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Europe · Central Europe

Germany

Federal Republic of Germany

Germany is a Central European country known for its engineering prowess, rich cultural history, and vibrant modern society. From the majestic Rhine Valley to the Bavarian Alps, Germany combines historic medieval towns, world-class museums, and a thriving contemporary arts scene.

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Quick Facts

Capital
Berlin
Population
84,607,016
Area
357,114 km²
Currency
EUR (€)
Languages
German
Continent
Europe
Calling Code
+49
Driving Side
Right-hand
Internet TLD
.de
Timezone(s)
CET (UTC+1)
Highest Point
Zugspitze (2,962 m)
Coastline
2,389 km

Administrative Divisions

Bavaria

State (Land) · Munich

North Rhine-Westphalia

State (Land) · Düsseldorf

Baden-Württemberg

State (Land) · Stuttgart

Berlin

City-State · Berlin

Hamburg

City-State · Hamburg

Hesse

State (Land) · Wiesbaden

Saxony

State (Land) · Dresden

Brandenburg

State (Land) · Potsdam

Major Cities

Berlin

Population: 3,677,000

The reunified capital, known for its turbulent history and vibrant arts scene

Hamburg

Population: 1,906,000

Germany's largest port city and second-largest city

Munich

Population: 1,553,000

Capital of Bavaria, home to Oktoberfest and world-class museums

Cologne

Population: 1,084,000

Home to the magnificent Cologne Cathedral and a vibrant carnival tradition

Frankfurt

Population: 773,000

Germany's financial capital and home to the European Central Bank

Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, Germany
Neuschwanstein Castle nestled in the Bavarian Alps near Füssen.Photo by Rachel Davis on Unsplash

Geography

Germany is landlocked in the heart of Europe, bordered by nine countries. The landscape transitions from the North German Plain in the north to the Bavarian Alps in the south. The Rhine, Elbe, and Danube are major rivers.

Climate

Germany has a temperate climate with moderate temperatures year-round. Winters are cold, particularly in the east and south, while summers are warm but rarely hot. Rainfall is distributed throughout the year.

Famous Landmarks

Brandenburg Gate

Berlin

Iconic neoclassical monument in Berlin, symbol of German reunification

Cologne Cathedral

Cologne

UNESCO World Heritage Site and masterpiece of Gothic architecture

Neuschwanstein Castle

Bavaria

Fairy-tale castle in Bavaria that inspired Disney's Sleeping Beauty castle

Rhine Valley

Western Germany

UNESCO World Heritage landscape with castles, vineyards, and charming villages

Berlin Wall Memorial

Berlin

Historic site commemorating the Cold War division of Berlin

Interesting Facts

  • Germany is a federal republic consisting of 16 states (Bundesländer).

  • Germany is the most populous member state of the European Union.

  • Germany has a long tradition of Christmas markets (Weihnachtsmärkte) dating back to the Middle Ages.

  • Germany is one of the world's leading exporters, particularly known for automotive manufacturing.

  • The Berlin Wall, which divided East and West Berlin, stood from 1961 to 1989.

  • Germany is home to more than 1,500 different types of beer and around 1,300 breweries.

Geography Facts

Germany has 16 federal states (Bundesländer).

Germany is a federal republic divided into 16 states called Bundesländer. Three of these are city-states: Berlin, Hamburg, and Bremen. Each state has its own constitution, government, and parliament, with significant autonomy in areas such as education and policing.

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Data Sources

Last updated: 2024-01-01