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Culture

What Should I Know about Germany?

By Rebecca Partington
Updated May 17, 2024
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As of the early 2000s, Germany was one of the most influential members of the European Union (EU) with the largest economy and the second largest population in the EU. The nation was divided into East and West Germany shortly after the second World War, but was reunited in 1990. During the period of division, East Germany was more properly known as the German Democratic Republic (GDR), while West Germany was the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG). The FRG was linked to the Western world in the form of the EU and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, while the GDR was linked with the USSR.

The government is a federal republic with its capital in Berlin. The executive branch is headed by a president who is elected to a five-year term by a Federal Convention made of the Federal Assembly's members and an equal number of representatives who are chosen by the state parliaments. The legislative branch consists of a two-house legislature. The Federal Assembly's members are elected by popular vote, while the Federal Council's members are chosen according to the political situation of the states they represent. The judicial branch is headed by the Federal Constitutional Court, whose members are elected by the Federal Assembly and the Federal Council.

Germany is located in central Europe, with coasts along the Baltic Sea and the North Sea. It borders Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, and Switzerland. The climate is temperate, and is heavily influenced by the low-lying coastlands. It has cool, wet weather year-round with sporadic warm winds coming from the mountains in the southern part of the country.

Germany possesses many natural resources such as coal, natural gas, and uranium. In addition, the nation is one of the world's most proficient exporters of chemicals, textiles, vehicles, machinery, and electronics. As of the early 2000s, the economy was one of the largest in the world. However, unemployment levels were high, prompting several economic reforms aimed to correct the problem.

The national language is German and most of its citizens are German (over 90%) and Christian (around 70%).

WiseGEEK is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
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Discussion Comments

By anon97808 — On Jul 21, 2010

Well, Germany actually is the largest population in the EU.

The name Unterleiter is a very rare name. It is located in Bavaria and there solely in the city of Nuremberg and to a few places outside Bavaria like Heidelberg.

By anon66149 — On Feb 17, 2010

I am interested in the geographic area of Germany where the name "Unterleiter" would be used. My great grandfather was born in Bavaria. Does this make sense? Please post names that are common in particular areas. This would be really interesting and informative. Thank you.

By anon29323 — On Mar 31, 2009

What is the largest population in the EU?

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