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{{Short description|Country in Central Europe}}
{{About|the country|other uses of terms redirecting here|Germany (disambiguation)|and|Deutschland (disambiguation)}}
{{Redirect|Deutschland|other uses|Deutschland (disambiguation)|and|Germany (disambiguation)}}
{{Use British English|date=August 2013}}
{{Redirect|Federal Republic of Germany|the country from 1949–1990|West Germany}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2013}}
{{featured article}}
{{pp-semi-protected|small=yes}}
{{pp-move-indef}} {{pp-vandalism|small=yes}}
{{pp-move}}
{{Featured article}}
{{use British English|date=August 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2024}}
{{Infobox country {{Infobox country
|conventional_long_name = Federal Republic of Germany | conventional_long_name = Federal Republic of Germany
| common_name = Germany
|native_name = {{native name|de|Bundesrepublik Deutschland|icon=no}}
| native_name = {{native name|de|Bundesrepublik Deutschland}}
|common_name = Germany
| image_flag = Flag of Germany.svg
|national_motto = {{unbulleted list |{{native phrase|de|"Einigkeit und Recht und Freiheit"|italics=off}} |{{small|"Unity and Justice and Freedom" (unofficial)}}}}<ref>''"„Die zentralen Worte daraus, „Einigkeit und Recht und Freiheit", waren zum offiziellen Wahlspruch der BRD erhoben worden."'' - Peter Ebenbauer, Christian Wessely und Reinhold Esterbaue: Religiöse Appelle und Parolen: Interdisziplinäre Analysen zu einer neuen Sprachform, Kohlhammer, 2008, S. 84 </ref><ref> - "''Gestern haben wir die Deutsche Einheit gefeiert, für mich das Wichtigste, was eine Nation erreichen kann: Einigkeit und Recht und Freiheit.''", President Christian Wulff in Berlin, 4 October 2011</ref><ref></ref><ref></ref>
| image_coat = Coat of arms of Germany.svg
|national_anthem = {{unbulleted list |Third ] of |'']''&nbsp;<ref name="CIA"/> {{small|(''Song of the Germans'')}}}}<br/><center>]</center>
| coa_size = 80
|image_flag = Flag of Germany.svg
| national_anthem = {{lang|de|"]"|italics=no}}{{efn|From 1952 to 1990, the entire "Das Lied der Deutschen" was the national anthem, but only the third verse was sung on official occasions. Since 1991, the third verse alone has been the national anthem.<ref name="PresidentsOffice">{{cite web|url=http://www.bundespraesident.de/DE/Amt-und-Aufgaben/Wirken-im-Inland/Repraesentation-und-Integration/repraesentation-und-integration-node.html|title=Repräsentation und Integration|publisher=]|language=de|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307221541/http://www.bundespraesident.de/DE/Amt-und-Aufgaben/Wirken-im-Inland/Repraesentation-und-Integration/repraesentation-und-integration-node.html|archivedate=7 March 2016|accessdate=8 March 2016}}</ref>}}<br />("The Song of the Germans")<br /><div style="display:inline-block;margin-top:0.4em;">{{center|]}}</div>
|image_coat = Coat of Arms of Germany.svg
| image_map = {{switcher|]|Show globe|]|Show map of Europe|default=1}}
|other_symbol_type = ]
| map_caption = {{map caption
|other_symbol = {{unbulleted list |]}}
| location_color = dark green
|image_map = EU-Germany.svg
| region = Europe
|image_map2= Germany - Location Map (2013) - DEU - UNOCHA.svg
| region_color = dark grey
|map_caption = {{map caption |location_color=dark green |region=Europe |region_color=dark grey |subregion=the ] |subregion_color=green |legend=EU-Germany.svg}}
| subregion = the ]
|official_languages = ]{{ref|a}}
| subregion_color = light green
|demonym = ]
}}
|ethnic_groups =
| map_width = 250px
{{unbulleted list
| capital = ]{{efn|Berlin is the sole constitutional capital and ''de jure'' seat of government, but the former provisional capital of the Federal Republic of Germany, ], has the special title of "federal city" ({{lang|de|Bundesstadt}}) and is the primary seat of six ministries.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.deutschland.de/en/topic/politics/the-german-federal-government|website=deutschland.de|title=The German Federal Government|date=23 January 2018|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200430004825/https://www.deutschland.de/en/topic/politics/the-german-federal-government|archivedate=30 April 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>}}
| {{nowrap|81% ]<ref name=pop/><ref></ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.destatis.de/EN/PressServices/Press/pr/2010/07/PE10_248_122.html |title=Press releases - For the first time more than 16 million people with migration background in Germany|publisher=Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) - Destatis.de |date=14 July 2010 |accessdate=4 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.destatis.de/DE/PresseService/Presse/Pressemitteilungen/2011/09/PD11_355_122.html |title=Pressemitteilungen - Ein Fünftel der Bevölkerung in Deutschland hatte 2010 einen Migrationshintergrund |language={{de icon}} |publisher=Statistisches Bundesamt (Destatis) - Destatis.de |date=26 September 2011 |accessdate=4 November 2012}}</ref><!--end nowrap:-->}}
| coordinates = {{Coord|52|31|N|13|23|E|type:city}}
| {{nowrap|7% other ]}}
| largest_city = capital
| 4% ]
| official_languages = ]{{efn|], ], ], ], and ] are recognised by the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blogs.loc.gov/law/2018/09/the-protection-of-minority-and-regional-languages-in-germany/|publisher=Library of Congress|last=Gesley|first=Jenny|title=The Protection of Minority and Regional Languages in Germany|date=26 September 2018|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200525092638/https://blogs.loc.gov/law/2018/09/the-protection-of-minority-and-regional-languages-in-germany/|archivedate=25 May 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>}}
| 2% ]
| demonym = ]
| 6% others
| government_type = ]<ref name="CIA" />
}}
| leader_title1 = ]
|capital = {{Coat of arms|Berlin}}
| leader_name1 = ]
|latd=52 |latm=31 |latNS=N |longd=13 |longm=23 |longEW=E
| leader_title2 = ]
|largest_city = capital
| leader_name2 = ]
|government_type = ] ] ]
| legislature = ], ]{{efn|The Bundesrat is sometimes referred to as an upper chamber of the German legislature. This is technically incorrect, since the ] defines the Bundestag and Bundesrat as two separate legislative institutions. Hence, the federal legislature of Germany consists of two unicameral legislative institutions, not one bicameral parliament.}}
|leader_title1 = ]
| area_km2 = 357,596
|leader_name1 = ]
| area_footnote = <ref name=area>{{Cite web |title=Germany |url=https://www.statistikportal.de/de/bevoelkerung/flaeche-und-bevoelkerung |accessdate=9 November 2024 |website=statistikportal.de |language=en}}</ref>
|leader_title2 = ]
| area_rank = 63rd <!-- Area rank should match ] -->
|leader_name2 = ]
| area_sq_mi = 138,058 <!--Do not remove per ]-->
|leader_title3 = ]
| percent_water = 1.27<ref>{{cite web|title=Surface water and surface water change|accessdate=11 October 2020|publisher=]|url=https://stats.oecd.org/Index.aspx?DataSetCode=SURFACE_WATER#|archivedate=24 March 2021|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210324133453/https://stats.oecd.org/Index.aspx?DataSetCode=SURFACE_WATER|url-status=live}}</ref>
|leader_name3 = ]
| population_census = {{increase neutral}} 82,719,540<ref name="Census2022.DE">{{cite web|url=https://www.zensus2022.de/DE/Ergebnisse-des-Zensus/_inhalt.html#toc-2 |title=Ergebnisse des Zensus 2022 – Bevölkerung (15.05.2022) |publisher=] |website=www.destatis.de |date=2024-06-25 |access-date=2024-06-25 |language=german}}</ref>
|leader_title4 = ]
| population_census_year = 2022
|leader_name4 = ]
| population_census_rank = 19th
<!---
| population_density_km2 = 236
|leader_title5 = '']''
| population_density_sq_mi = 601 <!--Do not remove per ]-->
|leader_name5 = '']''
| population_density_rank = 58th
---->
| GDP_PPP = {{increase}} $6.017&nbsp;trillion<ref name="IMFWEO.DE">{{cite web |url=https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/WEO/weo-database/2024/October/weo-report?c=134,&s=NGDPD,PPPGDP,NGDPDPC,PPPPC,&sy=2022&ey=2029&ssm=0&scsm=1&scc=0&ssd=1&ssc=0&sic=0&sort=country&ds=.&br=1 |title=World Economic Outlook Database, October 2024 Edition. (Germany) |publisher=] |website=www.imf.org |date=22 October 2024 |access-date=11 November 2024}}</ref>
|legislature = {{clear}}
| GDP_PPP_rank = 6th
|upper_house = ]
| GDP_PPP_year = 2024
|lower_house = ]
| GDP_PPP_per_capita = {{increase}} $70,930<ref name="IMFWEO.DE" />
|sovereignty_type = ]
| GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank = 22nd
|established_event1 = ]
| GDP_nominal = {{increase}} $4.710&nbsp;trillion<ref name="IMFWEO.DE" />
|established_date1 = 2 February 962
| GDP_nominal_rank = 3rd
|established_event2 = ]
| GDP_nominal_year = 2024
|established_date2 = 8 June 1815
| GDP_nominal_per_capita = {{increase}} $55,521<ref name="IMFWEO.DE" />
|established_event3 = ]
| GDP_nominal_per_capita_rank = 17th
|established_date3 = 18 January 1871
| Gini = 29.4 <!--number only-->
|established_event4 = ]
| Gini_year = 2023
|established_date4 = 23 May 1949
| Gini_change = increase <!--increase/decrease/steady-->
|established_event6 = ]
| Gini_ref = <ref name="eurogini">{{cite web|url=https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/databrowser/view/tessi190/default/table?lang=en|title=Gini coefficient of equivalised disposable income|publisher=]|accessdate=17 September 2024|archive-date=9 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201009091832/https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/databrowser/view/tessi190/default/table?lang=en|url-status=live}}</ref>
|established_date6 = 3 October 1990
| Gini_rank =
|area_km2 = 357,168
| HDI = 0.950 <!--number only-->
|area_sq_mi = 137,847 <!--Do not remove per ]-->
| HDI_year = 2022<!-- Please use the year to which the data refers, not the publication year-->
|area_rank = 63rd
| HDI_change = increase<!--increase/decrease/steady-->
|area_magnitude = 1 E11
| HDI_ref = <ref name="UNHDR">{{cite web|url=https://hdr.undp.org/system/files/documents/global-report-document/hdr2023-24reporten.pdf|title=Human Development Report 2023/24|language=en|publisher=]|date=13 March 2024|archive-date=13 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240313164319/https://hdr.undp.org/system/files/documents/global-report-document/hdr2023-24reporten.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
|percent_water = 2.416
| HDI_rank = 7th
|population_census = 80,219,695<ref name="File 2013">. Retrieved 1 June 2013.</ref>
| currency = ] (])
|population_census_year = 2011
| currency_code = EUR
|population_census_rank = 16th
| time_zone = ]
|population_estimate = 80,209,997<ref>''Statistisches Bundesamt'': . Retrieved 16 December 2013.</ref>
| utc_offset = +1
|population_estimate_year = 2014
| utc_offset_DST = +2
|population_estimate_rank = 16th
| time_zone_DST = ]
|population_density_km2 = 225
| cctld = ]
|population_density_sq_mi = 583 <!--Do not remove per ]-->
| calling_code = ]
|population_density_rank = 58th
| today =
|GDP_PPP_year = 2014
| drives_on = Right
|GDP_PPP = $3.338 trillion<ref name=IMF>{{cite web |url=http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2014/01/weodata/weorept.aspx?pr.x=30&pr.y=6&sy=2014&ey=2014&scsm=1&ssd=1&sort=country&ds=.&br=1&c=134&s=NGDPD%2CNGDPDPC%2CPPPGDP%2CPPPPC&grp=0&a= |title=Germany |publisher=International Monetary Fund |date=April 2014 |accessdate=26 April 2014}}</ref>
| date_format = {{hlist|Day, month, year|Year, month, day}}
|GDP_PPP_rank = 5th
|GDP_PPP_per_capita = $41,248<ref name=IMF/>
|GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank = 15th
|GDP_nominal = $3.876 trillion<ref name=IMF/>
|GDP_nominal_rank = 4th
|GDP_nominal_per_capita_rank = 18th
|GDP_nominal_year = 2014
|GDP_nominal_per_capita = $47,893<ref name=IMF/>
|Gini_year = 2011
|Gini_change = <!--increase/decrease/steady-->
|Gini = 29.0 <!--number only-->
| Gini_ref = <ref name=eurogini>{{cite web|title=Gini coefficient of equivalised disposable income (source: SILC)|url=http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=ilc_di12|publisher=Eurostat Data Explorer|accessdate=13 August 2013}}</ref>
|Gini_rank =
|HDI_year = 2013
|HDI_change = increase <!--increase/decrease/steady-->
|HDI = 0.920 <!--number only-->
|HDI_ref = <ref>{{cite web |url=http://hdr.undp.org/en/media/HDR_2013_CH.pdf |title=Human Development Report 2013 |year=2013|publisher=UN |accessdate=14 March 2013}}</ref>
|HDI_rank = 5th
|currency = ] (])
|currency_code = EUR
|time_zone = CET
|utc_offset = +1
|time_zone_DST = CEST
|utc_offset_DST = +2
|drives_on = right
|cctld = ]&nbsp;{{ref|b}}
|calling_code = ]
|footnote_a = {{note|a}} ], ], ], ], and ] are officially recognised by the ].
|footnote_b = {{note|b}} The ] domain is also used, as it is shared with other ] member states.
}} }}
'''Germany''',{{efn|{{native name|de|Deutschland}}, {{IPA|de|ˈdɔʏtʃlant|lang|De-Deutschland.ogg}}}} officially the '''Federal Republic of Germany''',{{efn|{{native name|de|Bundesrepublik Deutschland}}, {{IPA|de|ˈbʊndəsʁepuˌbliːk ˈdɔʏtʃlant|lang|De-Bundesrepublik Deutschland.ogg}}<ref>{{cite book|title=Duden, Aussprachewörterbuch|publisher=Dudenverlag|year=2005|isbn=978-3-411-04066-7|editor-last=Mangold|editor-first=Max|edition=6th|pages=271, 53f|language=de}}</ref>}} is a country in ]. It lies between the ] and ] to the north and the ] to the south. Its sixteen ] have a total population of over 82 million in an area of {{convert|357596|km2|abbr=on}}, making it the most populous ]. It borders ] to the north, ] and the ] to the east, ] and ] to the south, and ], ], ], and the ] to the west. The ] and ] is ] and its main financial centre is ]; the largest urban area is the ].


Settlement in the territory of modern Germany began in the ], with various tribes inhabiting it from the ] onward, chiefly the ]. Various ] ] have inhabited the northern parts of modern Germany since ]. A region named ] was documented before AD 100. In 962, the ] formed the bulk of the ]. During the 16th century, ] became the centre of the ]. Following the ] and the dissolution of the Holy Roman Empire in 1806, the ] was formed in 1815.
'''Germany''' ({{IPAc-en|audio=En-uk-Germany.ogg|ˈ|dʒ|ɜr|m|ə|n|i}}; {{lang-de|Deutschland}}), officially the '''Federal Republic of Germany''' ({{lang-de|Bundesrepublik Deutschland}}, {{IPA-de|ˈbʊndəsʁepuˌbliːk ˈdɔʏtʃlant|pron|De-Bundesrepublik_Deutschland.ogg}}),<ref>{{cite book |editor=Mangold, Max |title=Duden, Aussprachewörterbuch |edition=6th |year=1995 |publisher=Dudenverlag |language=German |isbn= 978-3-411-20916-3 |pages=271, 53f}}</ref> is a ] ] in ]-]. The country consists of ] and its capital and ] is ]. Germany covers an area of {{convert|357,021|km2|sqmi}} and has a largely temperate seasonal climate. With 80.6&nbsp;million inhabitants, it is the most populous member state in the ]. Germany is the major economic and political power of the European continent and a historic leader in many cultural, theoretical and technical fields.


Formal ] into the modern ] commenced on 18 August 1866 with the ] establishing the ]-led ], which became the ] in 1871. After ] and the ], the Empire was replaced by the ]. The ] in 1933 led to the establishment of ], ], and ]. In 1949, ] and ], Germany was organized into ] with limited sovereignty: the Federal Republic of Germany, or ], and the German Democratic Republic, or ]. Berlin continued its '']'' ]. The Federal Republic of Germany was a founding member of the ] and the ], while the German Democratic Republic was a communist ] state and member of the ]. After ] of the ] in East Germany, ] saw the ] join the Federal Republic of Germany on ].
Various ] occupied what is now northern Germany and southern Scandinavia since ]. A region named ] was ] by the ] before AD&nbsp;100. During the ] that coincided with the ], the Germanic tribes expanded southward and established kingdoms throughout much of Europe. Beginning in the 10th century, German territories formed a central part of the ].<ref>The Latin name ''Sacrum Imperium'' (Holy Empire) is documented as far back as 1157. The Latin name ''Sacrum Romanum Imperium'' (Holy Roman Empire) was first documented in 1254. The full name "Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation" (''Heiliges Römisches Reich Deutscher Nation'') dates back to the 15th century.<br/>{{cite book | last = Zippelius| first = Reinhold| title = Kleine deutsche Verfassungsgeschichte: vom frühen Mittelalter bis zur Gegenwart| trans_title = Brief German Constitutional History: from the Early Middle Ages to the Present| edition = 7th| origyear = 1994| year = 2006| publisher =Beck| location = Munich| language = German| isbn = 978-3-406-47638-9| page = 25}}</ref> During the 16th century, northern German regions became the centre of the ]. Occupied during the ], the rise of ] inside the ] resulted in the ] in 1871 into the ], which was dominated by ].


Germany has been described as a ] with ]; it has the ]. As a global power in industrial, ] sectors, it is both the world's ] and ]. As a ], it ], ], and ]. Germany is a member of the ], ], ] and ], and a founding member of the European Union, ] and ]. It has the ] of UNESCO ]s, ], of which 51 are cultural.
After the ] and the subsequent military surrender in ], the Empire was replaced by the parliamentary ] in 1918, with some of its territory partitioned in the ]. Despite its lead in many scientific and cultural fields at this time, Germany nonetheless endured significant economic and political instability, which intensified during the ] and contributed to ] of the ] in 1933. The subsequent rise of ] led to ]. After 1945, Germany was divided by ], and evolved into two states, ] and ]. In 1990, the country was ].


