Germany

Germany, officially the Federal Republic of Germany, is a country in Western and Central Europe. It lies between the Baltic Sea and the North Sea to the north and the Alps to the south. Germany has lots of people—over 82 million—making it the biggest country in the European Union by population. It shares borders with Denmark, Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, France, Luxembourg, Belgium, and the Netherlands. The capital and biggest city is Berlin, and Frankfurt is its main financial center.

Germany has a rich history. People have lived there since the Lower Paleolithic era. Different groups, like the Celts and Germanic tribes, called it home. In 962, the Kingdom of Germany joined the Holy Roman Empire. In the 1500s, northern Germany helped start the Protestant Reformation. After the Napoleonic Wars, Germany formed the German Confederation.

In 1871, Germany became one country led by Prussia, creating the German Empire. After World War I, Germany was called the Weimar Republic. Later, in 1933, a new government took control and caused trouble for the world. After World War II, Germany was split into two parts. These parts joined back together on 3 October 1990.

Today, Germany is a successful country with a strong economy. It is the biggest economy in Europe and is important in many industries, scientific and technological areas. Germany sells and buys lots of things around the world. It is also a strong country and works with many nations. Germany has many special places, like the third-highest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Etymology

Further information: Names of Germany, Germani, and Germania

The word Germany comes from the Latin word Germania. This name was used by Julius Caesar for the people living east of the Rhine River. In German, the country is called Deutschland, meaning "the German lands." This name comes from an old word for "of the people." It was used to describe the common language compared to Latin.

History

Main article: History of Germany

For a chronological guide, see Timeline of German history.

Prehistory

Main articles: Linear Pottery culture, Unetice culture, Urnfield culture, and Celts

Ancient humans lived in Germany a very long time ago. The first fossil of a human-like being was found in the Neander Valley. We also have evidence of early humans from the Swabian Jura, including some of the oldest musical instruments known.

Germanic tribes, Roman frontier and the Frankish Empire

Main articles: Jastorf culture, Germanic peoples, Germania, Migration Period, and Frankish Realm

The Germanic peoples began in the Jastorf culture. They moved from southern Scandinavia and northern Germany into other areas. Southern Germany had people who spoke Celtic languages.

The Roman Empire tried to take over some of these lands. In 9 AD, three Roman armies were defeated by a Germanic leader named Arminius in the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest. By 100 AD, Germanic tribes lived along the Rhine and Danube rivers.

East Francia and the Holy Roman Empire

Main articles: East Francia and Holy Roman Empire

Charlemagne started a big empire called the Carolingian Empire in 800. This was followed by East Francia. The Holy Roman Empire grew from this area. Rulers called the Ottonian leaders helped bring together many areas called duchies. Later, many people got very sick from the Great Famine in 1315 and the Black Death in 1348–1350.

Johannes Gutenberg invented a way to print books easily. In 1517, Martin Luther started changes in religious beliefs. There were many wars over religion from the Cologne War to the Thirty Years' Wars (1618–1648).

German Confederation and Empire

Main articles: German question, German Confederation, Unification of Germany, German Empire, and German colonial empire

After a big war led by Napoleon, leaders created a group of states called the German Confederation. Later, King William I made Otto von Bismarck an important leader. After winning a war against France, Germany became a united country in 1871, with Prussia as the most powerful part.

Weimar Republic and Nazi Germany

Main articles: Weimar Republic and Nazi Germany

In 1919, Germany became a democracy with a new set of rules called the Weimar Constitution. But things got very hard when the world economy failed in 1929. A group called the Nazi Party, led by Adolf Hitler, gained power. Hitler became the leader of Germany in 1933.

Germany left some international agreements and took control of some areas. In 1939, Germany invaded Poland, which started World War II in Europe. Germany took over many countries but faced strong opposition and was eventually defeated.

East and West Germany

Main articles: History of Germany (1945–1990), Allied-occupied Germany, West Germany, and East Germany

After World War II, Germany was divided into parts controlled by different countries. The western parts became West Germany, and the eastern part became East Germany.

West Germany built a strong economy and joined groups like NATO and the European Economic Community. East Germany was controlled by the Soviet Union and built a wall to stop people from leaving.

In 1989, changes began that led to the Berlin Wall coming down and the two parts of Germany joining together again in 1990.

Reunified Germany and the European Union

Main articles: German reunification and History of Germany since 1990

After joining again, Germany became more active in Europe. It helped create a common currency called the euro and joined many international efforts for peace.

In 2005, Angela Merkel became the first woman to lead Germany as chancellor. In 2015, Germany welcomed many people seeking safety and new homes.

Geography

Main article: Geography of Germany

Germany is a large country in Europe. It is the seventh-largest country in Europe. Germany borders Denmark, Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, France, Luxembourg, Belgium, and the Netherlands. It also touches the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. The land area of Germany is 357,022 km².

The country has many different landscapes. In the south, there are the high Alps, where the Zugspitze is the tallest mountain. In the north, there are lowlands near the seas. Important rivers such as the Rhine, Danube, and Elbe flow through Germany. The country has natural resources like coal, iron ore, and timber.

Most of Germany has a temperate climate. The north has mild oceans, while the southeast has more continental weather. Germany has many forests and parks. Animals such as roe deer, wild boar, and fox live there. Germany is also home to many zoos, with the Berlin Zoo being the oldest.

Politics

Main article: Politics of Germany

See also: Taxation in Germany and Federal budget of Germany

Germany is a country with a government led by a parliament. The parliament has two parts: the Bundestag and the Bundesrat. The Bundestag is chosen by voters, and the Bundesrat represents the leaders of Germany’s sixteen states.

