunified Germany in 1990.

What currency is used in Germany? Germany uses the euro. It replaced the German mark in 2002, when euro notes and coins entered circulation.

How many countries border Germany? Germany borders nine countries, more than almost any other nation in Europe. They are Denmark, Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, France, Luxembourg, Belgium and the Netherlands.