== Etymology ==
Germany has the world's ] and the ]. As a global leader in several industrial and technological sectors, it is the ] and ] of goods. It is a ] with a ], featuring comprehensive ] that includes the world's oldest ] system. Known for its rich ] and ] ], Germany has been the home of many influential ], ], ]. Germany was a founding member of the ] in 1957, which became the ] in 1993. It is part of the ], and has been a member of the ] since 1999. Germany is a ] and is a member of the ], ], the ], the ], the ] and the ].
<!--linked-->
{{Further|Names of Germany|Germani|Germania}}
The English word ''Germany'' derives from the Latin {{lang|la|Germania}}, which came into use after ] adopted it for the peoples east of the ].<ref>{{cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/germany00hage/page/4 |title=Germany: A New History |last=Schulze |first=Hagen |publisher=Harvard University Press |year=1998 |isbn=978-0-674-80688-7 |page= |author-link=Hagen Schulze}}</ref> The ] term {{lang|de|Deutschland}}, originally {{lang|gmh|diutisciu land}} ('the German lands'), is derived from {{wikt-lang|de|deutsch}} (] '']''), descended from ] {{lang|goh|diutisc}} 'of the people' (from {{lang|goh|diot}} or {{lang|goh|diota}} 'people'), originally used to distinguish the ] from ] and its ]. This in turn descends from ] {{lang|gem-x-proto|]}} 'of the people' (see also the Latinised form {{lang|la|]}}), derived from {{lang|gem-x-proto|]}}, descended from ] *''{{PIE|]}}'' 'people', from which the word '']'' also originates.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=iKfYGNwwNVIC&pg=PA523 |title=Etymologisches Wörterbuch des Althochdeutschen, Band II |last1=Lloyd |first1=Albert L. |last2=Lühr |first2=Rosemarie |last3=Springer |first3=Otto |publisher=Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht |year=1998 |isbn=978-3-525-20768-0 |pages=699–704 |language=German |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150911012455/https://books.google.com/books?id=iKfYGNwwNVIC&pg=PA523 |archivedate=11 September 2015 |url-status=live}} (for {{lang|goh|diutisc}}). {{cite book |last1=Lloyd |first1=Albert L. |title=Etymologisches Wörterbuch des Althochdeutschen, Band II |year=1998 |publisher=Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht |isbn=978-3-525-20768-0 |pages=685–686|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=iKfYGNwwNVIC&pg=PA516 |last2=Lühr |first2=Rosemarie |last3=Springer |first3=Otto |language=German |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150916000730/https://books.google.com/books?id=iKfYGNwwNVIC&pg=PA516 |archivedate=16 September 2015 }} (for {{lang|goh|diot}}).</ref>


== History ==
==Etymology==<!--linked-->
{{Main|Names of Germany}}
The English word ''Germany'' derives from the Latin ], which came into use after ] adopted it for the peoples east of the ].<ref>{{cite book |last= Schulze |first=Hagen |authorlink=Hagen Schulze |title=Germany: A New History |publisher= Harvard University Press |page=4 |year=1998 |isbn= 0-674-80688-3}}</ref> More specifically, it was the Gauls who first called the people who crossed east of the Rhine ''Germani'' (which the Romans adopted) as the original Germanic tribes did not refer to themselves as ''Germanus'' or ''Germani''. Thus it was only when on Roman soil that this term was employed and the expression generally connoted those peoples who originally hailed east of the Rhine and/or north of the Danube.<ref>{{cite book |last= Wolfram |first=Herwig |title= The Roman Empire and its Germanic Peoples |publisher= University of California Press |pages=4–5 |year=1997 |isbn= 0-520-08511-6}}</ref> The ] term ''Deutschland'' (originally ''diutisciu land'', "the German lands") is derived from '']'', descended from ] ''diutisc'' "popular" (i.e. belonging to the ''diot'' or ''diota'' "people"), originally used to distinguish the ] from ] and its ]. This in turn descends from ] ] "popular" (see also the Latinised form ]), derived from ], descended from ] ] "people".<ref>{{cite book|last=Lloyd|first=Albert L.|title=Etymologisches Wörterbuch des Althochdeutschen, Band II|year=1998|publisher=Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht|location=Göttingen|isbn=3-525-20768-9|pages=699–704|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=iKfYGNwwNVIC&pg=PA523|coauthors=Lühr, Rosemarie; Springer, Otto|language=German}} (for ''diutisc'')
{{cite book|last=Lloyd|first=Albert L.|title=Etymologisches Wörterbuch des Althochdeutschen, Band II|year=1998|publisher=Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht|location=Göttingen|isbn=3-525-20768-9|pages=685–686|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=iKfYGNwwNVIC&pg=PA516|coauthors=Lühr, Rosemarie; Springer, Otto|language=German}} (for ''diot'')</ref>

==History==
{{Main|History of Germany}} {{Main|History of Germany}}
{{For timeline|Timeline of German history}}


=== Prehistory ===
===Germanic tribes and Frankish Empire===
{{Main|Linear Pottery culture|Unetice culture|Urnfield culture|Celts}}
{{Main|Germania|Migration Period}}
Pre-human ancestors, the '']'', who were present in Germany over 11&nbsp;million years ago, are theorized to be among the earliest ones to walk on two legs.<ref>{{cite news |last1=McRae |first1=Mike |title=We Just Found an 11-Million-Year-Old Ancestor That Hints How Humans Began to Walk |url=https://www.sciencealert.com/discovery-of-a-new-11-million-year-old-ancestor-reveals-how-humans-began-to-walk |work=ScienceAlert |date=6 November 2019 |archive-date=7 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220507215803/https://www.sciencealert.com/discovery-of-a-new-11-million-year-old-ancestor-reveals-how-humans-began-to-walk |url-status=live }}</ref> Ancient humans were present in Germany at least 600,000 years ago.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Wagner |first1=G. A |last2=Krbetschek |first2=M |last3=Degering |first3=D |last4=Bahain |first4=J.-J |last5=Shao |first5=Q |last6=Falgueres |first6=C |last7=Voinchet |first7=P |last8=Dolo |first8=J.-M |last9=Garcia |first9=T |last10=Rightmire |first10=G. P |date=27 August 2010 |title=Radiometric dating of the type-site for Homo heidelbergensis at Mauer, Germany |journal=] |volume=107 |issue=46 |pages=19726–19730 |bibcode=2010PNAS..10719726W |doi=10.1073/pnas.1012722107 |pmc=2993404 |pmid=21041630 |doi-access=free }}</ref> The first non-modern human fossil (the ]) was discovered in the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/who-were-the-neanderthals.html|publisher=Natural History Museum|title=Who were the Neanderthals?|last=Hendry|first=Lisa|date=5 May 2018|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200330003649/https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/who-were-the-neanderthals.html|archivedate=30 March 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Similarly dated evidence of modern humans has been found in the ], including 42,000-year-old ] which are the oldest musical instruments ever found,<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-18196349 |title=Earliest music instruments found |date=25 May 2012 |work=BBC News |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170903041534/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-18196349 |archivedate=3 September 2017 }}</ref> the 40,000-year-old ],<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.theartnewspaper.com/articles/Ice-Age-iLion-Mani-is-worlds-earliest-figurative-sculpture/28595 |title=Ice Age Lion Man is world's earliest figurative sculpture |date=31 January 2013 |website=] |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150215162121/http://www.theartnewspaper.com/articles/Ice-Age-iLion-Mani-is-worlds-earliest-figurative-sculpture/28595 |archivedate=15 February 2015 }}</ref> and the 41,000-year-old ].<ref>{{cite journal|url=https://www.nature.com/articles/nature07995|journal=Nature|volume=459|title=A female figurine from the basal Aurignacian of Hohle Fels Cave in southwestern Germany|last=Conard|first=Nicholas|year=2009|issue=7244|pages=248–252|doi=10.1038/nature07995|pmid=19444215|bibcode=2009Natur.459..248C|s2cid=205216692 |accessdate=12 March 2020|archivedate=12 February 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200212045830/https://www.nature.com/articles/nature07995|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.uni-tuebingen.de/en/news/press-releases/newsfullview-pressemitteilungen/article/es-muss-eigentlich-eine-frau-sein.html | title="It must be a woman" – The female depictions from Hohle Fels date to 40,000 years ago... | publisher=Universität Tübingen | date=July 22, 2016 | access-date=July 26, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161011145105/https://www.uni-tuebingen.de/en/news/press-releases/newsfullview-pressemitteilungen/article/es-muss-eigentlich-eine-frau-sein.html | archive-date=October 11, 2016 | url-status=dead | df=mdy-all }}</ref> The ], created during the ], has been attributed to a German site.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.unesco.org/new/en/communication-and-information/flagship-project-activities/memory-of-the-world/register/full-list-of-registered-heritage/registered-heritage-page-6/nebra-sky-disc/ |title=Nebra Sky Disc |date=2013 |publisher=UNESCO |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141011061740/http://www.unesco.org/new/en/communication-and-information/flagship-project-activities/memory-of-the-world/register/full-list-of-registered-heritage/registered-heritage-page-6/nebra-sky-disc/ |archivedate=11 October 2014 }}</ref>
]
The ] are ] the ] or the ]. From southern Scandinavia and north Germany, they expanded south, east and west from the 1st century&nbsp;BC, coming into contact with the ]ic tribes of ] as well as ], ], and ] tribes in ] and ].<ref>{{cite book |first =Jill N. |last = Claster |title =Medieval Experience: 300–1400 |publisher =New York University Press |year =1982 |page =35 |isbn=0-8147-1381-5}}</ref> Under ], Rome began to invade Germania (an area extending roughly from the ] to the ]). In AD&nbsp;9, three ]s led by ] were ] by the ] leader ]. By AD&nbsp;100, when ] wrote '']'', Germanic tribes had settled along the Rhine and the Danube (]), occupying most of the area of modern Germany; Austria, southern ] and the western ], however, were Roman provinces.<ref name="9-13">Fulbrook 1991, pp. 9–13.</ref>


=== Germanic tribes, Roman frontier and the Frankish Empire ===
In the 3rd century a number of large West Germanic tribes emerged: ], ], ], ], ], ], and ]. Around 260, the Germanic peoples broke into Roman-controlled lands.<ref>{{cite book |series= The Cambridge Ancient History |title =The crisis of empire, A.D. 193–337 |volume =12 |page =442 |isbn=0-521-30199-8 |first =Alan K. |last =Bowman |first2 =Peter |last2 =Garnsey |first3 =Averil |last3 =Cameron |publisher =Cambridge University Press |year = 2005}}</ref> After an invasion by the ] in 375, and with the decline of Rome from 395, Germanic tribes moved further south-west. Simultaneously several large tribes formed in what is now Germany and displaced the smaller Germanic tribes. Large areas (known since the ] period as ]) were ], and Northern Germany was ruled by the Saxons and Slavs.<ref name="9-13"/>
{{Main|Jastorf culture|Germanic peoples|Germania|Migration Period|Frankish Realm}}
{{Clear left}}
] in ] ('']''), built in the 4th century]]
The ] are ] from the ] during the ] or early ].<ref name="Heather">{{cite encyclopedia |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Germany/History#ref58082 |title=Germany: Ancient History |last=Heather |first=Peter |author-link=Peter Heather |encyclopedia=] |accessdate=21 November 2020|archivedate=31 March 2019 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331232159/https://www.britannica.com/place/Germany/History#ref58082 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Germanic Tribes (Teutons)|website=History Files |url=https://www.historyfiles.co.uk/KingListsEurope/BarbarianGermanics.htm|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200426121258/https://www.historyfiles.co.uk/KingListsEurope/BarbarianGermanics.htm |archivedate=26 April 2020 |url-status=live|accessdate=16 March 2020}}</ref> From southern ] and ], they expanded south, east, and west, coming into contact with the ], ], ], and ] tribes.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/unset0000unse_g6n9/page/35 |title=Medieval Experience: 300–1400 |last=Claster |first=Jill N. |publisher=New York University Press |year=1982 |isbn=978-0-8147-1381-5 |page=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Hickey |first=Raymond |url=https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/9781119485094.ch16?saml_referrer |title=The Handbook of Language Contact |date=2020 |publisher=John Wiley & Sons Ltd. |isbn=978-1119485025 |edition=2nd |pages=323&ndash;325|doi=10.1002/9781119485094.ch16 }}</ref> Southern Germany was inhabited by Celtic-speaking peoples, who belonged to the wider ]. They were later assimilated by the Germanic conquerors.<ref name="Heather2">{{cite web |last=Heather |first=Peter |author-link=Peter Heather |title=Germany: Ancient History |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Germany/History#ref58082 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331232159/https://www.britannica.com/place/Germany/History#ref58082 |archive-date=31 March 2019 |access-date=21 November 2020 |website=] }}</ref>


Under ], the ] began to invade lands inhabited by the Germanic tribes, creating a short-lived Roman province of ] between the Rhine and ] rivers. In 9&nbsp;AD, three ]s were ] by ] in the ].<ref>{{cite book|page=13|title=The Battle That Stopped Rome: Emperor Augustus, Arminius, and the Slaughter of the Legions in the Teutoburg Forest|last=Wells|first=Peter|publisher=W. W. Norton & Company|year=2004|isbn=978-0-393-35203-0}}</ref> The outcome of this battle dissuaded the Romans from their ambition of conquering ] and is thus considered one of the most important events in ].{{sfn|Murdoch|2004|p=57}} By 100&nbsp;AD, when ] wrote '']'', Germanic tribes had settled along the Rhine and the Danube (the ]), occupying most of modern Germany. However, ], southern ], southern ] and the western ] had been ] into ]s.{{sfn|Fulbrook |1991|pp=9–13}}<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Modi |first=J. J. |date=1916 |title=The Ancient Germans: Their History, Constitution, Religion, Manners and Customs |url=https://archive.org/stream/TheJournalOfTheAnthropologicalSocietyOfBombay/The-Journal-of-the-Anthropological-society-of-Bombay#page/n651/mode/2up |journal=The Journal of the Anthropological Society of Bombay |volume=10 |issue=7 |quote=Raetia (modern Bavaria and the adjoining country) |page=647}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |title=The Cambridge Ancient History: X, The Augustan Empire, 43 B.C. – A.D. 69 |last=Rüger |first=C. |publisher=Cambridge University Press |year=2004 |isbn=978-0-521-26430-3 |editor-last=Bowman |editor-first=Alan K. |edition=2nd |volume=10 |pages=527–28 |chapter=Germany |orig-year=1996 |editor-last2=Champlin |editor-first2=Edward |editor-last3=Lintott |editor-first3=Andrew |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JZLW4-wba7UC&pg=PA528 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161223193524/https://books.google.com/books?id=JZLW4-wba7UC&pg=PA528 |archivedate=23 December 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>
===Holy Roman Empire===
{{multiple image
|align=left|direction=vertical|width=160
|image1=Weltliche Schatzkammer Wien (189)2.JPG|160
|caption1=The ] of the ] of the ]
|image2=Holy Roman Empire ca.1600.svg|160
|caption2=Map of the ''] of German Nation'' in 1600 (in today's state borders)
}}


Around 260, Germanic peoples broke into Roman-controlled lands.<ref>{{Cite book |title=The crisis of empire, A.D. 193–337 |last1=Bowman |first1=Alan K. |last2=Garnsey |first2=Peter |last3=Cameron |first3=Averil |publisher=Cambridge University Press |year=2005 |isbn=978-0-521-30199-2 |series=The Cambridge Ancient History |volume=12 |page=442}}</ref> After the invasion of the ] in 375, and with the decline of Rome from 395, Germanic tribes moved farther southwest: the Franks established the ] and pushed east to subjugate ] and ]. Areas of what is today eastern Germany were inhabited by ] tribes.{{sfn|Fulbrook |1991|pp=9–13}}
{{Main|Holy Roman Empire}}


On 25 December 800, the Frankish king ] was crowned emperor and founded the ], which was ].<ref name="f11">Fulbrook 1991, p. 11.</ref> Frankish rule was extended under Charlemagne's sons and then later by his grandson 'Louis the German' who was referred to as ''Germanicus'', but the Carolingian Empire he ruled was the old ''Germania'' (to the right of the Rhine) and this geographical portion of the east Frankish kingdom additionally subsumed an assemblage of Alamanni, Bavarians, Main Franks, Saxons, Thuringians, Slavic tribes from the Baltic and Adriatic, and even some Pannonian Avars.<ref>Wolfram (1997), ''The Roman Empire and its Germanic Peoples'', p. 11.</ref> As such, the Holy Roman Empire comprised the ] of Charlemagne's original kingdom and emerged as the strongest, some of this consequent to the aforementioned reign of 'Louis the German' and its extended cohesion was achieved through the unification efforts of ] (911-918).<ref>Peter Heather, ''Empires and Barbarians: The Fall of Rome and the Birth of Europe'' (Oxford and New York: Oxford University Press, 2009),368.</ref> Its territory stretched from the ] in the north to the ] coast in the south.<ref name="f11"/> Under the reign of the ] emperors (919–1024), several major ] were consolidated, and the German king ] was crowned ] of these regions in 962. In 996 ] became the first German Pope, appointed by his cousin ], whom he shortly after crowned ].<ref>Richard P. McBrien, ''Lives of the Popes: The Pontiffs from St. Peter to Benedict XVI'', (HarperCollins Publishers, 2000), 138.</ref> The Holy Roman Empire absorbed northern Italy and ] under the reign of the ] emperors (1024–1125), although the emperors lost power through the ].<ref>The lumping of Germanic people into the generic term 'Germans' has its roots in the Investiture Controversy according to historian Herwig Wolfram, who claims it was a defensive move made by the papacy to delineate them as outsiders, partly due to the papacy's insecurity and so as to justify counterattacks upon them. See: Herwig Wolfram, ''The Roman Empire and its Germanic Peoples'' (Berkeley and Los Angeles, California University Press, 1997), 11-13.</ref>

] initiated the ]]]
Under the ] emperors (1138–1254), the German princes increased their influence further south and east into territories inhabited by ], preceding ] in these areas and further east ''(])''. Northern German towns grew prosperous as members of the ].<ref>Fulbrook 1991, pp. 13–24.</ref> Starting with the ] in 1315, then the ] of 1348–50, the population of Germany plummeted.<ref>{{cite book |url =http://www.vlib.us/medieval/lectures/black_death.html |title =The Great Famine (1315–1317) and the Black Death (1346–1351) |first =Lynn Harry |last =Nelson |publisher =University of Kansas |accessdate =19 March 2011}}</ref> The edict of the ] in 1356 provided the basic constitution of the empire and codified the election of the emperor by seven ]s who ruled some of the most powerful principalities and archbishoprics.<ref>Fulbrook 1991, p. 27.</ref>

] publicised ] in 1517 in Wittenberg, challenging the beliefs of the Roman Catholic Church and initiating the ]. A separate ] church became the official religion in many German states after 1530. Religious conflict led to the ] (1618–1648), which devastated German lands.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Philpott|first=Daniel|title=The Religious Roots of Modern International Relations|journal=World Politics|date=January 2000|volume=52|issue=2|pages=206–245|doi=10.1017/S0043887100002604}}</ref> The population of the German states was reduced by about 30%.<ref>{{cite book |title =The savage wars of peace: England, Japan and the Malthusian trap |first =Alan |last= Macfarlane |publisher =Blackwell |year = 1997 |page=51 | isbn= 978-0-631-18117-0}}</ref> The ] (1648) ended religious warfare among the German states, but the empire was ''de facto'' divided into numerous independent principalities. In the 18th century, the Holy Roman Empire consisted of approximately 1,800 such ].<ref>Gagliardo, G., ''Reich and Nation, The Holy Roman Empire as Idea and Reality, 1763–1806'', Indiana University Press, 1980, p. 12-13.</ref>

From 1740 onwards, ] between the Austrian ] and the ] dominated German history. In 1806, the ''Imperium'' was overrun and dissolved as a result of the ].<ref>Fulbrook 1991, p. 97.</ref>
{{Clear left}} {{Clear left}}


===German Confederation and Empire=== === East Francia and the Holy Roman Empire ===
{{Main|German Confederation|German Empire|Pan-Germanism}} {{Main|East Francia|Holy Roman Empire}}
] in 843]]
]: ] (], 19 March 1848)]]
], born in ] in 1483, challenged the indulgences of the ], giving rise to the ] and ].]]
] in ], 1871. ] is at the center in a white uniform.]]
] founded the ] in 800; it was ].{{sfn|Fulbrook |1991|p= 11}} The eastern successor kingdom of ] stretched from the Rhine in the west to the Elbe river in the east and from the North Sea to the Alps.{{sfn|Fulbrook |1991|p= 11}} Subsequently, the Holy Roman Empire emerged from it. The ] rulers (919–1024) consolidated several major ].<ref>{{cite book|page=55|title=Franks and Saracens|last=Falk|first=Avner|publisher=Routledge|year=2018|isbn=978-0-429-89969-0}}</ref> In 996, ] became the first German Pope, appointed by his cousin ], whom he shortly after crowned Holy Roman Emperor. The Holy Roman Empire absorbed northern Italy and ] under the ] emperors (1024–1125), although the emperors lost power through the ].<ref>{{Cite book |title=Lives of the Popes: The Pontiffs from St. Peter to Benedict XVI |last=McBrien, Richard |publisher=HarperCollins |year=2000 |page=138}}</ref>
Following the fall of ], the ] convened in 1814 and founded the German Confederation (Deutscher Bund), a loose league of ]. Disagreement with ] politics partly led to the rise of ] movements, followed by new measures of repression by Austrian statesman ]. The '']'', a tariff union, furthered economic unity in the German states.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Henderson |first=W. O. |title=The Zollverein |journal=History |date=January 1934 |volume=19 |issue=73 |pages=1–19 |doi=10.1111/j.1468-229X.1934.tb01791.x}}</ref> ] and liberal ideals of the ] gained increasing support among many, especially young, Germans. The ] in May 1832 was a main event in support of ], freedom and democracy. In the light of a ], which established a republic ], intellectuals and commoners started the ]. King ] was offered the title of Emperor, but with a loss of power; he rejected the crown and the proposed constitution, leading to a temporary setback for the movement.<ref name="state"/>


Under the ] emperors (1138–1254), German princes encouraged German settlement to the south and east ({{lang|de|]}}).{{sfn|Fulbrook |1991|pp= 19–20}} Members of the ], mostly north German towns, prospered in the expansion of trade.{{sfn|Fulbrook |1991|pp= 13–24}} The population declined starting with the ] in 1315, followed by the ] of 1348–1350.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Nelson |first=Lynn Harry |url=http://www.vlib.us/medieval/lectures/black_death.html |title=The Great Famine (1315–1317) and the Black Death (1346–1351) |publisher=University of Kansas |accessdate=19 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110429072010/http://www.vlib.us/medieval/lectures/black_death.html |archivedate=29 April 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref> The ] issued in 1356 provided the constitutional structure of the Empire and codified the election of the emperor by seven ]s.{{sfn|Fulbrook |1991|p= 27}}
Conflict between King ] of Prussia and the increasingly liberal parliament erupted over military reforms in 1862, and the king appointed ] the new ]. Bismarck successfully waged ] in 1864. Prussian victory in the ] of 1866 enabled him to create the ] (Norddeutscher Bund) and to exclude ], formerly the leading German state, from the federation's affairs. After the French defeat in the ], the German Empire was proclaimed in 1871 in ], uniting all scattered parts of Germany except Austria ({{lang|de|'']''}}, or "Lesser Germany").


