Introduction: Germany is 356,733 square kilometers in size and one of the largest countries in central Europe. It is 869 kilometers at its longest and 628 kilometers at its widest. It is divided into five main regions: North German Plains, Central Highlands, South German Hills, Black Forest, and Bavarian Alps. North German Plains is average 91 meters above the sea level and it is the largest region in Germany. Along its sea coast are lands rich and fertile. The south is heavily cultivated as well as densely populated. Old German cities like Bonn and Cologne are set here. Plateaus form the landscape of Central Highlands. The soil is poor here and rocky. Rushing rivers have created rugged gorges and among them the Rhine River Gorge is considered one of the most beautiful sights on the planet. South German Hills are long parallel ridges extending from north to south. Sheep rearing is popular here and the best farmlands of Germany are located in the valleys between the ridges. Black Forest is named after dark fir and spruce trees. The region has many mountains and the area features in many German fairy tales and legends. In the extreme south, Bavarian Alps are a part of the largest mountain range in Europe. The highest peak in Germany, Mt. Zugspitze at 2,963 meters, is here. People find the region's scenery, lakes, and streams ideal to holiday in. Because Germany is located near the sea, the nation has a moderate climate. The coldest month is January and the average temperature is -1* C. Sometimes cold winds from eastern Europe lower the temperature sharply: but this is only for short periods. July is the hottest month and the temperature may reach 18* C.
GERMANY IN BRIEF | |
Location: Area: Neighbors: Terrain: Capital: Population: Households: Persons per household: Ethnic background: Life expectancy: Literacy: Rural population: Regions: | Central Europe 356,829 square kilometers Denmark, North Sea, Baltic Sea, Poland, Czechoslovakia, Austria, Switzerland, France, Luxembourg, Belgium, the Netherlands Mostly flatlands, plateaus, and mountains Berlin 81 million (approximate), growth rate negligible 35 million (approximate) 2.3 Cimbri, Franks, Goths, Teutons, and others 73 years 97% (approximate) 14.5% 5 |
People: Germans are descendants of ancient tribes like the Cimbri, Franks, Goths, and Teutons. 85% of the people live in urban areas. Majority of Germans occupying the northern and central regions are Protestants. Those living in the south are generally Roman Catholics. High German is spoken in the south and central regions and Low German in the north. However, High German has been standardized to facilitate communication and is used by schools, media, business organizations, and other institutions. German beer, wine, bratwurst, and frankfurters are popular world wide. Sports like soccer, gymnastics, tennis, skiing, and swimming are popular in the city.
Neighbors: Since Germany lies in central Europe, it shares its borders with many countries. To the north is Denmark and the North and Baltic Seas; to the east Poland; to the east and south-east Czechoslovakia; to the south-east and south Austria; to the south Switzerland; and to the west France, Luxembourg, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Germany is a member of the UN, NATO, Council of Europe, and other important organizations. The Schengen Accord removes border controls between Germany, Belgium, France, Luxembourg, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and the Netherlands.
Economy: Today, Germans live in an economy that supports entrepreneurship. Their living standard is among the highest in the world and according to 1987 statistics, 100% had access to electricity, piped water, and public fire protection and 98.3% had access to sewage disposal services. In 1992, 81.4% of the population owned automobiles, 97.4% telephones, 96.1% color television sets, 100% refrigerators, and 94.4% washing machines. Gross national income was US $2,098,720,000,000 and per capita income was $26,180. 49.9% of the total population was economically active and 60% are aged from 15 to 64. Today, Germany is one of the leading industrial nations. It is among the world's largest automobile manufacturers and does very well in the production of processed food, beverage, motor vehicle, chemical, pharmaceutical, machinery, electrical equipment, and steel. The tourism industry received 14,514,100 visitors in 1992 and 51,676 places of accommodation provided 2,120,390 beds.
Foreign Trade: Germany has strong economical and trade ties with France and Italy. However, its imports have increased steadily from 1989 to 1991 while exports have decreased. Major imports were petroleum, petroleum products, food products, electrical machinery, and clothing. The country's major exports were motor vehicles, machinery, electrical equipment, and chemicals. Besides trade, the nation is also involved in developing other countries such as Nepal. It has repeatedly stressed that it wishes to improve the living standards of people around the world and is committed towards the creation of a better planet for all people.