Germanys

Germany, officially the Federal Republic of Germany, is a country in Central Europe. It is bordered by Denmark 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. Its capital and largest city is Berlin. The country covers roughly 357,000 square kilometers and has a population of about 83 million people.

Germany is a federal parliamentary republic. The head of state is the president, a largely ceremonial role; the head of government is the chancellor, who leads the federal cabinet. The legislative branch is bicameral, comprising the Bundestag (lower house) and the Bundesrat (representing the states). The Basic Law, adopted in 1949, serves as the constitution and underpins a social market economy.

Germany has a highly developed and export-oriented economy, one of the largest in the world. Key sectors include automotive, mechanical engineering, chemicals, electronics, and information technology. Major companies include Volkswagen, BMW, Daimler, BASF, and Siemens. The economy relies on skilled labor, a strong welfare system, and a robust apprenticeship model. The euro is the national currency; Germany is a founding member of the European Union and NATO.

Geographically diverse, Germany features flat plains in the north, the Central Uplands, and the Alps in the south. The Rhine, Elbe, and Danube are important rivers. The country has a long scientific and cultural heritage, with contributions from philosophers, composers, writers, and scientists. Cultural sites range from castles to historic towns and industrial heritage.

Since the postwar era, Germany has undergone reconstruction and, in 1990, reunification of East and West. It remains a federal state with 16 Länder. Demographic changes and immigration shape its society and labor force.