At a Glance

Official Name: Federal Republic of Germany

Continent: Europe

Area: 137,803 square miles (356,910 sq km)

Population: 83,029,536

Capital City: Berlin

Largest City: Berlin (3,477,900)

Unit of Money: Deutsche mark

Major Languages: German (official)

Natural Resources: iron ore, coal, potash, timber

The Place

Located in northern Europe, Germany consists of five major land regions. The North German Plain is the country's largest land region. It is about 300 feet (91 m) above sea level and is fairly flat. The Elbe, Ems, Oder, Rhine, and Weser rivers run through the plain and provide fertile valleys for farming.

The Central Highlands are plateaus ranging from 1,000 to 2,500 feet (300 to 760 m) above sea level. They are characterized by rocky terrain and poor soil. The Southern German Hills are a group of escarpments, or long ridges, which run from the southwest to the northeast. The lowland between these escarpments have fertile soil and are heavily farmed. The southern Black Forest consists of mountains that are covered by spruce and pine trees. The area varies between 2,500 and 3,000 feet (762 to 910 m) above sea level.

The Bavarian Alps are part of Europe's largest mountain range. Many peaks reach more than 6,000 feet (1,800 m). Germany's highest point, Zugspitze Peak, rises 9,721 feet (2,963 m).

Germany has a mild climate. Average temperatures range from 30° F (11° C) in the winter to 65° F (18° C) in the summer. Temperatures vary by location and elevation. For example, the upper Rhine Valley has a more temperate climate than the Bavarian Mountains.

The People

Germany is the second-most populated country in Europe. The population density averages 605 people per square mile (230 people per sq km). About 85% of the population lives in urban areas. Many cities are overcrowded, and there are housing shortages. Many urban dwellers work in service and industry. People in rural areas generally own small farms. Only about 3% of the labor force works in agriculture. Workers in west Germany earn more than east German workers.

About 8% of the population is foreign born. Many of these people are known as Gastarbeiter, or guest workers. Turks account for the largest single group of Gastarbeiters. Germany's birth rate is very low, and its population would be declining if it wasn't for these workers.

Although German is the official language, much of the population speaks different dialects. Different religions are also more dominant in certain parts of the country—Protestants live mainly in the north while Catholics inhabit the south and southwest.

Germans enjoy one of the best social security systems in the world. There is 1 doctor for every 315 people, and the average life expectancy is 77 years of age. The country's crime rates are lower than most other European countries.

Education

All German children must attend school for at least 9 years. The country's individual states control the education system in their districts.

In general, most elementary schools have 4-year programs. After graduation, a child may choose between several different types of schools. A gymnasium is similar to junior high school and prepares students for college. Intermediate schools offer some academics and some job training. Hauptschulen, or vocational schools, concentrate on job training. Germany also has about 60 universities. Almost all Germans are literate.

Popular Culture/Daily Life

Germans spend a good deal of free time outdoors. They enjoy biking, sailing, swimming, hiking, and canoeing. Soccer is the most popular sport in the country, most towns have their own team. The many mountains in Germany also offer excellent skiing. Germans also enjoy watching television, reading, or going to the movies.

German culture has produced many world-famous writers, musicians, and painters. These talented artists contributed to the Renaissance, the European Enlightenment, and the Romantic movement.