Germany has emerged as a strong nation and has contributed generously to the economic, political and cultural growth of the European continent. The country has seen much tumult including the brunts of two World Wars, the effects of the Cold War and at the same time has experienced the unification of the western Federal Republic of Germany and the eastern German Democratic Republic.
The country is strategically located in Central Europe and is guarded in all the sides by the Baltic Sea, North Sea, Netherlands Poland and south of Denmark. It experiences natural diversity and is covered by lowlands in the north, uplands in the central part and is surrounded by Bavarian Alps in the south.
The country boasts of a multi-ethnic culture and the terrain is inhabited by 91.5% Germans, 2.4% Turks and the rest is a mixed group comprising of Greeks, Italians, Polish, Russians, Serbo-Croatians and Spanish. The religious practices vary according to the different groups of people and the people are either Protestants, or Roman Catholics or Muslims. The official language of the country is German.
Germany has the most flourishing economic system in the world. It has shown considerable growth in 2006 with 2.2% of growth in the urban sector. The corporate restructuring and capital investment promises to be fruitful for German economy which faced stagnation because of the macroeconomic condition. Euro is the official currency of Germany. Germany is well-connected with all the other countries through roadways, waterways and airports.
One of the few things that distinguish Germany is its fashion which unlike the classic Italian and French style is conceived for everyday wear. Some of the
world-famous brands are Boss, Bogner and Germany has a carved a niche for itself as the biggest exporter of women’s clothes.
Germany is the favorite destination for travellers all the year round. Apart from package tours the holidayers can also hitch-hike to various spots and accommodation is available until and unless it is one of the most favorable beach and mountain resorts. A country known for its fine eateries and world famous wineries, Germany is every food-lover’s heaven. There are ample opportunities for the holidayer to sample some of finest liquor of the country and are urged to distinguish between a Rhine wine from a Mosel wine, a Riesling from a Silvaner.
A glimpse of the new modern Germany will be incomplete without a look into the innovative subculture that has grown in the big German cities. Cities like Hamburg, Cologne, Leipzig and Munich are known to hone some of the local talents and the budding young generation is given ample scope to cultivate their artistic faculties.