] introduced moveable-type printing to Europe, laying the basis for the ].<ref>{{cite book|last=Eisenstein|first=Elizabeth|year=1980|pages=–43|title=The printing press as an agent of change|url=https://archive.org/details/printingpressasa00eise_181|url-access=limited|publisher=Cambridge University Press|isbn=978-0-521-29955-8}}</ref> In 1517, ] incited the Protestant Reformation and ] began the standardization of the language; the 1555 ] tolerated the "Evangelical" faith (]), but also decreed that the faith of the prince was to be the faith of his subjects ({{lang|la|]}}).<ref>{{cite journal |url=https://www.barcelonagse.eu/sites/default/files/working_paper_pdfs/540.pdf|last=Cantoni|first=Davide |title=Adopting a New Religion: The Case of Protestantism in 16th Century Germany|year=2011 |journal=Barcelona GSE Working Paper Series |accessdate=17 March 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170809160613/http://www.barcelonagse.eu/sites/default/files/working_paper_pdfs/540.pdf |archivedate=9 August 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> From the ] through the ]s (1618–1648), religious conflict devastated German lands and significantly reduced the population.<ref name="Philpott">{{Cite journal |last=Philpott |first=Daniel |date=January 2000 |title=The Religious Roots of Modern International Relations |journal=World Politics |volume=52 |issue=2 |pages=206–245 |doi=10.1017/S0043887100002604|s2cid=40773221 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/savagewarsofpeac0000macf/page/51 |title=The Savage Wars of Peace: England, Japan and the Malthusian Trap |last=Macfarlane |first=Alan |publisher=Blackwell |year=1997 |isbn=978-0-631-18117-0 |page=}}</ref>
] (1871–1918), with the dominant ] in blue]]
With almost two-thirds of its territory and population, Prussia was the dominating constituent of the new state; the ] King of Prussia ruled as its concurrent Emperor, and Berlin became its capital.<ref name="state"/> In the {{lang|de|'']''}} period following the ], Bismarck's foreign policy as ] under Emperor William I secured Germany's position as a great nation by forging alliances, isolating ] by diplomatic means, and avoiding war. As a result of the ] in 1884 Germany claimed several ] including ], ], ], and ].<ref>{{cite book |title=100 maps |year=2005 |publisher=Sterling Publishing |isbn=978-1-4027-2885-3 |editor=Black, John |page=202}}</ref> Under ], however, Germany, like other European powers, took an ] course leading to friction with neighbouring countries. Most alliances in which Germany had previously been involved were not renewed, and new alliances excluded the country.<ref>Fulbrook 1991, pp. 135, 149.</ref>


The ] ended religious warfare among the ]s.<ref name="Philpott" /> The legal system initiated by a series of ]s (approximately 1495–1555) provided for considerable local autonomy and a stronger ].<ref>{{cite book|page=113 |title=Law and Empire: Ideas, Practices, Actors|editor1=Jeroen Duindam |editor2=Jill Diana Harries |editor3=Caroline Humfress |editor4=Hurvitz Nimrod |publisher=Brill|year=2013|isbn=978-90-04-24951-6}}</ref> The ] held the imperial crown from 1438 until the death of ] in 1740. Following the ] and the ], Charles VI's daughter ] ruled as ] when her husband, ], became emperor.<ref>{{cite book|page=|title=Cultures of Power in Europe during the Long Eighteenth Century|editor1=Hamish Scott |editor2=Brendan Simms|year=2007 |url=https://archive.org/details/culturespowereur00scot_130|url-access=limited|isbn=978-1-139-46377-5 |publisher=Cambridge University Press}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|publisher=British Museum|accessdate=15 March 2020|url=https://research.britishmuseum.org/research/search_the_collection_database/term_details.aspx?bioId=49231|title=Maria Theresa, Holy Roman Empress and Queen of Hungary and Bohemia|archivedate=20 June 2021|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210620152726/https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/term/BIOG111929|url-status=live}}</ref>
The ] of ] on 28 June 1914 triggered ]. Germany, as part of the ], suffered defeat against the ] in ] conflicts of all time. An estimated two million German soldiers died in World War I.<ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/0,1518,530319,00.html |title = Last German World War I Veteran Believed to Have Died |work =Spiegel Online |date =22 January 2008 |first =David |last =Crossland |accessdate=25 March 2011}}</ref> The ] broke out in November 1918, and Emperor Wilhelm II and all German ruling princes ]. An ] ended the war on 11 November, and Germany was forced to sign the ] in June 1919. The treaty was perceived in Germany as a humiliating continuation of the war, and is often cited as an influence in the rise of ].<ref>{{cite book |first =Stephen J. |last =Lee |title =Europe, 1890–1945 |publisher =Routledge |year =2003 |page =131 |isbn = 978-0-415-25455-7}}</ref>
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From 1740, ] between the Austrian ] and the ] dominated German history. In 1772, 1793, and 1795, Prussia and Austria, along with the ], agreed to the ].<ref>{{Cite book |title=A History of Eastern Europe: Crisis and Change |url=https://archive.org/details/historyeasterneu00bide_296 |url-access=limited |last1=Bideleux |first1=Robert |last2=Jeffries |first2=Ian |publisher=Routledge |year=1998 |page=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |title=Region, State and Identity in Central and Eastern Europe |last1=Batt |first1=Judy |last2=Wolczuk |first2=Kataryna |publisher=Routledge |year=2002 |page=153}}</ref> During the period of the ], the ] and the subsequent ], most of the ] were annexed by dynastic territories; the ecclesiastical territories were secularised and annexed. In 1806 the {{lang|de|Imperium}} was dissolved; France, Russia, Prussia, and the Habsburgs (Austria) competed for hegemony in the German states during the ].{{sfn|Fulbrook |1991|p= 97}}
===Weimar Republic and the Third Reich===
{{Main|Weimar Republic|Nazi Germany}}
], '']'' <ref>{{cite book|last=Schmitz-Berning|first=Cornelia|title=Vokabular des Nationalsozialismus|chapter=Führer, Der Führer|location=Berlin|year=1998 (2000 reprint)|pages=240–245|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=9jmWOMks6bkC&pg=PA243#v=onepage&q&f=false}} {{cite web|url = http://www.bpb.de/geschichte/nationalsozialismus/dossier-nationalsozialismus/39548/gleichschaltung?p=5 |title = Beginn der nationalsozialistischen Herrschaft (Teil 2) |first = Hans-Ulrich |last = Thamer |year = 2003 |work = Nationalsozialismus I |publisher = Federal Agency for Civic Education |location = Bonn |language = German |accessdate =5 April 2012 |quote = President ] died on 2 August 1934. The day before, the cabinet had approved a submission making Hitler his successor. The office of the president was to be dissolved and united with that of the chancellor under the name "Führer und Reichskanzler". However, this was in breach of the Enabling Act (shortened & paraphrased).}}</ref> of ]]]
At the beginning of the ] in November 1918, Germany was declared a ]. However, the struggle for power continued, with radical-left ] ]. The revolution came to an end on 11 August 1919, when the democratic ] was signed by ] ].<ref>Fulbrook 1991, pp. 156–160.</ref> An era of increasing national confidence, a very liberal cultural life and decade of economic prosperity followed - known as the ].
Suffering from the ] of 1929, the harsh peace conditions dictated by the ], and a long succession of unstable governments, Germans increasingly lacked identification with the government in the early 1930s. This was exacerbated by a widespread right-wing {{lang|de|''Dolchstoßlegende''}}, or ], which argued that Germany had lost World War I because of those who wanted to overthrow the government. The Weimar government was accused of betraying Germany by signing the Versailles Treaty.


=== German Confederation and Empire ===
By 1932, the ] and the ] controlled the majority of ], fuelled by discontent with the Weimar government. After a series of unsuccessful cabinets, President ] appointed ] as Chancellor of Germany on 30 January 1933.<ref>Fulbrook 1991, pp. 155–158, 172–177.</ref> On 27 February 1933 the ] building went up in flames, and a consequent ] abrogated basic citizens' rights. An ] passed in parliament gave Hitler unrestricted legislative power. Only the ] voted against it, while ] ] had already been imprisoned.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dhm.de/lemo/html/nazi/innenpolitik/ermaechtigungsgesetz/index.html |title=Das Ermächtigungsgesetz 1933 |accessdate=25 March 2011 |publisher=]|language=German}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last= Stackelberg| first =Roderick |year =1999 |title= Hitler's Germany: Origins, interpretations, legacies |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-0-415-20115-5 |page =103}}</ref> Using his powers to crush any actual or potential resistance, Hitler established a centralised ] within months. Industry was revitalised with a focus on military rearmament.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.dhm.de/lemo/html/nazi/wirtschaft/index.html |title=Industrie und Wirtschaft |accessdate=25 March 2011 |publisher=Deutsches Historisches Museum |language=German}}</ref>
{{Main|German question|German Confederation|Unification of Germany|German Empire|German colonial empire}}
] in 1815]]
Following the fall of ], the ] founded the German Confederation, a loose league of ]. The appointment of the ] as the permanent president reflected the Congress's rejection of ]'s rising influence. Disagreement within ] politics partly led to the rise of ] movements, followed by new measures of repression by Austrian statesman ].<ref>{{cite book|pages=307–308|title=The Wiley-Blackwell Dictionary of Modern European History Since 1789|editor1=Nicholas Atkin |editor2=Michael Biddiss |editor3=Frank Tallett|publisher=Wiley|year=2011|isbn=978-1-4443-9072-8}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|chapter=Austria, Prussia, and the German Confederation: The Defense of Central Europe, 1815–1854|last=Sondhaus|first=Lawrence|pages=50–74|editor1=Talbot C. Imlay |editor2=Monica Duffy Toft|title=The Fog of Peace and War Planning: Military and Strategic Planning under Uncertainty|publisher=Routledge|year=2007|isbn=978-1-134-21088-6}}</ref> The {{lang|de|]}}, a tariff union, furthered economic unity.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Henderson |first=W. O. |date=January 1934 |title=The Zollverein |journal=History |volume=19 |issue=73 |pages=1–19 |doi=10.1111/j.1468-229X.1934.tb01791.x}}</ref> In light of ], intellectuals and commoners started the ], raising the German question. King ] was offered the title of emperor, but with a loss of power; he rejected the crown and the proposed constitution, a temporary setback for the movement.<ref>{{cite journal|jstor=40963126|title='The Old Forms are Breaking Up, ... Our New Germany is Rebuilding Itself': Constitutionalism, Nationalism and the Creation of a German Polity during the Revolutions of 1848–49|last=Hewitson|first=Mark|journal=The English Historical Review|volume=125|number=516|pages=1173–1214|year=2010|doi=10.1093/ehr/ceq276}}</ref>


], the main residence of the House of Hohenzollern]]
In 1935, Germany reacquired control of the ] and in 1936 military control of the ], both of which had been lost in the Treaty of Versailles.<ref>Fulbrook 1991, pp. 188–189.</ref> In 1938, ] was ], and in 1939, ] was brought under German control. The ] was prepared through the ] and ]. On 1 September 1939 the German ] launched a ] on ], which was swiftly occupied by Germany and by the Soviet ]. The UK and France declared war on Germany, marking the beginning of ].<ref name="Fulbrook 190">Fulbrook 1991, pp. 190–195.</ref> As the war progressed, Germany and its ] quickly gained control of most of ] and ], though plans to ] to an armistice or surrender failed. On 22 June 1941, Germany broke the Molotov–Ribbentrop pact and ]. ]'s ] led Germany to declare war on the ]. The ] forced the German army to retreat on the ].<ref name="Fulbrook 190"/>
King ] appointed ] as the ] in 1862. Bismarck successfully concluded the ]; the subsequent decisive Prussian victory in the ] of 1866 enabled him to create the ] which excluded ]. After the defeat of France in the ], the German princes proclaimed the founding of the German Empire in 1871. Prussia was the dominant constituent state of the new empire; the King of Prussia ruled as its Kaiser, and Berlin became its capital.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://history.state.gov/countries/issues/german-unification|title=Issues Relevant to U.S. Foreign Diplomacy: Unification of German States|publisher=US Department of State Office of the Historian|accessdate=18 March 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20191001095812/https://history.state.gov/countries/issues/german-unification|archivedate=1 October 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="bismarck">{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/bismarck_otto_von.shtml|title=Otto von Bismarck (1815–1898)|publisher=BBC|accessdate=18 March 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20191127025023/http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/bismarck_otto_von.shtml|archivedate=27 November 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>


In the {{lang|de|]}} period following the unification of Germany, Bismarck's foreign policy as ] secured Germany's position as a great nation by forging alliances and avoiding war.<ref name="bismarck" /> However, under ], Germany took an ] course, leading to friction with neighbouring countries.<ref>{{cite journal|jstor=260734 |title=Kaiser Wilhelm II and German Politics|journal=Journal of Contemporary History|volume=25|year=1990|pages=289–316 |last1=Mommsen|first1=Wolfgang J.|issue=2/3|doi=10.1177/002200949002500207|s2cid=154177053 }}</ref> A ] was created with the ] of ]; the ] included Italy. Britain, France and Russia also concluded alliances to protect against Habsburg interference with Russian interests in the Balkans or German interference against France.{{sfn|Fulbrook |1991|pp= 135, 149}} At the ] in 1884, Germany claimed several ] including ], ], ], and ].<ref>{{Cite book |title=100 maps |publisher=Sterling Publishing |year=2005 |isbn=978-1-4027-2885-3 |editor-last=Black, John |page=202}}</ref> Later, Germany further expanded its colonial empire to include holdings in the Pacific and China.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thediplomat.com/2014/10/how-imperial-germany-lost-asia/|magazine=The Diplomat|title=How Imperial Germany Lost Asia|last=Farley|first=Robert|date=17 October 2014|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200319015901/https://thediplomat.com/2014/10/how-imperial-germany-lost-asia/|archivedate=19 March 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> The colonial government in South West Africa (present-day ]), from 1904 to 1907, carried out the ] as punishment for an uprising;<ref>{{cite book|last1=Olusoga|first1= David |last2= Erichsen|first2= Casper |year=2010|title= The Kaiser's Holocaust: Germany's Forgotten Genocide and the Colonial Roots of Nazism|publisher= Faber and Faber|isbn=978-0-571-23141-6}}</ref><ref name="Bazyler">{{Cite book|title=Holocaust, Genocide, and the Law: A Quest for Justice in a Post-Holocaust World|author=Michael Bazyler|author-link=Michael Bazyler|date=2016|pages=169–70|publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref> this was the 20th century's first ].<ref name="Bazyler" />
]]]In September 1943, Germany's ally Italy surrendered, and German troops were forced to defend an additional front in Italy. ] opened a ], as Allied forces advanced towards German territory. On 8 May 1945, ] after the Red Army occupied Berlin.<ref>{{cite book |last=Steinberg |first=Heinz Günter |title=Die Bevölkerungsentwicklung in Deutschland im Zweiten Weltkrieg: mit einem Überblick über die Entwicklung von 1945 bis 1990 |year=1991 |publisher=Kulturstiftung der dt. Vertriebenen |isbn=978-3-88557-089-9 |language=German}}</ref>


] of ] on 28 June 1914 provided the pretext for Austria-Hungary to attack Serbia and trigger ]. After four years of warfare, in which approximately two million German soldiers were killed,<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/aged-107-last-german-world-war-i-veteran-believed-to-have-died-a-530319.html |title=Last German World War I veteran believed to have died |last=Crossland |first=David |date=22 January 2008 |work=Spiegel Online |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121008172434/http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/aged-107-last-german-world-war-i-veteran-believed-to-have-died-a-530319.html |archivedate=8 October 2012 }}</ref> a ] ended the fighting. In the ] (November 1918), Wilhelm II and the ruling princes ] their positions, and Germany was declared a ]. Germany's new leadership signed the ] in 1919, accepting defeat by the ]. Germans perceived the treaty as humiliating, which was seen by historians as influential in the rise of ].<ref>{{Cite book |title=Versailles: A Reassessment after 75 Years |last1=Boemeke |first1=Manfred F. |last2=Feldman |first2=Gerald D. |last3=Glaser |first3=Elisabeth |publisher=Cambridge University Press |year=1998 |isbn=978-0-521-62132-8 |series=Publications of the German Historical Institute |pages=1–20, 203–220, 469–505 }}</ref> Germany lost around 13% of its European territory and ceded all of its colonial possessions in Africa and the Pacific.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.ushmm.org/outreach/en/media_nm.php?MediaId=1620 |title=GERMAN TERRITORIAL LOSSES, TREATY OF VERSAILLES, 1919 |publisher=United States Holocaust Memorial Museum |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160704070745/https://www.ushmm.org/outreach/en/media_nm.php?MediaId=1620 |archivedate=4 July 2016 |accessdate=11 June 2016}}</ref>
In what later became known as ], the Third Reich regime had enacted policies directly subjugating many dissidents and minorities. Millions of people were murdered by the Nazis during the Holocaust, including several million ], ], ], ], ], ], ], and ].<ref>{{cite book |last=Niewyk |first=Donald L. |title=The Columbia Guide to the Holocaust |year=2000 |publisher=Columbia University Press |pages=45–52 |author2=Nicosia, Francis R. |isbn =978-0-231-11200-0}}</ref> World War II was responsible for ].<ref>{{cite news | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/4530565.stm | title = Leaders mourn Soviet wartime dead | work = BBC News | date=9 May 2005 |accessdate=18 March 2011 }}</ref> The ] are estimated at 5.3 million German soldiers,<ref name="Rűdiger Overmans 2000">Rűdiger Overmans. ''Deutsche militärische Verluste im Zweiten Weltkrieg''. Oldenbourg 2000. ISBN 3-486-56531-1</ref> millions of ];<ref>Das Deutsche Reich und der Zweite Weltkrieg, Bd. 9/1, ISBN 3-421-06236-6. Page 460 (This study was prepared by the ], an agency of the German government)</ref><ref>Bonn : Kulturstiftung der Deutschen Vertriebenen, ''Vertreibung und Vertreibungsverbrechen, 1945–1948 : Bericht des Bundesarchivs vom 28. Mai 1974 : Archivalien und ausgewählte Erlebnisberichte'' / . Bonn :1989 ISBN 3-88557-067-X. (This is a study of German expulsion casualties due to "war crimes" prepared by the German government Archives)</ref> and losing the war resulted in ]; ] from ] and other formerly occupied ]; ];<ref>{{cite book |last =Beevor |first =Antony |authorlink =Antony Beevor |title =Berlin: The downfall 1945 |origyear =2002 |year =2003 |publisher =Penguin |isbn =978-0-14-028696-0 |pages =31–32, 409–412}}</ref> and the ]. The ] of ] were held after World War II.<ref>{{cite web |last=Overy |first=Richard |title=Nuremberg: Nazis on Trial |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/worldwars/wwtwo/nuremberg_article_01.shtml |publisher=BBC History |date =17 February 2011 |accessdate=25 March 2011}}</ref>


