Germany is Central European country. Stretching from the Alps in the south to the coast of the North Sea and the Baltic Sea, it covers an area of 357 021 km 2 . It is bordered by the North Sea, Denmark and the Baltic Sea to the north, Poland and the Czech Republic to the east, Austria and Switzerland to the south, and France, Luxembourg, Belgium and the Netherlands to the west. The most important cities are Berlin, the capital, with 3 396 300 residents (2004), Hamburg (1731 200 inhab.), Munich (1 241 100 inhab.), Cologne (969 500 inhab.), Frankfurt (646 000 inhab. ), Essen (581 600 inhab.), Dortmund (592 200 inhab.), Stuttgart (590 500 inhab.), Düsseldorf (572 900 inhab.), Bremen (545 000 inhab.), Duisburg (506 700 inhab.), Hanover (516 300 inhab.) And Nuremberg (495 600 inhab.).
Climate
Germany’s climate presents an appreciable diversity. The maritime influence, moderating temperatures, is more evident in the Northwest, while in the South and East there are more severe winters and hotter summers. In the mountainous areas of the South, snowfall is very frequent during the winter.
Economy
Germany has a developed economy that is based on industry and services. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is among the highest in the world. Although the agricultural sector represents only 2% of GDP, it is extremely well organized and developed. The dominant crops are barley, wheat, oats, rye, kale, carrots, cauliflower, beets, potatoes, apples, pears, currant, strawberries, plums, cherries and the raspberry. It is the world’s largest producer of hops, which is used in the manufacture of the famous German beer. Grape production supports the wine industry in the Rhine and Moselle regions. The country has large deposits of coal and lignite. There are also some reserves of tin, copper and lead. The mining industry also includes iron, anthracite, potash, quartz and kaolin. The existence of few oil and natural gas reserves leads the country to import a large part of the energy it consumes. The industry represents a large percentage of GDP and covers the production of steel, petroleum products, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, food products, beverages, resins, plastics, cement, fertilizers, textiles, motor vehicles, agricultural and textile machinery, equipment for construction, transport equipment, cameras, watches and electrical and electronic articles.
Exports consist of motor vehicles, machinery, industrial equipment, electrical and electronic products, chemicals, iron and steel and are mainly destined for France, Holland, Italy, United States of America and the United Kingdom United. The imported products are machinery, transport equipment, food products, drinks, fuels and clothing. The largest exporters to Germany are France, the Netherlands, the United States, Italy and the United Kingdom.
Environmental indicator: the value of carbon dioxide emissions, per capita , (metric tons, 1999) is 9.7.
Population
Germany has a population of 82 422 299 residents (est. 2006), which corresponds to a density of approximately 230.89 inhab./km2. The country registers a negative natural growth, with the mortality rate (10.62% o ) presenting a higher value than the birth rate (8.25% o). Despite this, the resident population is expected to continue to grow as a result of migratory flows from Eastern and Southern Europe. Average life expectancy is 78.8 years. The value of the Human Development Index (HDI) is 0.921 and the value of the Gender-adjusted Development Index (IDG) is 0.924 (2001). It is estimated that, in 2025, the population will be 85 415 000 residents. Most of the residents are of German origin, but there are also important communities of Turks, Yugoslavs, Italians, Greeks, Poles and Spaniards. The most prominent religions are Protestant and Catholic. The official language is German.
Countryaah: provides country profile of Germany, including its state flag, official language, population rankings, land area, history overview, summary of economy and culture as well as map of Germany.
Abbreviationfinder: Comprehensive list of all abbreviations associated with Germany. Sorted by popularity. Also offers the 2-letter and 3-letter acronyms for what is the abbreviation for Germany.
Association of German Banks
Network of banking institutions gives details about private, regional, mortgage and international banks in its membership.
Website: http://www.german-banks.com/
Bankgesellschaft Berlin
Bank links a public credit institution and private sector banks. Find an events calendar, economic news, contact info, and a German translation.
