Germany, officially the Federal Republic of Germany, is a country in Western Europe known for its vibrant culture, thriving economy, and high standard of living. With a population of approximately 82 million people, Germany is the most populous country in the European Union after France. The country is made up of 16 federal states and its capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany is a federal parliamentary representative democratic constitutional republic and is committed to securing peace, democracy, freedom, and equality.
Expat destinations in Germany
Demographics of Germany:
Ethnic groups
Germany's population is largely of Germanic descent, with a significant proportion of foreign nationals. The largest immigrant groups come from Poland, Italy, Turkey, and Russia.
Languages
German is the official and prevailing language in Germany, spoken by the vast majority of the population. Smaller minorities speak Sorbian, Low German dialects, and Frisian. English is also commonly spoken, particularly in major cities.
Religion Overview
Germany is a secular country and the majority of the population (around 52%) is not religiously affiliated. However, Christianity remains a significant influence on German culture and society. According to a 2021 study, around 25% of Germans identify as Protestant and 20% as Roman Catholic.
Major Religions
Climate
Germany has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. The temperature in summer (June to August) typically ranges from 17°C to 23°C, while winters (December to February) are quite cold, with temperatures often dropping below zero degrees Celsius.
Economy Overview
Germany has a highly developed market economy that is the fourth- largest in the world in terms of nominal GDP and the fifth-largest in terms of GDP at purchasing power parity. The country's thriving industries include automotive, technology, and engineering, as well as other areas like renewable energy and biotechnology.
Key Industries
- Automotive manufacturing
- Microelectronics
- Chemicals and pharmaceuticals
- Renewable energy and environmental technology
- Finance and banking
- Engineering and mechanical engineering
Major Companies
- BMW
- Siemens
- BASF
- Deutsche Bank
- Allianz
- Daimler
Culture and Language Overview
Germany has a rich and diverse cultural heritage, which is reflected in its art, literature, music, architecture, and traditions. Major cultural highlights include the annual carnival celebrations throughout the country, as well as major museums, operas, and festivals.
Cultural Highlights
- Carnival celebrations in Cologne and Duesseldorf
- The Neues Museum and Pergamon Museum in Berlin
- The art collection at the Pinakothek der Moderne in Munich
- The annual Schlossfest musical festival in Bamberg
- The Suhler Fasching (also known as Fastnacht) in Thuringia
Geography and Landmarks Overview
Germany covers an area of 357,382 square kilometers and is located in Central Europe. It is bordered by the North Sea to the northwest, Denmark to the north, Poland and the Czech Republic to the east, Austria and Switzerland to the south, and France, Luxembourg, and Belgium to the west.
Notable Landmarks
- Brandenburg Gate in Berlin
- Colourful Old Town Square in Prague (Czech Republic, nearby)
- The Romantic Road, a scenic route through Bavaria
- The historic city center in Cologne
- The stunning fairy tale castles of Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau in Bavaria
National Holidays
- New Year's Day (January 1)
- Epiphany (January 6)
- Good Friday (variable)
- Easter Sunday (variable)
- Easter Monday (variable)
- Labour Day (May 1)
- Ascension Day (variable)
- Whit Monday (variable)
- German Unity Day (October 3)
- Christmas Day (December 25)
- Boxing Day (December 26)
- New Year's Eve (December 31)
Political Stability
Germany is known for its strong democratic traditions and political stability. In addition to its multiparty system of government, the country has a strong constitutional court that plays a significant role in upholding human rights and the rule of law.
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