===East and West Germany=== === Weimar Republic and Nazi Germany ===
{{Main|History of Germany (1945–1990)}} {{Main|Weimar Republic|Nazi Germany}}
], dictator of ] from 1933 to 1945|upright]]
]s in Germany, 1947. The territories east of the ], under Polish and Soviet ''de jure'' administration and ''de facto'' annexation, are shown as white, as is the detached ].]]
] in 1942 during ] with areas controlled by the German Reich shown in bold black]]
After the surrender of Germany, the remaining German territory and Berlin were partitioned by the ] into four military occupation zones. Together, these zones accepted more than 6.5 million of the ethnic Germans expelled from eastern areas.<ref>, ''The New Republic'', 25 June 2012. Retrieved 1 July 2012</ref> The western sectors, controlled by France, the United Kingdom, and the United States, were merged on 23 May 1949 to form the '']'' (''Bundesrepublik Deutschland''); on 7 October 1949, the Soviet Zone became the '']'' (''Deutsche Demokratische Republik'', or DDR). They were informally known as "West Germany" and "East Germany". East Germany selected East Berlin as its capital, while West Germany chose ] as a provisional capital, to emphasise its stance that the two-state solution was an artificial and temporary ''status quo''.<ref>{{cite book | last = Wise | first = Michael Z. | title = Capital dilemma: Germany's search for a new architecture of democracy| year = 1998| publisher = Princeton Architectural Press | isbn =978-1-56898-134-5 | page = 23}}</ref>
On 11 August 1919, President ] signed the democratic ].{{sfn|Fulbrook |1991|pp=156–160}} ] and a few larger cities, while conservative elements failed to overthrow the central government in the 1920 ]. The ] by Belgian and French troops and a period of ] followed. A ] and the creation of a ] in 1924 helped stabilise the government and ushered in the ], an era of artistic innovation and liberal cultural life.<ref>{{cite book |last=Nicholls |first=AJ |title=Weimar and the Rise of Hitler |publisher=Macmillan |year=2016 |isbn=978-0-333-05806-0 |pages=56–70 |chapter=1919–1922: Years of Crisis and Uncertainty}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|jstor=3113137|title=The United States and the Reconstruction of Germany in the 1920s|first=Frank|last=Costigliola |journal=The Business History Review |volume=50 |number=4|year=1976|pages=477–502|doi=10.2307/3113137|s2cid=155602870 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book|page=86|title=The Weimar Republic|last=Kolb|first=Eberhard|edition=2nd|publisher=Psychology Press |year=2005|isbn=978-0-415-34441-8|translator1=P. S. Falla |translator2=R. J. Park}}</ref>


The worldwide ] hit Germany in 1929, and by 1932 the unemployment rate had risen to 24%.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Dimsdale |first1=Nicholas H. |last2=Horsewood |first2=Nicholas |last3=Van Riel |first3=Arthur |date=September 2006 |title=Unemployment in Interwar Germany: An Analysis of the Labor Market, 1927&ndash;1936 |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/216448809 |journal=Journal of Economic History |volume=66 |issue=3 |page=778 |id={{ProQuest|216448809}} |via=ProQuest}}</ref> The ] led by ] became the largest party in the Reichstag after ], and ] appointed Hitler chancellor on 30 January 1933.{{sfn|Fulbrook |1991|pp=155–158, 172–177}} After the ], a ] abrogated basic ], and the first ] opened.<ref>{{cite book|first=Richard |last=Evans|title=The Coming of the Third Reich|publisher= Penguin|year= 2003|isbn=978-0-14-303469-8|page=344}}</ref><ref name="MNN">{{Cite journal |date=21 March 1933 |title=Ein Konzentrationslager für politische Gefangene in der Nähe von Dachau |url=http://www.holocaust-history.org/dachau-gas-chambers/photo.cgi?02 |journal=Münchner Neueste Nachrichten|language=German |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20000510093525/http://www.holocaust-history.org/dachau-gas-chambers/photo.cgi?02 |archivedate=10 May 2000}}</ref> On 23 March 1933, the ] gave Hitler unrestricted legislative power, overriding the constitution,<ref>{{cite web |first1=Marc |last1=von Lüpke-Schwarz |title=The law that 'enabled' Hitler's dictatorship |url=https://www.dw.com/en/the-law-that-enabled-hitlers-dictatorship/a-16689839 |date=23 March 2013 |website=] |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200427005942/https://www.dw.com/en/the-law-that-enabled-hitlers-dictatorship/a-16689839 |archivedate=27 April 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref> and marked the beginning of Nazi Germany. His government established a centralised ], ], and dramatically increased the country's ].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.dhm.de/lemo/html/nazi/wirtschaft/index.html |title=Industrie und Wirtschaft |publisher=Deutsches Historisches Museum |language=German |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110430190641/http://www.dhm.de/lemo/html/nazi/wirtschaft/index.html |archivedate=30 April 2011 |accessdate=25 March 2011}}</ref> A government-sponsored programme for economic renewal focused on public works, the most famous of which was the {{lang|de|]}}.<ref>{{cite book|last=Evans|first= Richard |year=2005|title=The Third Reich in Power|publisher=Penguin|isbn=978-0-14-303790-3|pages=–326, 329 |url=https://archive.org/details/thirdreichinpowe00evan|url-access=registration}}</ref>
West Germany, established as a federal parliamentary republic with a "]", was allied with the United States, the UK and France. ] was elected the first ] (''Bundeskanzler'') of Germany in 1949 and remained in office until 1963. Under his and ]'s leadership, the country enjoyed prolonged economic growth beginning in the early 1950s, that became famous as the "economic miracle" ({{lang-de|]}}). West Germany joined ] in 1955 and was a founding member of the ] in 1957.


In 1935, the regime withdrew from the Treaty of Versailles and introduced the ] which targeted ] and other minorities.<ref>{{cite web|magazine=Prologue|last=Bradsher|first=Greg|year=2010 |title=The Nuremberg Laws |url=https://www.archives.gov/publications/prologue/2010/winter/nuremberg.html |volume=42|accessdate=20 March 2020|url-status=live|archivedate=25 April 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200425130322/https://www.archives.gov/publications/prologue/2010/winter/nuremberg.html}}</ref> Germany also reacquired control of the ] in 1935,{{sfn|Fulbrook |1991|pp=188–189}} ] in 1936, ] Austria in 1938, ] the Sudetenland in 1938 with the ], and in violation of the agreement ] in March 1939.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/cabinetpapers/themes/descent-into-war.htm |publisher=National Archives|title=Descent into War|accessdate=19 March 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200320015948/https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/cabinetpapers/themes/descent-into-war.htm|archivedate=20 March 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> {{lang|de|]}} (Night of Broken Glass) saw the burning of synagogues, the destruction of Jewish businesses, and mass arrests of Jewish people.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.ushmm.org/outreach/en/article.php?ModuleId=10007697 |title=The "Night of Broken Glass" |publisher=United States Holocaust Memorial Museum |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170211075203/https://www.ushmm.org/outreach/en/article.php?ModuleId=10007697 |archivedate=11 February 2017 |accessdate=8 February 2017}}</ref>
East Germany was an ] state under political and military control by the ] via the latter's occupation forces and the ]. Though East Germany claimed to be a democracy, political power was exercised solely by leading members ('']'') of the communist-controlled ] (SED), supported by the ], an immense secret service,<ref name="spiegel_20080311">{{cite web|url = http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/0,1518,540771,00.html|title = New Study Finds More Stasi Spooks|author = maw/dpa|date = 11 March 2008|work = Spiegel Online – english site (www.spiegel.de/international)|publisher = ]|accessdate =30 October 2011|quote = 189,000 people were informers for the Stasi – the former Communist secret police – when East Germany collapsed in 1989 – 15,000 more than previous studies had suggested. about one in 20 members of the former East German Communist party, the SED, was a secret police informant.}}</ref> and a variety of sub-organisations controlling every aspect of society. A Soviet-style ] was set up; the GDR later became a ] state.<ref>{{cite news | last = Colchester | first = Nico | url = http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/504285c4-68b6-11da-bd30-0000779e2340,dwp_uuid=6f876a3c-e19f-11da-bf4c-0000779e2340.html | title = D-mark day dawns | newspaper = ] | location = London | date = 1 January 2001 | accessdate =19 March 2011 }}</ref>


In August 1939, ] negotiated the ] that divided Eastern Europe into German and ] spheres of influence.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/german-soviet-pact|title=German-Soviet Pact|publisher=United States Holocaust Memorial Museum|accessdate=19 March 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200311115713/https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/german-soviet-pact|archivedate=11 March 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> On 1 September 1939, Germany ], beginning ];{{sfn|Fulbrook |1991|pp=190–195}} Britain and France declared war on Germany on 3 September.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Hiden|first1=John|last2=Lane|first2= Thomas|year=200|title=The Baltic and the Outbreak of the Second World War|publisher=Cambridge University Press |url=https://archive.org/details/balticoutbreakse00hide |url-access=limited|isbn=978-0-521-53120-7 |pages=–144}}</ref> In the spring of 1940, Germany ], ], ], ], and ], forcing the French government to sign an ]. The British repelled German air attacks in the ] in the same year. In 1941, German troops ], ] and the ]. By 1942, Germany and its allies controlled most of ] and ], but following the Soviet victory at the ], the Allied ] and ] in 1943, German forces suffered repeated military defeats. In 1944, the Soviets ]; the Western allies ] and entered Germany despite a ]. Following ] during the ], ] on 8 May 1945, ]{{sfn|Fulbrook |1991|pp=190–195}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/world-war-ii-key-dates|publisher=United States Holocaust Memorial Museum|title=World War II: Key Dates|accessdate=19 March 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200311150818/https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/world-war-ii-key-dates|archivedate=11 March 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> and Nazi Germany. Following the end of the war, surviving Nazi officials were tried for ] at the ].<ref name="books.google.com">{{cite book|first=Ian|last=Kershaw|title=Stalinism and Nazism: dictatorships in comparison|publisher=Cambridge University Press|year=1997|page=150|isbn=978-0-521-56521-9}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/history/worldwars/wwtwo/nuremberg_article_01.shtml |title=Nuremberg: Nazis on Trial |last=Overy |first=Richard |date=17 February 2011 |publisher=BBC |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110316053707/http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/worldwars/wwtwo/nuremberg_article_01.shtml |archivedate=16 March 2011 }}</ref>
] in front of the ] shortly before its fall in 1989. Today the Gate is often regarded as Germany's main national ].]]


In what later became known as ], the German government persecuted ], including interning them in concentration and ] across Europe. The regime systematically murdered 6&nbsp;million Jews, at least 130,000 ], 275,000 ], thousands of ], thousands of ], and hundreds of thousands of ].<ref>{{Cite book |title=The Columbia Guide to the Holocaust |url=https://archive.org/details/columbiaguidetot00niew |url-access=registration |last1=Niewyk |first1=Donald L. |last2=Nicosia, Francis R. |publisher=Columbia University Press |year=2000 |isbn=978-0-231-11200-0 |pages=–52}}</ref> ] resulted in the deaths of an estimated 2.7&nbsp;million ],<ref>{{cite book |title= Polska 1939–1945: Straty osobowe i ofiary represji pod dwiema okupacjami |publisher=Institute of National Remembrance|page=9|year=2009}}</ref> 1.3&nbsp;million ], 1&nbsp;million ] and 3.5&nbsp;million ].<ref>{{cite journal|last=Maksudov|first=S|year=1994 |title=Soviet Deaths in the Great Patriotic War: A Note|journal=Europe-Asia Studies|volume=46|number=4 |pages=671–680 |doi=10.1080/09668139408412190|pmid=12288331}}</ref><ref name="books.google.com" /> ] have been estimated at 5.3&nbsp;million,<ref>{{Cite book |title=Deutsche militärische Verluste im Zweiten Weltkrieg |last=Overmans, Rüdiger |year=2000 |publisher=Oldenbourg |isbn=978-3-486-56531-7}}</ref> and around 900,000 German civilians died.<ref>{{Cite book |title=The End; Germany 1944–45 |last=Kershaw |first=Ian |publisher=Allen Lane |year=2011 |page=279}}</ref> Around ] from across Eastern Europe, and Germany lost roughly ] of its pre-war territory.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Demshuk|first=Andrew|year=2012|title=The Lost German East |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ySLyE6YJEn0C&pg=PA52 |isbn=978-1-107-02073-3|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161201215323/https://books.google.com/books?id=ySLyE6YJEn0C&pg=PA52 |archivedate=1 December 2016|url-status=live|publisher=Cambridge University Press|page=52}}</ref>
While ] was based on the benefits of the GDR's social programmes and the alleged constant threat of a West German invasion, many of its citizens looked to the West for freedom and prosperity.<ref name="NYT_19890822">{{cite news|url = http://www.nytimes.com/1989/08/22/world/westward-tide-of-east-germans-is-a-popular-no-confidence-vote.html?pagewanted=all&src=pm | title = Westward Tide of East Germans Is a Popular No-Confidence Vote|first = Ferdinand|last = Protzman |date = 22 August 1989|work = www.nytimes.com | publisher = The New York Times | accessdate =30 October 2011 | quote = Behind the mass flight, Western experts say, is widespread and deepening disillusionment with the Honecker leadership's policies, particularly the refusal to consider the type of economic and political changes taking place elsewhere in the ].}}</ref> The ], built in 1961 to stop East Germans from escaping to West Germany, became a symbol of the ],<ref name="state"/> hence its fall in 1989, following democratic reforms in Poland and Hungary, became a symbol of the ], ] and '']''.


=== East and West Germany ===
Tensions between East and West Germany were reduced in the early 1970s by ] ]'s {{lang|de|'']''}}. In summer 1989, Hungary decided to dismantle the ] and open the borders, causing the emigration of thousands of ] to West Germany via Hungary. This had devastating effects on the ], where regular ] received increasing support. The East German authorities unexpectedly eased the border restrictions, allowing East German citizens to travel to the West; originally intended to help retain East Germany as a state, the opening of the border actually led to an acceleration of the ]. This culminated in the '']'' a year later on 12 September 1990, under which the four occupying powers renounced their rights under the ], and Germany regained full sovereignty. This permitted ] on 3 October 1990, with the accession of the five re-established states of the former GDR (] or "neue Länder").<ref name="state"/>
{{Main|History of Germany (1945–1990)|Allied-occupied Germany|West Germany|East Germany}}
] during ] in 1989 and the ] (background) was one of the first developments in the end of the ], leading ultimately to the dissolution of the ].]]


After ] surrendered, the ] ''de jure'' ] the German state and partitioned ] and Germany's remaining territory into four occupation zones. The western sectors, controlled by France, the ], and the ], were merged on 23 May 1949 to form the ] ({{langx|de|Bundesrepublik Deutschland}}); on 7 October 1949, the Soviet Zone became the ] (GDR) ({{langx|de|Deutsche Demokratische Republik}}; DDR). They were informally known as West Germany and East Germany.<ref>{{cite journal|doi=10.1093/hwj/dbp009|year=2009|title=Trabant and Beetle: the Two Germanies, 1949–89|journal=History Workshop Journal|volume=68|pages=1–2}}</ref> East Germany selected ] as its capital, while West Germany chose ] as a provisional capital, to emphasise its stance that the two-state solution was temporary.<ref>{{Cite book |title=Capital dilemma: Germany's search for a new architecture of democracy |last=Wise |first=Michael Z. |publisher=Princeton Architectural Press |year=1998 |isbn=978-1-56898-134-5 |page= |url=https://archive.org/details/capitaldilemmage0000wise/page/23 }}</ref>
===German reunification and the EU===
] on 3 October 1990 as a national memorial to ]. The Reichstag is the meeting place of the ] (German parliament).]]
{{Main|German reunification|History of Germany since 1990}}
Based on the ], adopted on 10 March 1994, ] once again became the capital of the reunified Germany, while ] obtained the unique status of a ''Bundesstadt'' (federal city) retaining some federal ministries.<ref>{{cite web |title=Gesetz zur Umsetzung des Beschlusses des Deutschen Bundestages vom 20. Juni 1991 zur Vollendung der Einheit Deutschlands |url=http://bundesrecht.juris.de/berlin_bonng/index.html |publisher=Bundesministerium der Justiz |accessdate=19 April 2011 | language=German | date=26 April 1994}}</ref> The relocation of the government was completed in 1999.<ref>{{cite news |title= Brennpunkt: Hauptstadt-Umzug |url=http://www.focus.de/panorama/boulevard/brennpunkt-hauptstadt-umzug_aid_175751.html |accessdate =19 March 2011 |newspaper=Focus |date=12 April 1999 |location =Munich |language=German}}</ref>


West Germany was established as a federal parliamentary republic with a "]". Starting in 1948 West Germany became a major recipient of reconstruction aid under the American ].<ref>{{Cite book |title=Economic Growth in Europe Since 1945 |last=Carlin, Wendy |publisher=Cambridge University Press |year=1996 |isbn=978-0-521-49964-4 |editor-last=Crafts, Nicholas |page=464 |chapter=West German growth and institutions (1945–90) |editor-last2=Toniolo, Gianni}}</ref> ] was elected the first ] in 1949. The country enjoyed prolonged economic growth ({{lang|de|]}}) beginning in the early 1950s.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.bpb.de/izpb/10131/wirtschaft-in-beiden-deutschen-staaten-teil-1 |title=Deutschland in den 50er Jahren: Wirtschaft in beiden deutschen Staaten |first=Werner|last= Bührer |date=24 December 2002 |publisher=Bundeszentrale für politische Bildung |trans-title=Economy in both German states |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201210446/http://www.bpb.de/izpb/10131/wirtschaft-in-beiden-deutschen-staaten-teil-1 |archivedate=1 December 2017 |issue=256}}</ref> West Germany joined ] in 1955 and was a founding member of the ].<ref>{{cite book|page=149|title=A History of Germany 1918–2014: The Divided Nation|publisher=Wiley|last=Fulbrook|first=Mary|year=2014|isbn=978-1-118-77613-1}}</ref> On 1 January 1957, the ] joined West Germany.<ref name=CS>{{cite web|url=http://countrystudies.us/germany/51.htm|title=Rearmament and the European Defense Community|work=]|accessdate=19 May 2023|archive-date=11 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111011201535/http://countrystudies.us/germany/51.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>
Since reunification, Germany has taken a more active role in the ] and NATO. Germany sent a peacekeeping force to secure stability in the ] and sent a force of ] to ] as part of a NATO effort to provide ] after the ousting of the ].<ref>{{cite news | last = Dempsey | first = Judy | url = http://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/31/world/europe/31iht-germany.3343963.html | title = Germany is planning a Bosnia withdrawal | newspaper = International Herald Tribune | location = Paris | date = 31 October 2006 | accessdate =7 May 2011 }}</ref> These deployments were controversial since, after the war, Germany was bound by domestic law only to deploy troops for defence roles.<ref>{{cite web |last=Merz |first=Sebastian |title=Still on the way to Afghanistan? Germany and its forces in the Hindu Kush |url=http://www.sipri.org/research/conflict/publications/merz |publisher=Stockholm International Peace Research Institute |format =PDF |accessdate=16 April 2011 |pages=2, 3| date=November 2007}}</ref> In 2005, ] became the first female Chancellor of Germany as the leader of a ].<ref name="state"/> Germany hosted the ] in ], ]. In 2009, a ]-] coalition under ] assumed leadership of the country. In 2013, another grand coalition was established in a ].