The president of Germany is the head of state, currently Frank-Walter Steinmeier. The chancellor is the head of government, currently Friedrich Merz. The main political parties are the Christian Democratic Union and the Social Democratic Party of Germany. Other parties also help form governments.

Constituent states

Main articles: States of Germany, Federalism in Germany, and List of current heads of government of the German federal states

Germany is made up of sixteen states called Länder. Most of these are regular areas, but three—Berlin, Hamburg, and Bremen—are cities that are also states.

Law

Main article: Law of Germany

Further information: Judiciary of Germany and Law enforcement in Germany

Germany uses a system where laws are written down in books. There is a special court, the Federal Constitutional Court, that checks if laws follow the country’s rules. Germany has different courts for different types of cases, like crime or taxes.

Foreign relations

Main article: Foreign relations of Germany

Germany has friendships with many countries around the world. It is part of important groups like the European Union, NATO, and the United Nations. Germany works closely with its neighbor, France, and is friends with the United States. The country also helps other nations through development aid.

Military

Main article: Bundeswehr

Germany’s army is called the Bundeswehr. It includes an Army, Navy, Air Force, and a Cyber and Information Service. After 2022, Germany decided to spend more money on its military. Today, the Bundeswehr has many soldiers and civilians working for it, and it helps keep peace around the world.

Economy

Main article: Economy of Germany

See also: Science and technology in Germany and List of German inventions and discoveries

Germany has a strong economy and is known for its skilled workers and creativity. It is the largest economy in Europe and the third-largest in the world. Germany makes money from services and also from making things like cars and machines.

Germany is part of the European Union and uses the euro as its money. It trades a lot with other countries, especially in selling cars, machinery, and chemicals. Famous companies from Germany include Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Siemens. The country also spends money on research and has many important science institutions.

Main articles: Transport in Germany, Energy in Germany, Telecommunications in Germany, and Water supply and sanitation in Germany

Germany is an important place for travel and moving things across Europe. It has many roads, including famous highways called the Autobahn. Fast trains connect big cities, and Germany has busy airports and ports.

Germany uses a lot of clean energy, like wind and solar power. The country is also good at recycling and taking care of the environment.

Main article: Tourism in Germany

Germany is a popular place for visitors. Famous sights include Cologne Cathedral, the Brandenburg Gate, and beautiful castles like Neuschwanstein. Europa-Park, near Freiburg, is one of Europe’s most visited theme parks. Tourism helps create jobs and adds to the country’s economy.

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of Germany

See also: Germans

Germany has a large population, with about 84.7 million people. It is the most populous country in the European Union and the second-most populous in Europe after Russia. Many people live close together, with an average of 236 inhabitants per square kilometre.

Germany is a popular place for people from other countries to live. Many people have moved there over the years, especially after big events. Today, about 28.7 percent of people in Germany come from other countries. The largest city is Berlin.

Religion

Main article: Religion in Germany

Further information: Catholic Church in Germany, Evangelical Church in Germany, History of the Jews in Germany, and Islam in Germany

Christianity is the most common religion in Germany, with about half of the people identifying as Christian. Many people, however, do not belong to any religion. Islam is the second-largest religion, with many Muslims coming from countries like Turkey. There are also small communities of other faiths, such as Judaism.

Languages

Main article: Languages of Germany

See also: German language

German is the main language spoken in Germany and is one of the official languages of the European Union. There are also many other languages spoken by people who have moved to Germany from other countries, such as Turkish, Arabic, and Polish. Most Germans can speak more than one language.

Education

Main article: Education in Germany

Children in Germany go to kindergarten for a few years before starting school, which they must attend for at least nine years. After primary school, students can choose between different types of secondary schools, depending on whether they want to focus on academic learning or vocational training. Germany has many famous universities, some of which were established hundreds of years ago.

Health

Main article: Health in Germany

Further information: Healthcare in Germany

Germany has a long history of taking care of people’s health, with a strong system that has been in place since the 1880s. Most people in Germany are covered by health insurance, and the country spends a large part of its money on healthcare. Germany has good healthcare, though there are challenges like making sure there are enough mental health services for everyone who needs them.

Culture

Main article: Culture of Germany

Culture in Germany comes from important ideas and traditions from all over Europe. German scientists, writers, and thinkers have influenced the world. Germany is known for lively festivals like the Oktoberfest and special Christmas traditions such as Advent wreaths, Christmas trees, and Stollen cakes. Many important places in Germany are protected as world treasures.

Music

Main article: Music of Germany

See also: Opera in German

Germany has a rich musical history. Famous composers include Johann Sebastian Bach, Ludwig van Beethoven, and Richard Wagner. Today, Germany is known for many music styles, from classical to electronic music and pop rock.

Art, design and architecture

Main articles: German art, Architecture of Germany, and German fashion

German artists such as Albrecht Dürer and Caspar David Friedrich have influenced art around the world. Germany is also known for its modern design and architecture, including the famous Bauhaus style.

Literature and philosophy

Main articles: German literature and German philosophy

German writers like Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and Friedrich Schiller are read all over the world. German thinkers such as Immanuel Kant and Karl Marx have shaped ideas about knowledge, society, and politics.

Media

Main article: Media of Germany

Further information: Cinema of Germany

Germany has a big media scene, with many television and radio stations, popular newspapers, and an important film industry. Events like the Berlin International Film Festival attract filmmakers from around the world.

Cuisine

Main article: German cuisine

Bread, cheese, and sausages are important parts of German meals. Beer is the most popular drink, and Germany is famous for its many types of bread and delicious pastries.

Sports

Main article: Sport in Germany

Football (soccer) is the most popular sport in Germany. The German team has won the World Cup many times. Germany is also known for its success in racing and other sports, with famous drivers and athletes.