Information about the Country

Germany

Germany is a country immersed in Culture and history.

Geography

Germany shares borders with 9 countries; Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, and Switzerland. This offers a great opportunity for travel. The Capital Berlin is the city with the highest population with 3.4 Million residents.

People

Germany is the most populous nation in Europe after Russia with a population of 80,996,685. The population includes a number of nationalities. The largest immigrant group is the Turkish with a population of around 3 Million (2.4%). Other nationalities include; Greek, Italian, Polish, Russian, Serbo-Croat and Spanish, that combined, make up 6.1% of the population.

Government

Germany is a Federal Republic and is split into 16 states. Angela Merkel has been the chancellor since 22nd November 2005.

Economy

Germany is Europe's largest Economy as well as being placed in the top five Economies of the World behind the likes of the USA, China and Japan. Germany boasts a highly skilled workforce of over 44 million workers and is a leading exporter of machinery, it's famous vehicles, chemicals, and household equipment. Other successful industries include; iron, steel, coal, cement, chemicals, electronics, food and beverages, shipbuilding and textiles. In terms of agriculture Germany produces potatoes, wheat, barley, sugar beets, fruit, cabbages; cattle, pigs, poultry. In 2013 the GDP was estimated at $3.227 trillion and the economy is continuing to grow.

Events

Germany has an exciting and bustling calendar of events to attend. Some are more famous than others such as Oktoberfest in Munich, Karneval in Cologne and the Christmas Markets.


                                                                  

Food and Drink

Germany offers very traditional and often regional dishes, foods and drink. As far as drink is concerned, the obvious one that springs to mind is beer and there are many varieties to be found around Germany but there is also a variety of wines and Sekt. As for food there are a huge variety of sausages such as Bratwurst, Currywurst and Weisswurst, as well as Schnitzel and side dishes such as sauerkraut or kartoffelsalat (potato salad). Some of my favourite German foods Maultaschen (similar to ravioli) and Käsespätzle (pasta with cheese) are from Baden-Württemberg. Moreover, the Bakeries in Germany produce wonderful pastries, pretzels, cakes and breads.

          

 

Culture

Their social events and food and drink play a large role in German culture as do traditions such as the traditional dress of Germany: Dirdnl for women and Lederhosen for men. The culture is also shown through various characteristics such as punctuality, organisation, order and a hard-working mentality.