East Germany was an ] state under political and military control by the ] via occupation forces and the ]. Although East Germany claimed to be a democracy, political power was exercised solely by leading members ({{lang|de|]}}) of the communist-controlled ], supported by the {{lang|de|]|italic=no}}, an immense secret service.<ref>{{cite book|pages=22, 41|title=The Workers' and Peasants' State: Communism and Society in East Germany Under Ulbricht 1945–71|last1=Major|first1=Patrick|last2=Osmond|first2=Jonathan|publisher=Manchester University Press|year=2002|isbn=978-0-7190-6289-6}}</ref> While ] was based on the benefits of the GDR's social programmes and the alleged threat of a West German invasion, many of its citizens looked to the West for freedom and prosperity.<ref name="NYT_19890822">{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/08/22/world/westward-tide-of-east-germans-is-a-popular-no-confidence-vote.html |title=Westward Tide of East Germans Is a Popular No-Confidence Vote |last=Protzman |first=Ferdinand |date=22 August 1989 |work=The New York Times |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121004232849/http://www.nytimes.com/1989/08/22/world/westward-tide-of-east-germans-is-a-popular-no-confidence-vote.html |archivedate=4 October 2012}}</ref> The ], built in 1961, prevented East German citizens from escaping to West Germany, becoming a symbol of the ].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/history/places/berlin_wall |title=The Berlin Wall |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170226011158/http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/places/berlin_wall |archivedate=26 February 2017 |accessdate=8 February 2017|publisher=BBC}}</ref>
==Geography==
]
{{Main|Geography of Germany}}


Tensions between East and West Germany were reduced in the late 1960s by Chancellor ]'s {{lang|de|]}}.<ref>{{cite book|pages=122–123|title=The European Defence Initiative: Europe's Bid for Equality|last=Williams|first=Geoffrey|publisher=Springer|year=1986|isbn=978-1-349-07825-7}}</ref> In 1989, Hungary decided to dismantle the ] and ], causing the emigration of thousands of East Germans to West Germany via Hungary and Austria. This had devastating effects on the GDR, where regular ] received increasing support. In an effort to help retain East Germany as a state, the East German authorities eased border restrictions, but this actually led to an acceleration of the {{lang|de|Wende}} reform process culminating in the '']'' under which Germany regained full sovereignty. This permitted ] on 3 October 1990, with the accession of the ] of the former GDR.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wendemuseum.org/sites/default/files/10-9-09Iconoclash%20updated%20brochure_small.pdf|publisher=Wende Museum|title=Iconoclash! Political Imagery from the Berlin Wall to German Unification|last=Deshmukh|first=Marion|accessdate=20 March 2020|archivedate=20 June 2021|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210620152657/https://www.wendemuseum.org/sites/default/files/10-9-09Iconoclash%20updated%20brochure_small.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The fall of the Wall in 1989 became a symbol of the ], the ], German reunification and {{lang|de|]}} ("the turning point").<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/views/y/1999/11/burns.wall.nov8 |title=What the Berlin Wall still stands for |date=8 November 1999 |work=CNN Interactive |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080206104205/http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/views/y/1999/11/burns.wall.nov8/ |archivedate=6 February 2008}}</ref>
Germany is in ] and ], with ] bordering to the north, ] and the ] to the east, ] and ] to the south, ] and ] to the southwest, and ] and the ] to the northwest. It lies mostly between latitudes ] and ] (the tip of ] is just north of 55°), and longitudes ] and ]. The territory covers {{convert|357021|km2|sqmi|0|abbr=on}}, consisting of {{convert|349223|km2|sqmi|0|abbr=on}} of land and {{convert|7798|km2|sqmi|0|abbr=on}} of water. It is the seventh largest country by area in Europe and the ].<ref name="CIA"/>


=== Reunified Germany and the European Union ===
Elevation ranges from the mountains of the ] (highest point: the ] at {{convert|2962|m|ft|0|disp=or}}) in the south to the shores of the ] (''Nordsee'') in the northwest and the ] (''Ostsee'') in the northeast. The forested uplands of central Germany and the lowlands of northern Germany (lowest point: ] at {{convert|3.54|m|ft|1|disp=or}} below sea level) are traversed by such major rivers as the ], ] and ]. Glaciers are found in the Alpine region, but are experiencing deglaciation. Significant natural resources are iron ore, coal, ], timber, ], ], copper, natural gas, salt, nickel, ] and water.<ref name="CIA">{{cite web| url = https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/gm.html| title = World Factbook | accessdate =26 March 2011|publisher=CIA}}</ref>
{{Main|German reunification|History of Germany since 1990}}
United Germany was considered the enlarged continuation of ] so it retained its memberships in international organisations.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/einigvtr/art_11.html |title=Vertrag zwischen der Bundesrepublik Deutschland und der Deutschen Demokratischen Republik über die Herstellung der Einheit Deutschlands (Einigungsvertrag) Art 11 Verträge der Bundesrepublik Deutschland |publisher=Bundesministerium für Justiz und Verbraucherschutz |language=German |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150225035417/http://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/einigvtr/art_11.html |archivedate=25 February 2015 |accessdate=15 May 2015}}</ref> Based on the ] (1994), ] again became the capital of Germany, while ] obtained the unique status of a {{lang|de|Bundesstadt}} (federal city) retaining some federal ministries.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/bundesrecht/berlin_bonng/gesamt.pdf |title=Gesetz zur Umsetzung des Beschlusses des Deutschen Bundestages vom 20. Juni 1991 zur Vollendung der Einheit Deutschlands |date=26 April 1994 |publisher=Bundesministerium der Justiz |language=German |trans-title=Law on the Implementation of the Beschlusses des Deutschen Bundestages vom 20. Juni 1991 zur Vollendung der Einheit Deutschlands |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160714155722/https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/bundesrecht/berlin_bonng/gesamt.pdf |archivedate=14 July 2016 }}</ref> The relocation of the government was completed in 1999, and modernisation of the East German economy was scheduled to last until 2019.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.focus.de/panorama/boulevard/brennpunkt-hauptstadt-umzug_aid_175751.html |title=Brennpunkt: Hauptstadt-Umzug |date=12 April 1999 |work=Focus |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110430043907/http://www.focus.de/panorama/boulevard/brennpunkt-hauptstadt-umzug_aid_175751.html |archivedate=30 April 2011 |language=German}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/19/world/europe/19germany.html |title=In East Germany, a Decline as Stark as a Wall |last=Kulish |first=Nicholas |date=19 June 2009 |work=The New York Times |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110403073216/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/19/world/europe/19germany.html |archivedate=3 April 2011}}</ref>


Since reunification, Germany has taken a more active role in the ], signing the ] in 1992 and the ] in 2007,<ref>{{cite journal|jstor=20787989|title=Germany's EU Policy: The Domestic Discourse|last=Lemke|first=Christiane|journal=German Studies Review|volume=33|number= 3 |year= 2010|pages= 503–516}}</ref> and co-founding the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2013/07/09/world/europe/eurozone-fast-facts/index.html|publisher=CNN|title=Eurozone Fast Facts|date=21 January 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200321015105/https://www.cnn.com/2013/07/09/world/europe/eurozone-fast-facts/index.html|archivedate=21 March 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Germany sent a peacekeeping force to secure stability in the ] and sent ] to ] as part of a NATO effort to provide ] after the ousting of the ].<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/31/world/europe/31iht-germany.3343963.html |title=Germany is planning a Bosnia withdrawal |last=Dempsey |first=Judy |date=31 October 2006 |work=International Herald Tribune |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121111000841/http://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/31/world/europe/31iht-germany.3343963.html |archivedate=11 November 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.dw.com/en/germany-to-extend-afghanistan-military-mission/a-47501552 |work=] |title=Germany to extend Afghanistan military mission |first=Ben |last=Knight |date=13 February 2019 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200304064259/https://www.dw.com/en/germany-to-extend-afghanistan-military-mission/a-47501552 |archivedate=4 March 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref>
===Climate===
] in ], ] - typical of the coastal landscape in ]]]
Most of Germany has a ] in which humid westerly winds predominate. The country is situated in between the ] Western European and the ] Eastern European climate. The climate is moderated by the ], the northern extension of the ]. This warmer water affects the areas bordering the North Sea; consequently in the northwest and the north the climate is ]. Germany gets an average of {{convert|789|mm|0|abbr=on}} ] per year. Rainfall occurs year-round, with no obligatory dry season. Winters are mild and summers tend to be warm, temperatures can exceed {{convert|30|°C|°F|lk=on}}.<ref name="climate">{{cite web|title=Climate in Germany|url=http://www.germanculture.com.ua/library/facts/bl_climate.htm|publisher=GermanCulture|accessdate=26 March 2011}}</ref>


In the ], ] became the first female chancellor. In 2009, the German government approved a €50&nbsp;billion stimulus plan.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.france24.com/en/20090106-germany-agrees-new-50-billion-euro-stimulus-plan |title=Germany agrees on 50-billion-euro stimulus plan |date=6 January 2009 |work=France 24 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110513022443/http://www.france24.com/en/20090106-germany-agrees-new-50-billion-euro-stimulus-plan |archivedate=13 May 2011}}</ref> Among the major German political projects of the early 21st century are the advancement of ], the ] ({{lang|de|Energiewende}}) for a ] supply, the ] for balanced budgets, measures to increase the ] (]), and high-tech strategies for the transition of the German economy, summarised as ].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/merkel-regierungserklaerung110.html |title=Government declaration by Angela Merkel |date=29 January 2014 |publisher=ARD Tagesschau |language=German |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150101010608/http://www.tagesschau.de/inland/merkel-regierungserklaerung110.html |archivedate=1 January 2015}}</ref> During the ], the country took in over a million refugees and migrants.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-34131911 |title=Migrant crisis: Migration to Europe explained in seven charts |date=28 January 2016 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160131030536/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-34131911 |archivedate=31 January 2016|publisher=BBC}}</ref>
The east has a more ]; winters can be very cold and summers very warm, and longer dry periods can occur. Central and southern Germany are transition regions which vary from moderately oceanic to continental. In addition to the maritime and continental climates that predominate over most of the country, the Alpine regions in the extreme south and, to a lesser degree, some areas of the Central German Uplands have a mountain climate, characterised by lower temperatures and greater precipitation.<ref name="climate"/>


===Biodiversity=== == Geography ==
{{Main|Geography of Germany}}
] is a protected bird of prey.]]
]
The territory of Germany can be subdivided into two ]s: ] and Northeast-Atlantic shelf marine.<ref>{{cite web|title=Terrestrial Ecoregions|url=http://wwf.panda.org/about_our_earth/ecoregions/ecoregion_list/|publisher=WWF|accessdate=19 March 2011}}</ref> {{As of|2008}} the majority of Germany is covered by either arable land (34%) or forest and ] (30.1%); only 13.4% of the area consists of permanent pastures, 11.8% is covered by settlements and streets.<ref>{{cite web|last=Strohm|first=Kathrin|url=http://www.agribenchmark.org/fileadmin/Dateiablage/B-Cash-Crop/Conferences/2010/Presentations/Poster_Germany.pdf|title=Arable farming in Germany|publisher=Agri benchmark|date=May 2010|accessdate=14 April 2011}}</ref>
Germany is the ].<ref name="CIA">{{Cite web |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/germany/ |title=Germany |website=World Factbook |publisher=CIA |accessdate=29 March 2020 |archivedate=9 January 2021 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109075739/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/germany |url-status=live }}</ref> It borders ] to the north, ] and ] to the east, ] and ] to the south, and ], ], ], and the ] to the west. Germany is also bordered by the North Sea and, at the north-northeast, by the Baltic Sea. German territory covers {{convert|357596|km2|sqmi|0|abbr=on}}.<ref name=area/> Elevation ranges from the mountains of the Alps (highest point: the ] at {{convert|2963|m|ft|0|disp=or}}) in the south to the shores of the North Sea ({{lang|de|Nordsee}}) in the northwest and the ] ({{lang|de|Ostsee}}) in the northeast. The forested uplands of central Germany and the lowlands of northern Germany (lowest point: in the municipality ], ] at {{convert|3.54|m|ft|1|disp=or}} below sea level<ref>{{cite journal|title=17: Gebiet und geografische Angaben|journal=Statistische Jahrbuch Schleswig-Holstein 2019/2020|page=307|publisher=Statistisches Amt für Hamburg und Schleswig-Holstein|date=2020|language=de|url=https://www.statistik-nord.de/fileadmin/Dokumente/Jahrb%C3%BCcher/Schleswig-Holstein/JB19SH_17_fertig.pdf|accessdate=8 September 2020|archivedate=28 October 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028083227/https://www.statistik-nord.de/fileadmin/Dokumente/Jahrb%C3%BCcher/Schleswig-Holstein/JB19SH_17_fertig.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>) are traversed by such major rivers as the Rhine, ] and Elbe. Significant natural resources include iron ore, coal, ], timber, ], ], copper, natural gas, salt, and nickel.<ref name="CIA" />


=== Climate ===
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.<ref>{{cite book| last=Bekker |first=Henk |title=Adventure Guide Germany |year=2005 |publisher=Hunter |isbn =978-1-58843-503-3 |page=14}}</ref> The ] ] was once a German ].<ref>{{cite book| author = Marcel Cleene|author2=Marie Claire Lejeune| title = Compendium of Symbolic and Ritual Plants in Europe: Herbs| url = http://books.google.com/?id=g5GBAAAAMAAJ| year = 2002| publisher = Man & Culture| quote=The Cornflower was once the floral emblem of Germany (hence the German common name Kaiserblume).}}</ref>
Most of Germany has a ] climate, ranging from ] in the north and west to ] in the east and southeast. Winters range from the cold in the Southern Alps to cool and are generally overcast with limited precipitation, while summers can vary from hot and dry to cool and rainy. The northern regions have prevailing westerly winds that bring in moist air from the North Sea, moderating the temperature and increasing precipitation. Conversely, the southeast regions have more extreme temperatures.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia|url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Germany/Climate|encyclopedia=Encyclopedia Britannica|title=Germany: Climate|accessdate=23 March 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200323124307/https://www.britannica.com/place/Germany/Climate|archivedate=23 March 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>


From February 2019 – 2020, average monthly temperatures in Germany ranged from a low of {{convert|3.3|C}} in January 2020 to a high of {{convert|19.8|C}} in June 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.statista.com/statistics/982472/average-monthly-temperature-germany/|website=Statista|title=Average monthly temperature in Germany from February 2019 to February 2020|date=February 2020|accessdate=23 March 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200323124304/https://www.statista.com/statistics/982472/average-monthly-temperature-germany/|archivedate=23 March 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Average monthly precipitation ranged from 30 litres per square metre in February and April 2019 to 125 litres per square metre in February 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.statista.com/statistics/982744/average-monthly-precipitation-germany/|website=Statista|title=Average monthly precipitation in Germany from February 2019 to February 2020|date=February 2020|accessdate=23 March 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200323124319/https://www.statista.com/statistics/982744/average-monthly-precipitation-germany/|archivedate=23 March 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Average monthly hours of sunshine ranged from 45 in November 2019 to 300 in June 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.statista.com/statistics/982758/average-sunshine-hours-germany/|title=Average monthly sunshine hours in Germany from February 2019 to February 2020|website=Statista|date=February 2020|accessdate=23 March 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200323124317/https://www.statista.com/statistics/982758/average-sunshine-hours-germany/|archivedate=23 March 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>
The 14 ] include the ], the ], the ], the ], the ], the ], the ], the ] and the ]. In addition, there are 14 ], as well as 98 ].


=== Biodiversity ===
More than 400 registered zoos and animal parks operate in Germany, which is believed to be the largest number in any country.<ref>{{cite web |title=Zoo Facts |url=http://www.americanzoos.info/Zoofacts.html |publisher=Zoos and Aquariums of America |accessdate=16 April 2011}}</ref> The ] opened in 1844 is the oldest zoo in Germany, and presents the most comprehensive collection of species in the world.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.zoo-berlin.de/zoo/unternehmen/historie.html|title=Der Zoologische Garten Berlin|publisher=Zoo Berlin|accessdate=19 March 2011|language=German}}</ref>
] in ]]]
{{-}}
The territory of Germany can be divided into five terrestrial ]s: ], ], ], ], and ].<ref name="DinersteinOlson2017">{{cite journal|last1=Dinerstein|first1=Eric|last2=Olson|first2=David|last3=Joshi|first3=Anup|last4=Vynne|first4=Carly|last5=Burgess|first5=Neil D.|last6=Wikramanayake|first6=Eric|last7=Hahn|first7=Nathan|last8=Palminteri|first8=Suzanne|last9=Hedao|first9=Prashant|last10=Noss|first10=Reed|last11=Hansen|first11=Matt|last12=Locke|first12=Harvey|last13=Ellis|first13=Erle C|last14=Jones|first14=Benjamin|last15=Barber|first15=Charles Victor|last16=Hayes|first16=Randy|last17=Kormos|first17=Cyril|last18=Martin|first18=Vance|last19=Crist|first19=Eileen|last20=Sechrest|first20=Wes|last21=Price|first21=Lori|last22=Baillie|first22=Jonathan E. M.|last23=Weeden|first23=Don|last24=Suckling|first24=Kierán|last25=Davis|first25=Crystal|last26=Sizer|first26=Nigel|last27=Moore|first27=Rebecca|last28=Thau|first28=David|last29=Birch|first29=Tanya|last30=Potapov|first30=Peter|last31=Turubanova|first31=Svetlana|last32=Tyukavina|first32=Alexandra|last33=de Souza|first33=Nadia|last34=Pintea|first34=Lilian|last35=Brito|first35=José C.|last36=Llewellyn|first36=Othman A.|last37=Miller|first37=Anthony G.|last38=Patzelt|first38=Annette|last39=Ghazanfar|first39=Shahina A.|last40=Timberlake|first40=Jonathan|last41=Klöser|first41=Heinz|last42=Shennan-Farpón|first42=Yara|last43=Kindt|first43=Roeland|last44=Lillesø|first44=Jens-Peter Barnekow|last45=van Breugel|first45=Paulo|last46=Graudal|first46=Lars|last47=Voge|first47=Maianna|last48=Al-Shammari|first48=Khalaf F.|last49=Saleem|first49=Muhammad|title=An Ecoregion-Based Approach to Protecting Half the Terrestrial Realm|journal=BioScience|volume=67|issue=6|year=2017|pages=534–545|doi=10.1093/biosci/bix014|doi-access=free|pmid=28608869|pmc=5451287}}</ref> {{As of|2016}}, 51% of Germany's land area is devoted to agriculture, while 30% is forested and 14% is covered by settlements or infrastructure.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cleanenergywire.org/factsheets/climate-impact-farming-land-use-change-and-forestry-germany|title=Climate impact of farming, land use (change) and forestry in Germany|last=Appunn|first=Kerstine|website=Clean Energy Wire|date=30 October 2018|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200513071605/https://www.cleanenergywire.org/factsheets/climate-impact-farming-land-use-change-and-forestry-germany|archivedate=13 May 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>


Plants and animals include those generally common to Central Europe. According to the National Forest Inventory, ], ]s, and other ] trees constitute just over 40% of the forests; roughly 60% are ], particularly ] and ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bundeswaldinventur.de/en/third-national-forest-inventory/the-forest-habitat-more-biological-diversity-in-the-forests/spruce-pine-beech-oak-the-most-common-tree-species/|accessdate=23 March 2020|title=Spruce, pine, beech, oak – the most common tree species|website=Third National Forest Inventory|publisher=Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200324013625/https://www.bundeswaldinventur.de/en/third-national-forest-inventory/the-forest-habitat-more-biological-diversity-in-the-forests/spruce-pine-beech-oak-the-most-common-tree-species/|archivedate=24 March 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> There are many species of ]s, ], ], and ]. Wild animals include ], ], ] (a subspecies of wild sheep), ], ], ], and small numbers of the ].<ref>{{Cite book |title=Adventure Guide Germany |last=Bekker |first=Henk |publisher=Hunter |year=2005 |isbn=978-1-58843-503-3 |page=14}}</ref> The blue ] was once a German ].<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=g5GBAAAAMAAJ |title=Compendium of Symbolic and Ritual Plants in Europe: Herbs |last1=Marcel Cleene |last2=Marie Claire Lejeune |publisher=Man & Culture |year=2002 |pages=194–196 |isbn=978-90-77135-04-4 |accessdate=3 June 2020 |archivedate=6 June 2020 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200606042551/https://books.google.com/books?id=g5GBAAAAMAAJ |url-status=live }}</ref>
==Politics==
{{Main|Politics of Germany}}
{{see also|Judiciary of Germany|Law enforcement in Germany}}
]]]
] in Berlin is the site of the German parliament (])]]


The ] include the ], the ], the ], the ], the ], the ], the ], the ], the ] and the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bfn.de/en/activities/protected-areas/national-parks.html|title=National Parks|publisher=Federal Agency for Nature Conservation|accessdate=23 March 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200324013623/https://www.bfn.de/en/activities/protected-areas/national-parks.html|archivedate=24 March 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> In addition, there are ],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bfn.de/en/activities/protected-areas/biosphere-reserves.html|title=Biosphere reserves|publisher=Federal Agency for Nature Conservation|accessdate=23 March 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200324013622/https://www.bfn.de/en/activities/protected-areas/biosphere-reserves.html|archivedate=24 March 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> and ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bfn.de/en/activities/protected-areas/nature-parks.html|title=Nature parks|publisher=Federal Agency for Nature Conservation|accessdate=23 March 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20190419120316/https://www.bfn.de/en/activities/protected-areas/nature-parks.html|archivedate=19 April 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> More than ] operate in Germany.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.americanzoos.info/Zoofacts.html |title=Zoo Facts |publisher=Zoos and Aquariums of America |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20031007010357/http://www.americanzoos.info/Zoofacts.html |archivedate=7 October 2003 |accessdate=16 April 2011}}</ref> The ], which opened in 1844, is the oldest in Germany, and claims the most comprehensive collection of species in the world.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.zoo-berlin.de/zoo/unternehmen/historie.html |title=Der Zoologische Garten Berlin |publisher=Zoo Berlin |language=German |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110430015152/http://www.zoo-berlin.de/zoo/unternehmen/historie.html |archivedate=30 April 2011 |accessdate=19 March 2011}}</ref>
Germany is a ], ], ] republic. The German political system operates under a framework laid out in the 1949 constitutional document known as the '']'' (Basic Law). Amendments generally require a two-thirds majority of both chambers of parliament; the fundamental principles of the constitution, as expressed in the articles guaranteeing human dignity, the separation of powers, the federal structure, and the rule of law are valid in perpetuity.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.btg-bestellservice.de/pdf/80201000.pdf|title=Basic Law for the Federal Republic of Germany|date=October 2010|work=Deutscher Bundestag|publisher=Btg-bestellservice|accessdate=14 April 2011}}</ref>
{{Clear}}


