Germany

Germany is one of the major industrial and economic powers in Europe. Population: 81 million people Geographic size: 138,000 square miles Capital: Berlin Major cities: Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Bremen, Hanover, Frankfurt, Nuremburg, Stuttgart and Dusseldorf

History
y Germany is probably most remembered for Adolf

Hitler's activities leading to World War II, and the atrocities committed during the Holocaust. At the end of World War II, Germany was divided into East Germany and West Germany. East Germany maintained a communist government, while West Germany was a capitalist society. In 1990, the Berlin Wall was torn down, reuniting the country.

Physiography
At the southern end of Germany are the Alps, the highest mountain range in Europe. In central Germany are the Harz mountains.

Germany also has many rolling plains which make good farm land.

The Rhine River, in the western part of Germany, is a main waterway for transporting goods from northern ports.

Climate
y Germany's climate is almost as varied as its country

but it is mostly temperate. Extreme temperature lows and highs are rare. Winter temperatures vary from west to east, with around freezing temperatures in the west and well below freezing in the east of Germany. Summer temperatures are typically between 20C and 30C, with more rainfall during the summer months.

Biodiversity
y The territory of Germany can be subdivided into two ecoregions:

European-Mediterranean montane mixed forests and Northeast-Atlantic shelf marine. As of 2008 the majority of Germany is covered by either arable land (34%) or forest and woodland (30.1%); only 13.4% of the area consists of permanent pastures, 11.8% is covered by settlements and streets. y Plants and animals are those generally common to middle Europe. Beeches, oaks, and other deciduous trees constitute one third of the forests; conifers are increasing as a result of reforestation. Spruce and fir trees predominate in the upper mountains, while pine and larch are found in sandy soil. There are many species of ferns, flowers, fungi, and mosses. Wild animals include deer, wild boar, mouflon, fox, badger, hare, and small numbers of beavers.

Occupations
y Agriculture is large in Germany, many people work as

farmers, but this line of work is in decline. y Many people work in factories, for example in the automobile industries (Volkswagen, Opel, Daimerl Chrysler). y Tourism is another huge branch of industry, with people working in hotels, restaurants etc. y Apart from that, people in Germany do jobs peolpe in any other country do: nurses or other social jobs, teacher, manager, salespeople.

Trade
y One of the strongest demand for German's commodities

is automobiles. In 2009, Germany produced 5.2 million vehicles, and was the world's forth largest producer and largest exporter of automobiles. Germany automobile companies also dominate 90 percent of the top tier automobile market, which boasted brands such as Mercedes-Benz and Porsche. y Germany also exports machinery, vehicles, chemicals, metals, manufactures, foodstuffs, textiles

The ultimate fairytale castle, Neuschwanstein is situated on a rugged hill near Fssen in southwest Bavaria. It was the inspiration for the Sleeping Beauty castles in the Disneyland parks. The castle was commissioned by King Ludwig II of Bavaria who was declared insane when the castle was almost completed in 1886 and found dead a few days later. Neuschwanstein is the most photographed building in the country and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Germany.

The Brandenburg Gate is the only surviving city gate of Berlin and symbolizes the reunification of East and West Berlin. Built in the 18th century, the Brandenburg Gate is the entry to Unter den Linden, the prominent boulevard of linden trees which once led directly to the palace of the Prussian monarchs. It is regarded as one of the most famous landmarks in Europe.

The Holstentor is one of the two remaining city gates of the city of Lbeck. Built in 1464, the gate now serves as a museum. Because of its two captivating round towers and arched entrance it is regarded as a symbol of Lbeck. Together with the old city center (Altstadt) of Lbeck it is one of the top tourist attractions in Germany.

Environmental Problems
y Due so many industries, Germany faces the problem of air,

water and noise pollution. The heavy traffic contributes to the same. y Germany has succeeded remarkably in recycling of waste, as the people of Germany like to stay neat and recycle. y Germany has introduced restrictions on carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide released through the burning of bio fuels.

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