The Federal Republic of Germany
Germany, is a member of the European Union (EU) and of NATO. The Federal Republic of Germany is a democracy with a liberal market economy, religious freedom and freedom of the press. The Federal Republic of Germany is a federation of individual states consisting of 16 ‘Bundesländer with their own government. They have their own regional constitutions which have to comply with the principles of a republican, democratic and social state governed by the rule of law as laid down in the Basic Law (Germany's federal constitution). It guarantees that all German people have the same rights, obligations and living conditions. Beyond that, the states are largely free to formulate their own constitutions. The principle of federalism is one of the inviolable principles of the constitution. The capital city is Berlin.
Germany Geography
Situated at the heart of Europe, Germany is located between the maritime western Europe and the continental east, between the warmer south and the cool north of Europe. Germany is bordered by Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland and Switzerland. The country stretches from the Alps in the south (the highest point is the Zugspitze at 2,962m) through mountains, upland hills and lowland plains to the north and the Baltic Seas. Traveling to Germany, the country’s diversity astounds the visitor! Discover fairytale castles, picturesque villages, crystal-clear lakes and snow-capped mountains, the mystical Black Forest, stunning Rhine River cruises, traditional Christmas markets and of course the world-famous Oktoberfest. Many elegant cities like the capital city, Berlin with their sidewalk cafes,
excellent shopping opportunities, pulsating nightlife are vibrant cultural and historical centers, and offer inviting places to sit down, relax and meet new people. Enjoy the many enchanting medieval villages, castles, palaces, abbeys and picturesque countryside including traditional wine villages with friendly festivals and regional specialties.
Country size
Since the reunification of Germany in 1990, the Federal Republic of Germany covers an area of 357,022km² and has the largest population of any European country.
Population
Germany has more than 80 million inhabitants and is one of the most densely populated countries in Europe, a population density of 230 people per square kilometer. Over
seven million foreigners live and work in Germany. The largest number of foreigners are from Turkey followed by Serbs, Italians, Greeks, Bosnians, Hersegovinians, Poles and Croats.
Language and religion
German is a Germanic language belonging to the large group of Indo-Germanic languages. It is related to Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, Dutch, Flemish and also English.
In Germany there are many different dialects spoken, and each dialect or accent is basically an indication of which area in Germany the speaker is from. German is also spoken in countries like Austria, much of Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Luxembourg as well as parts of northern Italy, eastern Belgium and eastern France.
Many Germans also speak English.
Just under two thirds of Germans consider themselves Christians, and around a third are said to have no religion or are members of a non-Christian faith community such as Islam and Judaism
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