== Politics ==
The ] is the ] and invested primarily with representative responsibilities and powers. He is elected by the '']'' (federal convention), an institution consisting of the members of the ''Bundestag'' and an equal number of state delegates. The second-highest official in the ] is the ''Bundestagspräsident'' (]), who is elected by the ''Bundestag'' and responsible for overseeing the daily sessions of the body.
{{Main|Politics of Germany|Taxation in Germany|Federal budget of Germany}}
{{clear left}}
{{multiple image
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:left; float:left; margin-right:9px; margin-left:2px;"
| align = right
|-
| total_width = 320
| align="left" | ] || align="left" | ]
| image1 = Bundespräsident_Frank-Walter_Steinmeier_auf_den_Stufen_der_Villa_Hammerschmidt_in_Bonn.jpg
|-
| alt1 = Frank-Walter Steinmeier
| align="center" |]<br /><small>] since 2012</small>
| align="center" |]<br /><small>] since 2005</small> | caption1 = ]<br />] since 2017
| image2 = Olaf Scholz 2024.jpg
|}
| alt2 = Olaf Scholz

| caption2 = ]<br />] since 2021
The third-highest official and the ] is the ], who is appointed by the ''Bundespräsident'' after being elected by the ''Bundestag''.<ref name="state"/> The chancellor, currently ], is the head of government and exercises ], similar to the role of a ] in other parliamentary democracies.
}}

Federal ] is vested in the parliament consisting of the '']'' (Federal Diet) and '']'' (Federal Council), which together form the legislative body. The ''Bundestag'' is elected through ]s, by ] (]).<ref name="CIA"/> The members of the ''Bundesrat'' represent the governments of the sixteen federated states and are members of the state cabinets.<ref name="state"/>

Since 1949, the party system has been dominated by the ] and the ]. So far every chancellor has been a member of one of these parties. However, the smaller liberal ] (which had members in the Bundestag from 1949 to 2013) and the ] (which has had seats in parliament since 1983) have also played important roles.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://countrystudies.us/germany/159.htm|title=Christian Democratic Union/Christian Social Union|publisher=U.S. Library of Congress|accessdate=26 March 2011}}</ref>

] such as ], ] and the ] are represented in some ].
{{-}}

===Law===
] officers, with a typical German police car]]
{{main|Law of Germany}}


Germany is a ], ], ] republic. Federal ] is vested in the parliament consisting of the {{lang|de|]}} (Federal Diet) and {{lang|de|]}} (Federal Council), which together form the legislative body. The {{lang|de|Bundestag}} is elected through ]s using the ] system. The members of the {{lang|de|Bundesrat}} represent and are appointed by the governments of the sixteen federated states.<ref name="CIA" /> The German political system operates under a framework laid out in the 1949 constitution known as the {{lang|de|]}} (Basic Law). Amendments generally require a two-thirds majority of both the {{lang|de|Bundestag}} and the {{lang|de|Bundesrat}}; the fundamental principles of the constitution, as expressed in the articles guaranteeing human dignity, the separation of powers, the federal structure, and the ], are valid in perpetuity.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.btg-bestellservice.de/pdf/80201000.pdf |title=Basic Law for the Federal Republic of Germany |date=October 2010 |website=Deutscher Bundestag |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170619180331/https://www.btg-bestellservice.de/pdf/80201000.pdf |archivedate=19 June 2017 |accessdate=14 April 2011}}</ref>
Germany has a ] based on ] with some references to ]. The '']'' (Federal Constitutional Court) is the German Supreme Court responsible for constitutional matters, with power of ].<ref name="state"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bundesverfassungsgericht.de/en/index.html|title=Federal Constitutional Court|publisher=Bundesverfassungsgericht|accessdate=26 March 2011}}</ref> Germany's supreme court system, called ''Oberste Gerichtshöfe des Bundes'', is specialised: for civil and criminal cases, the highest court of appeal is the ] ], and for other affairs the courts are the ], the ], the ] and the ]. The '']'' regulates the consequences of ], ] and ], and gives German courts ] in some circumstances.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bundesrecht.juris.de/vstgb/BJNR225410002.html#BJNR225410002BJNG000200000|title=Völkerstrafgesetz Teil 1 Allgemeine Regelungen|publisher=Bundesministerium der Justiz|accessdate=19 April 2011|language=German}}</ref>


], currently ], is the ] and invested primarily with representative responsibilities and powers. He is elected by the {{lang|de|]}} (federal convention), an institution consisting of the members of the {{lang|de|Bundestag}} and an equal number of state delegates.<ref name="CIA" /> The second-highest official in the ] is the {{lang|de|Bundestagspräsident}} (]), who is elected by the {{lang|de|Bundestag}} and responsible for overseeing the daily sessions of the body.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dw.com/en/election-2013-the-german-parliament/a-17100952|website=DW|title=Election 2013: The German parliament|date=19 September 2013|last=Seiffert|first=Jeanette|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200328230357/https://www.dw.com/en/election-2013-the-german-parliament/a-17100952|archivedate=28 March 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> The third-highest official and the ] is the chancellor, who is appointed by the {{lang|de|Bundespräsident}} after being elected by the party or coalition with the most seats in the {{lang|de|Bundestag}}.<ref name="CIA" /> The chancellor, currently ], is the head of government and exercises ] through ].<ref name="CIA" />
Criminal and private laws are codified on the national level in the '']'' and the '']'' respectively. The German penal system is aimed towards rehabilitation of the criminal and the protection of the general public.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/stvollzg/__2.html|title=§ 2 Strafvollzugsgesetz|publisher=Bundesministerium der Justiz|accessdate=26 March 2011|language=German}}</ref> Except for petty crimes, which are tried before a single professional judge, and serious ]s, all charges are tried before mixed tribunals on which ]s (''{{lang|de|]n}}'') sit side by side with professional judges.<ref>{{cite book | title= Criminal Justice in Germany | first= Jörg-Martin | last= Jehle | author2= ] | publisher= Forum-Verlag | year= 2009 | page= 23 | isbn= 978-3-936999-51-8 | url= http://books.google.com/books?id=-V-ng-8jOoQC&pg=PA23 | ref= {{harvid|Jehle|BMJ|2009}}}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | title= Lay Judges in the German Criminal Courts | page=141 | first1 = Gerhard | last1= Casper | authorlink1= Gerhard Casper | first2= Hans | last2= Zeisel | authorlink2= :de:Hans Zeisel | journal= ] | volume= 1 | issue= 1 | date= January 1972 | jstor= 724014 | ref= harv}}</ref>


Since 1949, the party system has been dominated by the ] and the ]. So far every chancellor has been a member of one of these parties. However, the smaller liberal ] and the ] have also been junior partners in ]s. Since 2007, the democratic socialist party ] has been a staple in the German {{lang|de|Bundestag}}, though they have never been part of the federal government. In the ], the right-wing populist ] gained enough votes to attain representation in the parliament for the first time.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dw.com/en/germanys-political-parties-cdu-csu-spd-afd-fdp-left-party-greens-what-you-need-to-know/a-38085900|website=DW|date=7 June 2019|title=Germany's political parties CDU, CSU, SPD, AfD, FDP, Left party, Greens – what you need to know|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200214204745/https://www.dw.com/en/germanys-political-parties-cdu-csu-spd-afd-fdp-left-party-greens-what-you-need-to-know/a-38085900|archivedate=14 February 2020|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/politics/german-election-results-exit-poll-2017-live-latest-afd-mps-merkel-alternative-a7964796.html|website=The Independent|title=German elections: Far-right wins MPs for first time in half a century|last=Stone|first=Jon|date=24 September 2017|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200227224650/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/politics/german-election-results-exit-poll-2017-live-latest-afd-mps-merkel-alternative-a7964796.html|archivedate=27 February 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>
Many of the fundamental matters of ] remain in the jurisdiction of the states, though most states base their own laws in that area on the 1976 ''Verwaltungsverfahrensgesetz'' (Administrative Proceedings Act) covering important points of administrative law. The ''Oberverwaltungsgerichte'' are the highest level of administrative jurisdiction concerning the state administrations, unless the question of law concerns federal law or state law identical to federal law. In such cases, final appeal to the Federal Administrative Court is possible.


===Constituent states=== === Constituent states ===
{{Main|States of Germany}} {{Main|States of Germany|Federalism in Germany|List of current Minister-presidents of the German federal states}}
Germany is a ] and comprises sixteen ] which are collectively referred to as {{lang|de|Länder}}.<ref name="Britannica">{{Cite encyclopedia |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Germany |title=Germany |encyclopedia=Encyclopedia Britannica |url-status=live |accessdate=18 March 2021 |archivedate=13 June 2015 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150613043752/https://www.britannica.com/place/Germany }}</ref> Each state ({{lang|de|Land}}) has its own constitution,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.landtag.nrw.de/portal/WWW/GB_I/I.7/Europa/Wissenswertes/English_information/North_Rhine_Westphalia_Constitution_revised.jsp |title=Example for state constitution: "Constitution of the Land of North Rhine-Westphalia" |publisher=] |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130117011619/http://www.landtag.nrw.de/portal/WWW/GB_I/I.7/Europa/Wissenswertes/English_information/North_Rhine_Westphalia_Constitution_revised.jsp |archivedate=17 January 2013 |accessdate=17 July 2011}}</ref> and is largely autonomous in regard to its internal organisation.<ref name="Britannica" /> {{As of|2017}}, Germany is divided into 401 ] ({{lang|de|Kreise}}) at a municipal level; these consist of 294 ] and 107 ].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.destatis.de/DE/ZahlenFakten/LaenderRegionen/Regionales/Gemeindeverzeichnis/Administrativ/Archiv/Verwaltungsgliederung/Verwalt2QAktuell.xlsx?__blob=publicationFile |title=Verwaltungsgliederung in Deutschland am 30 June 2017 – Gebietsstand: 30 June 2017 (2. Quartal) |date=July 2017 |publisher=] Deutschland |language=German |format=XLS |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010084800/https://www.destatis.de/DE/ZahlenFakten/LaenderRegionen/Regionales/Gemeindeverzeichnis/Administrativ/Archiv/Verwaltungsgliederung/Verwalt2QAktuell.xlsx?__blob=publicationFile |archivedate=10 October 2017 |accessdate=9 August 2017}}</ref><!--"Kreis", "Landkreis" and 3 special regional districts count as rural districts; "Stadtkreis" and "kreisfreie Stadt" are urban districts.-->


<div style="float: left;margin:0 2em 0 0;">{{German Federal States}}</div>
Germany comprises sixteen states which are collectively referred to as ''Länder''.<ref>The individual denomination is either ''Land'' , ''Freistaat'' or ''Freie (und) Hansestadt'' .<br/>{{cite web |url= http://www.bundesrat.de/nn_11006/EN/organisation-en/laender-en/laender-en-node.html?__nnn=true|title= The Federal States|publisher=]|work = www.bundesrat.de|accessdate=17 July 2011}} <br/>{{cite web|url = http://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/DE/Infoservice/Terminologie/Bundeslaender/Uebersicht_node.html|title = Amtliche Bezeichnung der Bundesländer|work = www.auswaertiges-amt.de|publisher = ]|language = German|trans_title = Official denomination of federated states|format = PDF; download file "Englisch"|accessdate =22 October 2011}}</ref>
Each state has its own state constitution<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.landtag.nrw.de/portal/WWW/GB_I/I.7/Europa/Wissenswertes/English_information/North_Rhine_Westphalia_Constitution_revised.jsp|title= Example for state constitution: "Constitution of the Land of North Rhine-Westphalia"|publisher= ]|accessdate=17 July 2011}}</ref> and is largely autonomous in regard to its internal organisation. Because of differences in size and population the ] vary, especially as between ] (''Stadtstaaten'') and states with larger territories (''Flächenländer''). For regional administrative purposes five states, namely Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Hesse, North Rhine-Westphalia and Saxony, consist of a total of 22 ] (''Regierungsbezirke''). {{As of|2009}} Germany is divided into 403 ] (''Kreise'') at a municipal level; these consist of 301 ] and 102 ].<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.destatis.de/DE/ZahlenFakten/LaenderRegionen/Regionales/Gemeindeverzeichnis/Administrativ/Aktuell/04Kreise.xls;jsessionid=611904454C9287BBBD47BE5D6103CAC1.cae2?__blob=publicationFile|title=Kreisfreie Städte und Landkreise nach Fläche und Bevölkerung 31.12.2010|format=XLS|date=October 2011|publisher=] Deutschland|language=German|accessdate=6 April 2012}}</ref>


{| cellspacing="2px"
{{German Federal States|options=float:left; font-size:90%; border:3px; max-width:480px; width:50%;}}
{| style="background:none;" cellspacing="2px"
| |
{| class="sortable wikitable" style="text-align:left; font-size:90%;" {| class="sortable wikitable" style="text-align:left; font-size:85%;"
|- style="font-size:100%; text-align:right;" |- style="font-size:100%; text-align:right;"
! rowspan="2" style="width:150px;" | ] !! rowspan="2" style="width:70px;" |Capital !! colspan="2" style="width:80px;" | Area<ref name="Fläche">{{Cite web |url=https://www.statistikportal.de/de/bevoelkerung/flaeche-und-bevoelkerung |title=Fläche und Bevölkerung |website=Statistikportal.de |language=de |accessdate=15 July 2018 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612143938/https://www.statistikportal.de/de/bevoelkerung/flaeche-und-bevoelkerung |archivedate=12 June 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> !! rowspan="2" style="width:60px;" | Population<br/>(Census 2022)<ref name="Census2022.DE"/> !! colspan="2" style="width:150px;" | ]<ref >{{Cite web |url=https://www.statistikportal.de/de/vgrdl/ergebnisse-laenderebene/bruttoinlandsprodukt-bruttowertschoepfung/bip |title=Bruttoinlandsprodukt, Bruttowertschöpfung |publisher=Statistische Ämter des Bundes und der Länder |website=www.statistikportal.de |date=2024-03-28 |access-date=2024-06-26 |language=german }}</ref> !! rowspan="2" style="width:60px;" | ] EUR (2023)<ref >{{Cite web |url=https://www.statistikportal.de/de/vgrdl/ergebnisse-laenderebene/bruttoinlandsprodukt-bruttowertschoepfung#alle-ergebnisse |title=Bruttoinlandsprodukt, Bruttowertschöpfung (Inhaltsverzeichnis Reihe 1991–2023) |publisher=Statistische Ämter des Bundes und der Länder |website=www.statistikportal.de |date=2024-03-28 |access-date=2024-06-26 |language=german}}</ref>
! style="width:140px;"| ] !! style="width:85px;"| Capital !! style="width:85px;"| Area (km²)!! style="width:85px;"| Population<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.destatis.de/DE/PresseService/Presse/Pressemitteilungen/2013/08/PD13_283_12411.html|title=Bevölkerungszahlen 2011 und 2012 nach Bundesländern|date=August 2013|publisher=] Deutschland|accessdate=16 December 2013|language=German}}</ref>
|- |-
! scope="col" | km<sup>2</sup> !! scope="col" | mi<sup>2</sup> !! scope="col" | Billions EUR (2023) !! scope="col" | Share of<br/>GDP (%)
| ] || ] || style="text-align:right"|35,752|| style="text-align:right"|10,569,100
|- |-
| ] || ] || {{cvt|35751|km2|mi2|0|adj=ri0|abbr=values|sortable=on|disp=table}} || {{right|11,104,040}} || {{right|615.071}} || {{right|14.92}} || {{right|54,339}}
| ] || ] || style="text-align:right"|70,549|| style="text-align:right"|12,519,600
|- |-
| ] || ] || {{cvt|70550|km2|mi2|0|adj=ri0|abbr=values|sortable=on|disp=table}} || {{right|13,038,724}} || {{right|768.469}} || {{right|18.65}} || {{right|57,343}}
| ] || ] ||style="text-align:right"|892|| style="text-align:right"|3,375,200
|- |-
| ] || ] || {{cvt|892|km2|mi2|0|adj=ri0|abbr=values|sortable=on|disp=table}} || {{right|3,596,999}} || {{right|193.219}} || {{right|4.69}} || {{right|51,209}}
| ] || ] || style="text-align:right"|29,477|| style="text-align:right"|2,449,500
|- |-
| ] || ] || {{cvt|29654|km2|mi2|0|adj=ri0|abbr=values|sortable=on|disp=table}} || {{right|2,534,075}} || {{right|97.477}} || {{right|2.37}} || {{right|37,814}}
| ] || ] || style="text-align:right"|404|| style="text-align:right"|654,800
|- |-
| ] || ] || {{cvt|420|km2|mi2|0|adj=ri0|abbr=values|sortable=on|disp=table}} || {{right|693,204}} || {{right|39.252}} || {{right|0.95}} || {{right|56,981}}
| ] || ] ||style="text-align:right"|755|| style="text-align:right"|1,734,300
|- |-
| ] || ] || {{cvt|755|km2|mi2|0|adj=ri0|abbr=values|sortable=on|disp=table}} || {{right|1,808,846}} || {{right|150.575}} || {{right|3.65}} || {{right|79,176}}
| ] || ] || style="text-align:right"|21,115|| style="text-align:right"|6,016,500
|- |-
| ] || ] || {{cvt|21115|km2|mi2|0|adj=ri0|abbr=values|sortable=on|disp=table}} || {{right|6,207,278}} || {{right|351.139}} || {{right|8.52}} || {{right|54,806}}
| ] || ] || style="text-align:right"|23,174|| style="text-align:right"|1,600,300
|- |-
| ] || ] || {{cvt|23214|km2|mi2|0|adj=ri0|abbr=values|sortable=on|disp=table}} || {{right|1,570,817}} || {{right|59.217}} || {{right|1.44}} || {{right|36,335}}
| ] || ] || style="text-align:right"|47,618|| style="text-align:right"|7,779,000
|- |-
| ] || ] || {{cvt|47593|km2|mi2|0|adj=ri0|abbr=values|sortable=on|disp=table}} || {{right|7,943,265}} || {{right|363.109}} || {{right|8.81}} || {{right|44,531}}
| ] || ] || style="text-align:right"|34,043|| style="text-align:right"|17,554,300
|- |-
| ] || ] || {{cvt|34113|km2|mi2|0|adj=ri0|abbr=values|sortable=on|disp=table}} || {{right|17,890,489}} || {{right|839.084}} || {{right|20.36}} || {{right|46,194}}
| ] || ] || style="text-align:right"|19,847|| style="text-align:right"|3,990,300
|- |-
| ] || ] || {{cvt|19854|km2|mi2|0|adj=ri0|abbr=values|sortable=on|disp=table}} || {{right|4,094,169}} || {{right|174.249}} || {{right|4.23}} || {{right|41,797}}
| ] || ] || style="text-align:right"|2,569|| style="text-align:right"|994,300
|- |-
| ] || ] || {{cvt|2569|km2|mi2|0|adj=ri0|abbr=values|sortable=on|disp=table}} || {{right|1,006,864}} || {{right|41.348}} || {{right|1.00}} || {{right|41,617}}
| ] || ] || style="text-align:right"|18,416|| style="text-align:right"|4,050,200
|- |-
| ] || ] || style="text-align:right"|20,445|| style="text-align:right"|2,259,400 | ] || ] || {{cvt|18416|km2|mi2|0|adj=ri0|abbr=values|sortable=on|disp=table}} || {{right|4,038,131}} || {{right|155.982}} || {{right|3.78}} || {{right|38,143}}
|- |-
| ] || ] || {{cvt|20452|km2|mi2|0|adj=ri0|abbr=values|sortable=on|disp=table}} || {{right|2,146,443}} || {{right|78.38}} || {{right|1.90}} || {{right|35,911}}
| ] || ] || style="text-align:right"|15,763|| style="text-align:right"|2,806,500
|- |-
| ] || ] || {{cvt|15802|km2|mi2|0|adj=ri0|abbr=values|sortable=on|disp=table}} || {{right|2,927,542}} || {{right|118.68}} || {{right|2.88}} || {{right|40,090}}
| ] || ] || style="text-align:right"|16,172|| style="text-align:right"|2,170,500
|} |-
| ] || ] || {{cvt|16202|km2|mi2|0|adj=ri0|abbr=values|sortable=on|disp=table}} || {{right|2,110,396}} || {{right|75.909}} || {{right|1.84}} || {{right|35,715}}
|- class=sortbottom
! style="text-align:center;" | Germany
! ] || 357,386 || 137,988 || 82,719,540 || 4,121.16 || 100 || 48,750
|} |}
|}{{clear}}


