LAllemagne

LAllemagne, or Germany, is a country in Central Europe. Officially called Deutschland in German, it borders 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. It covers about 357,000 square kilometers and has a population around 83 million. The capital and largest city is Berlin, and the official language is German.

Germany is a federal parliamentary republic composed of 16 states (Länder). The Bundestag (lower house) is elected; the Bundesrat represents the states. The chancellor is the head of government, while the president holds a largely ceremonial role. The country operates under a social market economy and participates in the European Union, the eurozone, and NATO.

Geography features include the North German Plain in the north, the central Uplands, and the Bavarian Alps in the south. Major rivers include the Rhine, Elbe, and Danube. The economy is highly developed, with leading industries in automotive, mechanical engineering, chemicals, and information technology.

Historically, the region was part of the Holy Roman Empire, unified as the German Empire in 1871, and later experienced division after World War II into East and West Germany. Reunification occurred in 1990. Germany is a founding member of the European Union and has played a central role in European integration.

Culturally, Germany has made major contributions to philosophy, science, music, and literature. Notable figures include Kant, Hegel, Bach, and Beethoven. German culture also features festivals, cuisine, and traditions such as Christmas markets and the Oktoberfest.