| Germany |
Deep in the heart of Europe, Germany has had a major impact on Continental history. From Charlemagne and the Holy Roman Empire
to Otto von Bismarck's German Reich, Nazism and the rise and fall of the Berlin Wall, no other nation has moulded Europe the way
Germany has - for better or worse.Germany's reunification in 1990 was the beginning of yet another chapter in it's complex history. Today, visitors can continue to experience the cultural, social and economic differences of the formerly seperate Germany's, enjoying there individual charms.
Not to be forgotten, though, is that Germany is a country of shear physical beauty both natural and created. Germany wears it's riches
well; elegant big city charm, small picture-postcard towns, pagan inspired harvest festivals, a wealth of art and culture and the
perennial pleasures of huge tracts of forest, delightful castles and fine wine and beer are all there for the savouring.Regional characteristics, indeed, are a strong feature of German life. The imperial capital, Berlin, stands apart, as an island in the midst of the erstwhile German Democratic Republic where the liberalism of the West was pushed to it's extreme, sometimes decadent, always exciting.
Germany covers 357,000 sq km and can be divided from North to South into several geographical regions, including the Northern Lowlands, the Central Uplands (Germany's heartland), the Alpine Foothills and the Alps.
German weather can be variable. The most reliable weather is from May to October. Shoulder periods (late March to May and September to October) can bring fewer tourists and surprisingly pleasant weather.
| Capital |
| Berlin |
| Language |
| German |
| Population |
| 82.4 M (July 2004) |
| Currency |
| euro (€) Joined in 1999 |
| Bordering Countries |
| Austria Belgium Czech Republic Denmark France Luxembourg Netherlands Poland Switzerland |
| Visa Requirements |
| EU Citizens do not need visas for visits up to 90 days |
| National Holidays 2005 |
| Jan 1st, 6th Mar 25th May 1st Aug 15th Oct 3rd, 31st Nov 1st, 3rd Dec 25th, 26th |