===Foreign relations=== === Law ===
{{Main|Foreign relations of Germany}}
] hosting the ] summit in ]]]
Germany has a network of 229 diplomatic missions abroad<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/EN/AAmt/Auslandsvertretungen/Uebersicht_node.html|title=German Missions Abroad|publisher=German Federal Foreign Office|accessdate=26 March 2011}}</ref> and maintains relations with more than 190 countries.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/EN/AAmt/Auslandsvertretungen/Botschaften_node.html|title=The Embassies|publisher=German Federal Foreign Office|accessdate=18 July 2012}}</ref> {{As of|2011}} it is the largest contributor to the budget of the European Union (providing 20%)<ref>{{cite web | url=http://ec.europa.eu/budget/figures/2011/2011_en.cfm | title=The EU budget 2011 in figures|publisher=]|accessdate=6 May 2011}}</ref> and the third largest contributor to the UN (providing 8%).<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.un.org/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=ST/ADM/SER.B/824 | title=United Nations regular budget for the year 2011|publisher=UN Committee on Contributions|accessdate=6 May 2011}}</ref> Germany is a member of NATO, the Organisation of Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the G8, the G20, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). It has played a leading role in the European Union since its inception and has maintained a ] since the end of World War II. Germany seeks to advance the creation of a more unified European political, defence, and security apparatus.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ambafrance-uk.org/Declaration-by-the-Franco-German,4519.html|title=Declaration by the Franco-German Defence and Security Council|publisher=French Embassy UK|date=13 May 2004|accessdate=19 March 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/04/world/europe/04iht-poll.4.11666423.html | title = The leader of Europe? Answers an ocean apart | author = Freed, John C. | newspaper = The New York Times | date = 4 April 2008 | accessdate =28 March 2011 }}</ref>


{{Main|Law of Germany|Judiciary of Germany|Law enforcement in Germany}}
The development policy of the Federal Republic of Germany is an independent area of German foreign policy. It is formulated by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and carried out by the implementing organisations. The German government sees development policy as a joint responsibility of the international community.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bmz.de/en/index.html|title=Aims of German development policy|publisher=Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development|date=10 April 2008|accessdate=26 March 2011}}</ref> It is the world's third biggest aid donor after the United States and France.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/17/9/44981892.pdf |title=Net Official Development Assistance 2009 |publisher=OECD |accessdate=26 March 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.bundesregierung.de/nn_6566/Content/EN/Reden/2010/2010-09-21-merkel-mdg-gipfel.html |title =Speech by Chancellor Angela Merkel to the United Nations General Assembly |work =Die Bundesregierung |date =21 September 2010 |accessdate =18 March 2011}}</ref>


Germany has a ] based on ] with some references to ].<ref>{{cite book|pages=31–32, 62|isbn=978-0-8047-5569-6|year=2007|publisher=Stanford University Press|title=The Civil Law Tradition: An Introduction to the Legal Systems of Europe and Latin America|last1=Merryman|first1=John|last2=Pérez-Perdomo|first2=Rogelio}}</ref> The {{lang|de|]}} (Federal Constitutional Court) is the German Supreme Court responsible for constitutional matters, with power of ].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.bundesverfassungsgericht.de/EN/Homepage/home_node.html |title=Federal Constitutional Court |publisher=Bundesverfassungsgericht |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141213204356/http://www.bundesverfassungsgericht.de/EN/Homepage/home_node.html |archivedate=13 December 2014 |accessdate=25 March 2015}}</ref> Germany's specialized supreme court system includes the ] ] for civil and criminal cases, along with the ], ], ], and ] for other matters.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://germanlawarchive.iuscomp.org/?p=363|website=German Law Archive|title=The Federal Constitutional Court: an Introduction|last=Wöhrmann|first=Gotthard|date=22 November 2013 |accessdate=29 March 2020|archivedate=20 June 2021|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210620152752/https://germanlawarchive.iuscomp.org/?p=363|url-status=live}}</ref>
During the Cold War, Germany's partition by the ] made it a symbol of East–West tensions and a political battleground in Europe. However, Willy Brandt's Ostpolitik was a key factor in the '']'' of the 1970s.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Harrison |first=Hope |url=http://www.ghi-dc.org/files/publications/bu_supp/supp1/supp-01_005.pdf |publisher=German Historical Institute |journal=Bulletin Supplement |volume=1 |year=2004 |title=American détente and German ostpolitik, 1969–1972 |accessdate=26 March 2011}}</ref> In 1999, Chancellor ]'s government defined a new basis for German foreign policy by taking part in the NATO decisions surrounding the ] and by sending German troops into combat for the first time since World War II.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,2144,1741310,00.html |title=Germany's New Face Abroad |work=] |date=14 October 2005 |accessdate=26 March 2011}}</ref> The governments of Germany and the United States are close political allies.<ref name="state">{{cite web|url=http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/3997.htm|title=Germany|publisher=U.S. Department of State|date=10 November 2010|accessdate=26 March 2011}}</ref> The 1948 ] and strong cultural ties have crafted a strong bond between the two countries, although Schröder's vocal opposition to the ] suggested the end of ] and a relative cooling of German-American relations.<ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.economist.com/node/7141311?story_id=7141311 |title = Ready for a Bush hug? |newspaper = ] |date =6 July 2006 |accessdate =19 March 2011}}</ref> The two countries are also economically interdependent: 8.8% of German exports are US-bound and 6.6% of German imports originate from the US.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://germany.usembassy.gov/germany/img/assets/9336/econ_factsheet_may2006.pdf |title=U.S.-German Economic Relations Factsheet |publisher=U.S. Embassy in Berlin |date=May 2006 |accessdate=26 March 2011}}</ref>


Criminal and private laws are codified on the national level in the {{lang|de|]}} and the {{lang|de|]}} respectively. The German penal system seeks the ] and the protection of the public.<ref>{{Cite web |title=§&nbsp;2 Strafvollzugsgesetz |language=de |publisher=Bundesministerium der Justiz |url=http://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/stvollzg/__2.html |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110501122109/http://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/stvollzg/__2.html |archivedate=1 May 2011 |accessdate=26 March 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref> With the exceptions of petty crimes, tried by a single professional judge, and of serious political crimes, all charges are adjudicated by mixed tribunals where ]s ({{lang|de|]n}}) and professional judges preside together.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-V-ng-8jOoQC&pg=PA23 |title=Criminal Justice in Germany |last1=Jehle |first1=Jörg-Martin |last2=German Federal Ministry of Justice |author2-link=Federal Ministry of Justice (Germany) |publisher=Forum-Verlag |year=2009 |isbn=978-3-936999-51-8 |page=23 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150922094303/https://books.google.com/books?id=-V-ng-8jOoQC&pg=PA23 |archivedate=22 September 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Casper |first1=Gerhard |last2=Zeisel |first2=Hans |author-link2=:de:Hans Zeisel |date=January 1972 |title=Lay Judges in the German Criminal Courts |journal=] |volume=1 |issue=1 |pages=135–191 |doi=10.1086/467481 |jstor=724014 |s2cid=144941508 |author1-link=Gerhard Casper}}</ref>
===Military===
{{Main|Bundeswehr}}
] is part of the ]]]
Germany's military, the ''Bundeswehr'', is organised into '']'' (Army), '']'' (Navy), '']'' (Air Force), '']'' and '']'' (Joint Support Service) branches. The role of the ''Bundeswehr'' is described in the ] (Art. 87a) as absolutely defensive only. Its only active role before 1990 was the ''Katastropheneinsatz'' (disaster control). Within the ''Bundeswehr'', it helped after natural disasters both in Germany and abroad. After 1990, the international situation changed from East-West confrontation to one of general uncertainty and instability. Today, after a ruling of the Federal Constitutional Court in 1994 the term "defense" has been defined to not only include protection of the borders of Germany, but also crisis reaction and conflict prevention, or more broadly as guarding the ] of Germany anywhere in the world.
] tanks of the ]]]
{{As of|2011|alt=In 2011}}, military spending was an estimated 1.3% of the country's GDP, which is low in a ranking of all countries; in absolute terms, German military expenditure is the 9th highest in the world.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sipri.org/research/armaments/milex/resultoutput/milex_15/the-15-countries-with-the-highest-military-expenditure-in-2011-table/view|title=The 15 countries with the highest military expenditure in 2011 |accessdate=7 April 2012 |date=September 2011 | publisher=Stockholm International Peace Research Institute}}</ref> In peacetime, the Bundeswehr is commanded by the Minister of Defence. If Germany went to war, which according to the constitution is allowed only for defensive purposes, the Chancellor would become commander-in-chief of the ''Bundeswehr''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/bundesrecht/gg/gesamt.pdf |title=Grundgesetz für die Bundesrepublik Deutschland, Artikel 65a,87,115b |publisher=Bundesministerium der Justiz |accessdate=19 March 2011 |language=German}}</ref>


As of 2016, Germany's murder rate stood at a low of 1.18 murders per 100,000.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://dataunodc.un.org/crime/intentional-homicide-victims|publisher=United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime|title=Intentional Homicide Victims|accessdate=30 March 2020|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20190726024322/https://dataunodc.un.org/crime/intentional-homicide-victims|archivedate=26 July 2019}}</ref> In 2018, the overall ] fell to its lowest since 1992.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.dw.com/en/germanys-crime-rate-fell-to-lowest-level-in-decades-in-2018/a-48162310 |title=Germany's crime rate fell to lowest level in decades in 2018 |date=2 April 2019 |website=DW |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20190517192912/https://www.dw.com/en/germanys-crime-rate-fell-to-lowest-level-in-decades-in-2018/a-48162310 |archivedate=17 May 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref>
{{As of|2012|3}} the Bundeswehr employs 183,000 professional soldiers and 17,000 volunteers.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bundeswehr.de/portal/a/bwde/!ut/p/c4/DcmxDYAwDATAWVgg7unYAugc8kSWI4OMIesTXXm002D8SeWQy7jRStshc-4p94L0hENCnXEGUvXXSuMKG8FwBd26TD9uIZiT/ |title=Die Stärke der Streitkräfte |accessdate=20 April 2012|date=23 March 2012 |publisher=]|language=German}}</ref> The German government plans to reduce the number of soldiers to 170,000 professionals and up to 15,000 short-term volunteers (''voluntary military service'').<ref name="bwzukunft">{{cite web |url=http://www.bundeswehr.de/portal/a/bwde/!ut/p/c4/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP3I5EyrpHK9pPKUVL3ikqLUzJLsosTUtJJUvbzU0vTU4pLEnJLSvHRUuYKcxDygoH5BtqMiAMTJdF8!/ |title=Ausblick: Die Bundeswehr der Zukunft |accessdate=5 June 2011 |publisher=]|language=German}}</ref> Reservists are available to the Armed Forces and participate in defence exercises and deployments abroad.<ref name="bwzukunft"/> {{As of|2011|4}}, the German military had about 6,900 troops stationed in foreign countries as part of international peacekeeping forces, including about 4,900 Bundeswehr troops in the NATO-led ] force in Afghanistan and ], 1,150 German soldiers in ], and 300 troops with ] in Lebanon.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bundeswehr.de/portal/a/bwde/einsaetze/einsatzzahlen?yw_contentURL=/C1256EF4002AED30/W264VFT2439INFODE/content.jsp |title=Einsatzzahlen – Die Stärke der deutschen Einsatzkontingente |accessdate=14 April 2011 |publisher=]|language=German}}</ref>


] has been legal in Germany since 2017, and ] are generally protected in the nation.<ref>{{cite web |title=STONEWALL GLOBAL WORKPLACE BRIEFINGS 2018 – GERMANY |url=https://www.stonewall.org.uk/system/files/global_workplace_briefing_germany_2018.pdf |website=Stonewall |access-date=2 September 2023 |archive-date=2 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230902193738/https://www.stonewall.org.uk/system/files/global_workplace_briefing_germany_2018.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>
Until 2011, ] was compulsory for men at age 18, and conscripts served six-month tours of duty; conscientious objectors could instead opt for an equal length of '']'' (civilian service), or a six-year commitment to (voluntary) emergency services like a ] or the ]. On 1 July 2011 conscription was officially suspended and replaced with a voluntary service.<ref>{{cite news |title= Germany to abolish compulsory military service |author= Connolly, Kate |url= http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/nov/22/germany-abolish-compulsory-military-service |newspaper =The Guardian |location =UK |date= 22 November 2010 |accessdate =7 April 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title = Marching orders for conscription in Germany, but what will take its place? |author =Pidd, Helen |url= http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/mar/16/conscription-germany-army |newspaper =The Guardian |location =UK |date =16 March 2011 |accessdate =7 April 2011}}</ref> Since 2001 women may serve in all functions of service without restriction, but they have not been subject to conscription. There are presently some 17,500 women on active duty and a number of female reservists.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bundeswehr.de/portal/a/bwde/!ut/p/c4/FcwxEoUgDAXAE0l6O0_x1YZ5QMSMEp2In-urs_3STC_FXzKqHIqdRpqi9KG50BK7qxpL3Qy8VHbZbk07MqtbDDerF_WJzYdGv286DbmAJj26iLgynaUMD6qutPs!/| title= Frauen in der Bundeswehr |accessdate=14 April 2011 |publisher=] |language=German}}</ref>


=== Foreign relations ===
==Economy==
{{Main|Economy of Germany}} {{Main|Foreign relations of Germany}}
] at ] in ].]]
] is Germany's financial capital]]
Germany has a network of 227 diplomatic missions abroad<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/aamt/auslandsvertretungen |title=The German Missions Abroad |publisher=German Federal Foreign Office |accessdate=29 March 2020 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200327191034/https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/aamt/auslandsvertretungen |archivedate=27 March 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref> and maintains relations with more than 190 countries.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/aamt/auslandsvertretungen/botschaften-node |title=The Embassies |publisher=German Federal Foreign Office |accessdate=29 March 2020 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200327191019/https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/aamt/auslandsvertretungen/botschaften-node |archivedate=27 March 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref> Germany is a member of ], the ], the ], the ], the ] and the ]. It has played an influential role in the European Union since its inception and has maintained a ] and all neighbouring countries since 1990. Germany promotes the creation of a more unified European political, economic and security apparatus.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.ambafrance-uk.org/Declaration-by-the-Franco-German,4519.html |title=Declaration by the Franco-German Defence and Security Council |date=13 May 2004 |publisher=French Embassy UK |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140327015942/http://www.ambafrance-uk.org/Declaration-by-the-Franco-German%2C4519.html |archivedate=27 March 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/04/world/europe/04iht-poll.4.11666423.html |title=The leader of Europe? Answers an ocean apart |last=Freed |first=John |date=4 April 2008 |work=The New York Times |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110501031326/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/04/world/europe/04iht-poll.4.11666423.html |archivedate=1 May 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/blob/610644/49a58b5ecfd5a78862b051d94465afb6/gestaltungsmaechtekonzept-engl-data.pdf|title=Shaping Globalization – Expanding Partner-ships – Sharing Responsibility: A strategy paper by the German Government|publisher=Die Bundesregierung|accessdate=29 March 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200329142145/https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/blob/610644/49a58b5ecfd5a78862b051d94465afb6/gestaltungsmaechtekonzept-engl-data.pdf|archivedate=29 March 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> The governments of Germany and the United States ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.state.gov/u-s-relations-with-germany/|title=U.S. Relations With Germany|date=4 November 2019|publisher=US Department of State|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200331094945/https://www.state.gov/u-s-relations-with-germany/|archivedate=31 March 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Cultural ties and economic interests have crafted a bond between the two countries resulting in ].
] level of Germany is one of the highest in ]. ], 2012]]
] car. Germany was the world's leading exporter of goods from 2003 to 2008.<ref>{{Cite news| url=http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/20/business/economy/20charts.html | work=The New York Times | title=A Shift in the Export Powerhouses |first=Floyd |last=Norris |date=20 February 2010 |accessdate=27 March 2011}}</ref>]]
] (dark blue), and of the ].]]
Germany has a ] with a highly skilled ], a large ], a low level of corruption,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://archive.transparency.org/policy_research/surveys_indices/cpi/2009/cpi_2009_table |title=CPI 2009 table |publisher=Transparency International |accessdate=15 May 2012}}</ref> and a high level of innovation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bcg.com/documents/file15445.pdf |title=The Innovation Imperative in Manufacturing: How the United States Can Restore Its Edge |date=March 2009 |accessdate=19 March 2011 |publisher=Boston Consulting Group}}</ref> It has the largest and most powerful national economy in Europe, the ] in the world,<ref name=wbpdf>{{cite web|url=http://siteresources.worldbank.org/DATASTATISTICS/Resources/GDP.pdf |work=The World Bank: World Development Indicators database |title=Gross domestic product (2009) |date=27 September 2010 |publisher=World Bank |accessdate=1 January 2011}}<br/></ref> the ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://siteresources.worldbank.org/DATASTATISTICS/Resources/GDP_PPP.pdf |work=The World Bank: World Development Indicators database |title=Gross domestic product (2009) |date=27 September 2010 |publisher=World Bank |accessdate=5 October 2010}}<br />
</ref> and was the biggest net contributor to the EU budget in 2011.<ref>{{cite web|author=Financial Crisis |url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/9643193/EU-budget-who-pays-what-and-how-it-is-spent.html |title=EU budget: who pays what and how it is spent |publisher=Telegraph |accessdate=4 November 2012}}</ref> The ] contributes approximately 71% of the total GDP, industry 28%, and agriculture 1%.<ref name="CIA"/> The official average national unemployment rate in April 2014 was 6.8%.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://de.statista.com/statistik/daten/studie/1239/umfrage/aktuelle-arbeitslosenquote-in-deutschland-monatsdurchschnittswerte/|title=Arbeitslosenquote in Deutschland von Mai 2013 bis April 2014}}</ref> However, the official average national unemployment rate also includes people with a part-time job that are looking for a full-time job.<ref>{{cite web|author=Press office of the Deutsche Bundesbank |url=http://www.bundesbank.de/statistik/statistik_konjunktur.en.php |title=Deutsche Bundesbank - Statistics |publisher=Bundesbank.de |accessdate=4 June 2012}}</ref> The unofficial average national unemployment rate in 2013 was 5.3%.<ref name="CIA"/>


<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://germany.usembassy.gov/germany/img/assets/9336/econ_factsheet_may2006.pdf |title=U.S.-German Economic Relations Factsheet |date=May 2006 |publisher=U.S. Embassy in Berlin |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511123309/http://germany.usembassy.gov/germany/img/assets/9336/econ_factsheet_may2006.pdf |archivedate=11 May 2011 |accessdate=26 March 2011}}</ref> After 1990, ] worked together to establish a "strategic partnership" in which ] became one of the most important factors. As a result of the cooperation, Germany imported most of its natural gas and crude oil from Russia.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://germanhistorydocs.ghi-dc.org/pdf/eng/Ch8Doc13English.pdf |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814094438/http://germanhistorydocs.ghi-dc.org/pdf/eng/Ch8Doc13English.pdf |archivedate=14 August 2017 |title=Volume 10. One Germany in Europe, 1989–2009 Germany and Russia |date=13 March 2006 |publisher=German Institute for International and Security Affairs |accessdate=3 April 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal| url= http://www.eprg.group.cam.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/binder13.pdf |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20091122110120/http://www.eprg.group.cam.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/binder13.pdf |archivedate=22 November 2009| title= A Market Between Us: Reducing the Political Cost of Europe's Dependence on Russian Gas| publisher=] Electricity Policy Research Group| last = Noël | first = Pierre| page = 2; 38| journal = EPRG Working Paper |date=May 2009| accessdate=30 January 2010| id = EPRG0916}}</ref>
Germany is an advocate of closer European economic and political integration. Its commercial policies are increasingly determined by agreements among European Union (EU) members and by EU legislation. Germany introduced the common European currency, the euro, on 1 January 2002.<ref name=euroc>{{Cite news |title =Germans Say Goodbye to the Mark, a Symbol of Strength and Unity |newspaper=The New York Times |accessdate =18 March 2011 |url = http://www.nytimes.com/2002/01/01/world/germans-say-goodbye-to-the-mark-a-symbol-of-strength-and-unity.html |first=Edmund L. |last =Andrews |date=1 January 2002}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=On Jan.&nbsp;1, out of many arises one Euro |newspaper=] |first= Susan |last =Taylor Martin |date=28 December 1998 |page=National, 1.A }}</ref> Its monetary policy is set by the ], which is headquartered in Frankfurt. Two decades after ], ] and per capita incomes remain significantly higher in the states of the former West Germany than in the former East.<ref>{{cite news |author=Berg, S.; Winter, S.; Wassermann, A. |date=5 September 2005 |url=http://www.spiegel.de/international/spiegel/0,1518,373639,00.html |title=The Price of a Failed Reunification |newspaper=Spiegel Online |accessdate=28 November 2006}}</ref> The modernisation and integration of the eastern German economy is a long-term process scheduled to last until the year 2019, with annual transfers from west to east amounting to roughly $80&nbsp;billion.<ref>{{Cite news| url=http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/19/world/europe/19germany.html |work=The New York Times |title=In East Germany, a Decline as Stark as a Wall | first=Nicholas |last=Kulish |date=19 June 2009 |accessdate=27 March 2011}}</ref> In January 2009 the German government approved a €50&nbsp;billion economic stimulus plan to protect several sectors from a downturn and a subsequent rise in unemployment rates.<ref>{{Cite news| url= http://www.france24.com/en/20090106-germany-agrees-new-50-billion-euro-stimulus-plan| title= Germany agrees on 50-billion-euro stimulus plan| work =France 24| date=6 January 2009| accessdate=27 March 2011}}</ref>


