Germany

Germany is a federal parliamentary republic in central-western Europe with the capital city of Berlin. Germany has 16 constituent states, covers an area of 357,021 square kilometres (137,847 sq mi). After the United States, it is the second most popular immigration destination in the world. Germany's capital and largest metropolis is Berlin.



In 1914 and 1939, Germany successively provoked the two World War and defeated it. Germany split into two parts in 1945. In October 3, 1990, the German Democratic Republic (referred to as East Germany or democratic Germany) formally joined the Federal Republic of Germany to achieve the reunification of the two nations. At present, Germany is the largest economy in Europe, and also one of the founding members of the European Union. In addition, it is an important member of the international organizations such as NATO, the Schengen convention, the group of eight and the United Nations.

People: With about 82 million inhabitants, Germany is the most populous member state of the European Union. With a population of 80.2 million according to the 2011 census, rising to 81.5 million as at 30 June 2015 and to at least 81.9 million as at 31 December 2015, Germany is the most populous country in the European Union, the second most populous country in Europe after Russia, and ranks as the 16th most populous country in the world.

Climate: Most of Germany has a temperate seasonal climate dominated by humid westerly winds. In summer, the average temperature in the northern German lowlands is about 18℃, and the southern mountain is about 20℃. The average temperature of the northern German lowlands is about 1.5℃ degrees in winter, while the southern mountains are about -6℃. Germany gets an average of 789 mm (31 in) of precipitation per year; there is no consistent dry season.

Language: German is the official and predominant spoken language in Germany. Germans are typically multilingual: 67% of German citizens claim to be able to communicate in at least one foreign language and 27% in at least two.

Economy: Germany has the largest economy in Europe. It is the world's fourth largest country in GDP (international exchange rate), and the fifth largest country in GDP (purchasing power parity). Germany is one of the founding members of the European Union and the euro area. With its export of $1 trillion and 516 billion in 2012, Germany is the world's third largest exporter. In 2013, Germany achieved a $270 billion trade surplus in the world and became the world's largest exporter of capital.

The world's most influential car brands, Mercedes Benz, BMW, Audi, Volkswagen and Porsche, are located in Germany, the famous automobile brand Opel also was born in Germany (now owned by American General Motors Group). The automobile production in Germany is only next to China, the United States and Japan. Germany is one of the world's largest car producers.

Time: CET (UTC+1), CEST (UTC+2) in Summer (DST)

Capital: Euro (€) (EUR)