Germany's development policy functions as a distinct sector within its foreign policy framework. It is formulated by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and carried out by the implementing organisations. The German government sees development policy as a joint responsibility of the international community.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.bmz.de/en/index.html |title=Aims of German development policy |date=10 April 2008 |publisher=Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110310120541/http://www.bmz.de/en/index.html |archivedate=10 March 2011 }}</ref> It was the world's ] in 2019 after the United States.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.devex.com/news/germany-foreign-aid-and-the-elusive-0-7-95389|website=Devex|title=Germany, foreign aid, and the elusive 0.7%|last=Green|first=Andrew|date=8 August 2019|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20190808125018/https://www.devex.com/news/germany-foreign-aid-and-the-elusive-0-7-95389|archivedate=8 August 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>
Germany is the world's top location for ]s. Around two thirds of the world's leading trade fairs take place in Germany.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.germany.travel/en/business-travel/trade-fairs/trade-fairs/messen.html | title=Trade fairs in Germany | publisher=] | accessdate=5 February 2014}}</ref>


=== Military ===
Of the world's 500 largest stock-market-listed companies measured by revenue in 2010, the ], 37 are headquartered in Germany. 30 Germany-based companies are included in the ], the German stock market index. Well-known global brands are ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], and ].<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.interbrand.com/en/best-global-brands/best-global-brands-2008/best-global-brands-2010.aspx |title=The 100 Top Brands 2010 |publisher=Interbrand |accessdate=27 March 2011}}</ref> Germany is recognised for its specialised ]. Around 1,000 of these companies are global market leaders in their segment and are labelled ].<ref>{{cite news |author=Gavin, Mike |date=23 September 2010 |url=http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-09-23/germany-has-1-000-market-leading-companies-manager-magazin-says.html |title=Germany Has 1,000 Market-Leading Companies, Manager-Magazin Says |newspaper=Businessweek |location =New York |accessdate=27 March 2011}}</ref>
{{Main|Bundeswehr}}
] armoured personnel carrier]]
Germany's military, the {{lang|de|Bundeswehr}} (Federal Defence), is organised into the {{lang|de|]}} (Army and special forces ]), {{lang|de|]}} (Navy), {{lang|de|]}} (Air Force) and {{lang|de|]}} (Cyber and Information Domain Service) branches.<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 July 2024 |title=Bundeswehr der Zeitenwende: Kriegstüchtig sein, um abschrecken zu können |url=https://www.bmvg.de/de/aktuelles/bundeswehr-der-zeitenwende-kriegstuechtig-sein-um-abzuschrecken-5765386|website=bmvg.de |language=de}}</ref> In absolute terms, German military spending in 2023 was the ].<ref>{{Cite web |first1=Nan |last1=Tian|first2= Diego Lopes |last2=da Silva|first3= Xiao |last3=Liang |first4= Lorenzo |last4=Scarazzato |title=Trends in Military Expenditure 2023 |url=https://www.sipri.org/sites/default/files/2024-04/2404_fs_milex_2023.pdf |date=April 2024 |website=sipri.org |page=2}}</ref> In response to the 2022 ], Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced that German military expenditure would be increased past the NATO target of 2%, along with a one-time 2022 infusion of 100&nbsp;billion euros, representing almost double the 53&nbsp;billion euro military budget for 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Germany commits €100 billion to defense spending |date=27 February 2022 |url=https://www.dw.com/en/germany-commits-100-billion-to-defense-spending/a-60933724 |website=Deutsche Welle |archive-date=27 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220227113954/https://www.dw.com/en/germany-commits-100-billion-to-defense-spending/a-60933724 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Schuetze |first=Christopher F. |date=27 February 2022 |title=Russia's invasion prompts Germany to beef up military funding |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/27/world/europe/germany-military-budget-russia-ukraine.html |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220227133236/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/27/world/europe/germany-military-budget-russia-ukraine.html |archivedate=27 February 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref> In 2023, military spending according to NATO criteria amounted to $73.1 billion, or 1.64% of the country's GDP, well below the NATO target of 2%. In 2024, Germany reported $97.7 billion to NATO, exceeding the NATO target of 2% at 2.12% of GDP.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=17 June 2024 |title=Defence Expenditure of NATO Countries (2014–2024) |url=https://www.nato.int/nato_static_fl2014/assets/pdf/2024/6/pdf/240617-def-exp-2024-en.pdf#page=8|publisher=NATO|pages=8&ndash;9 |format=PDF}}</ref>


{{as of|2024|05}}, the {{lang|de|Bundeswehr}} has a strength of 180,215 active soldiers and 80,761 civilians.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Personalzahlen |url=https://www.bundeswehr.de/de/ueber-die-bundeswehr/zahlen-daten-fakten/personalzahlen-bundeswehr |accessdate=31 July 2024 |publisher=Bundeswehr |language=de}}</ref> Reservists are available to the armed forces and participate in defence exercises and deployments abroad.<ref name="bwzukunft">{{Cite web |url=http://www.bundeswehr.de/portal/a/bwde/!ut/p/c4/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP3I5EyrpHK9pPKUVL3ikqLUzJLsosTUtJJUvbzU0vTU4pLEnJLSvHRUuYKcxDygoH5BtqMiAMTJdF8!/ |title=Ausblick: Die Bundeswehr der Zukunft |publisher=] |language=German |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604001134/http://www.bundeswehr.de/portal/a/bwde/!ut/p/c4/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP3I5EyrpHK9pPKUVL3ikqLUzJLsosTUtJJUvbzU0vTU4pLEnJLSvHRUuYKcxDygoH5BtqMiAMTJdF8!/ |archivedate=4 June 2011 |accessdate=5 June 2011}}</ref> Until 2011, ] for men at age 18, but this has been officially suspended and replaced with a voluntary service.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/nov/22/germany-abolish-compulsory-military-service |title=Germany to abolish compulsory military service |last=Connolly, Kate |date=22 November 2010 |work=The Guardian |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130917223043/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/nov/22/germany-abolish-compulsory-military-service |archivedate=17 September 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/mar/16/conscription-germany-army |title=Marching orders for conscription in Germany, but what will take its place? |last=Pidd, Helen |date=16 March 2011 |work=The Guardian |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130922000942/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/mar/16/conscription-germany-army |archivedate=22 September 2013 }}</ref> Since 2001 women may serve in all functions of service without restriction.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.bundeswehr.de/portal/a/bwde/!ut/p/c4/FcwxEoUgDAXAE0l6O0_x1YZ5QMSMEp2In-urs_3STC_FXzKqHIqdRpqi9KG50BK7qxpL3Qy8VHbZbk07MqtbDDerF_WJzYdGv286DbmAJj26iLgynaUMD6qutPs!/ |title=Frauen in der Bundeswehr |publisher=] |language=German |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110429090325/http://www.bundeswehr.de/portal/a/bwde/!ut/p/c4/FcwxEoUgDAXAE0l6O0_x1YZ5QMSMEp2In-urs_3STC_FXzKqHIqdRpqi9KG50BK7qxpL3Qy8VHbZbk07MqtbDDerF_WJzYdGv286DbmAJj26iLgynaUMD6qutPs!/ |archivedate=29 April 2011 |accessdate=14 April 2011}}</ref> According to the ], Germany was the ] in the world from 2019 to 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |first1=Pieter D. |last1=Wezeman|first2= Katarina |last2=Djokic|first3= Mathew|last3= George|first4= Zain |last4=Hussain |first5=Siemon T. |last5=Wezeman |title=Trends in international Arms Transfer 2023 |url=https://www.sipri.org/sites/default/files/2024-03/fs_2403_at_2023.pdf |date=March 2024 |website=sipri.org |page=2 }}</ref>
The list includes the largest German companies by revenue in 2011:


In peacetime, the {{lang|de|Bundeswehr}} is commanded by the Minister of Defence. In ], the Chancellor would become commander-in-chief of the {{lang|de|Bundeswehr}}.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/bundesrecht/gg/gesamt.pdf |title=Grundgesetz für die Bundesrepublik Deutschland, Artikel 65a,87,115b |publisher=Bundesministerium der Justiz |language=German |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170528210503/http://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/bundesrecht/gg/gesamt.pdf |archivedate=28 May 2017 |accessdate=19 March 2011 }}</ref> The role of the {{lang|de|Bundeswehr}} is described in the ] as defensive only. But after a ruling of the Federal Constitutional Court in 1994, the term "defence" has been defined not only to include protection of the borders of Germany, but also crisis reaction and conflict prevention, or more broadly as guarding the ] of Germany anywhere in the world. {{As of|2017|post=,}} the German military has about 3,600 troops stationed in foreign countries as part of international peacekeeping forces, including about 1,200 supporting operations against ], 980 in the NATO-led ] in Afghanistan, and 800 in ].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.bundeswehr.de/portal/a/bwde/start/einsaetze/ueberblick/zahlen/!ut/p/z1/04_Sj9CPykssy0xPLMnMz0vMAfIjo8zinSx8QnyMLI2MXIKDnQ0cQ13NQl2DHY0NzMz0wwkpiAJKG-AAjgb6wSmp-pFAM8xxmuELVKQfpR-VlViWWKFXkF9UkpNaopeYDHKhfmRGYl5KTmpAfrIjRKAgN6LcoNxREQC-OoUy/dz/d5/L2dBISEvZ0FBIS9nQSEh/#Z7_B8LTL2922DSSC0AUE6UESA30M0 |title=Einsatzzahlen – die Stärke der deutschen Kontingente |date=18 August 2017 |publisher=] |language=German |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170823022636/https://www.bundeswehr.de/portal/a/bwde/start/einsaetze/ueberblick/zahlen/!ut/p/z1/04_Sj9CPykssy0xPLMnMz0vMAfIjo8zinSx8QnyMLI2MXIKDnQ0cQ13NQl2DHY0NzMz0wwkpiAJKG-AAjgb6wSmp-pFAM8xxmuELVKQfpR-VlViWWKFXkF9UkpNaopeYDHKhfmRGYl5KTmpAfrIjRKAgN6LcoNxREQC-OoUy/dz/d5/L2dBISEvZ0FBIS9nQSEh/#Z7_B8LTL2922DSSC0AUE6UESA30M0 |archivedate=23 August 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=1 June 2020|title=Germany extends unified armed forces mission in Mali|url=https://internationalinsider.org/germany-extends-unified-armed-forces-mission-in-mali/|website=International Insider|accessdate=6 March 2021|archivedate=26 February 2021|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226221509/https://internationalinsider.org/germany-extends-unified-armed-forces-mission-in-mali/|url-status=live}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:right;"
{{Clear}}
|- style="background:#efefef;"
! style="text-align:center;"| Rank<ref>{{cite news |url=http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/global500/2010/countries/Germany.html |title=Global 500: Countries&nbsp;– Germany |work=Forbes |date=26 July 2010 |accessdate=27 March 2011}}</ref>|| style="text-align:center;"| Name|| style="text-align:center;"| Headquarters|| style="text-align:center;"| Revenue<br />(Mil.&nbsp;€) || style="text-align:center;"| Profit<br />(Mil.&nbsp;€) || style="text-align:center;"| Employees<br />(World)
|-
| align="center" | {{0}}1. || style="text-align:left;"| ] || style="text-align:left;"| ] || 159,000 || 15,800 || 502,000
|-
| align="center" | {{0}}2. || style="text-align:left;"| ] || style="text-align:left;"| ] || 113,000 || −1,900 || 79,000
|-
| align="center" | {{0}}3. || style="text-align:left;"| ] || style="text-align:left;"| ] || 107,000 || 6,000 || 271,000
|-
| align="center" | {{0}}4. || style="text-align:left;"| ] || style="text-align:left;"| ], ] || 74,000 || 6,300 || 360,000
|-
| align="center" | {{0}}5. || style="text-align:left;"| ] || style="text-align:left;"| ] || 73,000 || 6,600 || 111,000
|-
| align="center" | {{0}}6. || style="text-align:left;"| ] || style="text-align:left;"| ] || 69,000 || 4,900 || 100,000
|-
| align="center" | {{0}}7. || style="text-align:left;"| ] || style="text-align:left;"| ] || 67,000 || 740 || 288,000
|-
| align="center" | {{0}}8. || style="text-align:left;"| ] <sub>(]/])</sub> || style="text-align:left;"| ] || 63,000 || N/A || 315,000
|-
| align="center" | {{0}}9. || style="text-align:left;"| ] || style="text-align:left;"| ] || 59,000 || 670 || 235,000
|-
| align="center" | {{0}}10. || style="text-align:left;"| ] || style="text-align:left;"| ] || 53,000 || 1,300 || 471,000
|-
| align="center" | — || style="text-align:left;"| ] || style="text-align:left;"| ] || 104,000 || 2,800 || 141,000
|-
| align="center" | — || style="text-align:left;"| ] || style="text-align:left;"| ] || 2,160,000 || 4,300 || 101,000
|}


== Economy ==
===Infrastructure===
{{Main|Transport in Germany|Energy in Germany}} {{Main|Economy of Germany|Science and technology in Germany|List of German inventions and discoveries}}
], a leading business and ] in Europe and the seat of the ]<ref name="frankfurt">{{cite report |url=http://speri.dept.shef.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/SPERI-Brief-10-Frankfurt.pdf |title=Frankfurt as a financial centre after Brexit |last1=Lavery |first1=Scott |last2=Schmid |first2=Davide |publisher=University of Sheffield |url-status=live |series=SPERI Global Political Economy Brief |year=2018 |accessdate=30 March 2020 |archivedate=20 June 2021 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210620152658/http://speri.dept.shef.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/SPERI-Brief-10-Frankfurt.pdf}}</ref>]]
] on the ]]]


Germany has a ] with a highly skilled ], a low level of ],<ref>{{cite web |date=24 January 2020 |title=Corruption Perceptions Index 2019 |url=https://www.transparency.org/cpi2019 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200327160133/https://www.transparency.org/cpi2019 |archivedate=27 March 2020 |accessdate=29 March 2020 |publisher=Transparency International}}</ref> and a high level of ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www3.weforum.org/docs/GCR2018/05FullReport/TheGlobalCompetitivenessReport2018.pdf|page=11|title=The Global Competitiveness Report 2018|last=Schwab|first=Klaus|accessdate=29 March 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200224135655/http://www3.weforum.org/docs/GCR2018/05FullReport/TheGlobalCompetitivenessReport2018.pdf|archivedate=24 February 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> It is the world's ] and ],<ref name="CIA" /> and has the ], which is also the world's ]<ref>{{Cite web|title=Deutschland ist wieder Nummer drei der größten Volkswirtschaften|url=https://www.spiegel.de/wirtschaft/deutschland-ist-wieder-nummer-drei-der-groessten-volkswirtschaften-der-welt-a-4983d80b-6eef-4226-b620-097934febf6c|date=15 February 2024|work=Der Spiegel|language=de|archive-date=17 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240217022701/https://www.spiegel.de/wirtschaft/deutschland-ist-wieder-nummer-drei-der-groessten-volkswirtschaften-der-welt-a-4983d80b-6eef-4226-b620-097934febf6c|url-status=live}}</ref> and ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/ny.gdp.mktp.pp.cd?most_recent_value_desc=true|publisher=World Bank|title=GDP, PPP (current international $)|accessdate=18 November 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240327113849/https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/ny.gdp.mktp.pp.cd%3Fmost_recent_value_desc%3Dtrue|archivedate=27 March 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> Its GDP per capita measured in purchasing power standards amounts to 121% of the EU27 average.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/tgm/table.do?tab=table&init=1&language=en&pcode=tec00114&plugin=1 |title=GDP per capita in PPS |publisher=] |website=ec.europa.eu/eurostat |accessdate=18 June 2020 |archivedate=20 January 2015 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150120063953/https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/tgm/table.do?tab=table&init=1&language=en&pcode=tec00114&plugin=1 |url-status=live }}</ref> The ] contributes approximately 69% of the total GDP, industry 31%—with Germany having the ]—and ] 1% {{as of|2017|lc=y}}.<ref name="CIA" /> The unemployment rate published by ] amounts to 3.2% {{as of|2020|01|lc=y}}, which is the ].<ref name="Eurostat">{{Cite web|url=https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php/Unemployment_statistics|website=Eurostat|title=Unemployment statistics|accessdate=29 March 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200406062752/https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php/Unemployment_statistics|archivedate=6 April 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>
With its central position in Europe, Germany is a transport hub. This is reflected in one of the world’s largest and most sophisticated transportation systems, as well as one of the densest road networks in the world.<ref>{{cite web | title=Assessment of strategic plans and policy measures on Investment and Maintenance in Transport Infrastructure | publisher=] | year=2012 | accessdate=15 March 2014}}</ref> The motorway (]) network ranks as the third-largest worldwide in length and is known for its lack of a general speed limit.<ref>{{cite press release |url= http://www.presse.adac.de/standpunkte/Verkehr/Autobahn_Temporegelung.asp?active1=tcm:11-18784-4 |title = Autobahn-Temporegelung |publisher =] |date =June 2010 |accessdate =19 March 2011 |language= German}}</ref> Germany has established a polycentric network of ]. The ] or ''ICE'' network of the ] serves major German cities as well as destinations in neighbouring countries with speeds up to 300&nbsp;kph (186&nbsp;mph).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.db.de/site/bahn/de/unternehmen/investor__relations/finanzberichte/geschaeftsbericht/geschaeftsbericht__2006.html |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070809140315/http://www.db.de/site/bahn/de/unternehmen/investor__relations/finanzberichte/geschaeftsbericht/geschaeftsbericht__2006.html |archivedate=9 August 2007 |title=Geschäftsbericht 2006 |publisher=] |accessdate=27 March 2011 |language=German}}</ref> The largest German airports are ] and ], both hubs of ], while ] has hubs at ] and ]. Other major airports include ], ], ] and ]. Both airports in Berlin will be consolidated at a site adjacent to Berlin Schönefeld, which will become ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aircraft-charter-world.com/airports/europe/germany.htm|title=Airports in Germany|publisher=Air Broker Center International|accessdate=16 April 2011}}</ref>


Germany is part of the ] which represents more than 450 million consumers.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ec.europa.eu/growth/single-market_en|title=The European single market|date=5 July 2016|publisher=European Commission|accessdate=30 March 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200409110216/https://ec.europa.eu/growth/single-market_en|archivedate=9 April 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2017, the country accounted for 28% of the ] economy according to the ].<ref name="imf.org">{{cite web|url=http://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2017/07/05/na070717-germany-spend-more-at-home|title=Germany: Spend More At Home|publisher=International Monetary Fund|accessdate=28 April 2018|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180108101740/https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2017/07/05/na070717-germany-spend-more-at-home|archivedate=8 January 2018}}</ref> Germany introduced the common European currency, the ], in 2002.<ref name="euroc">{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/01/01/world/germans-say-goodbye-to-the-mark-a-symbol-of-strength-and-unity.html |title=Germans Say Goodbye to the Mark, a Symbol of Strength and Unity |last=Andrews |first=Edmund L. |date=1 January 2002 |work=The New York Times |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110501031330/http://www.nytimes.com/2002/01/01/world/germans-say-goodbye-to-the-mark-a-symbol-of-strength-and-unity.html |archivedate=1 May 2011}}</ref> Its monetary policy is set by the ], which is headquartered in ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bundesbank.de/en/tasks/monetary-policy/monetary-policy-625914|publisher=Bundesbank|title=Monetary policy|accessdate=30 March 2020|archivedate=20 June 2021|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210620152755/https://www.bundesbank.de/en/tasks/monetary-policy/monetary-policy-625914|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="frankfurt" />
{{As of|2008|alt=In 2008}}, Germany was the world's sixth-largest consumer of energy,<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.eia.gov/countries/country-data.cfm?fips=GM| title = Overview/Data: Germany| date = 30 June 2010| publisher = U.S. Energy Information Administration| accessdate =19 April 2011}}</ref> and 60% of its primary energy was imported.<ref>{{cite web|title=Energy imports, net (% of energy use)|url=http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/EG.IMP.CONS.ZS|publisher=The World Bank Group|accessdate=18 April 2011}}</ref> Government policy promotes ] and ]. ] has been improving since the early 1970s; the government aims to meet the country's electricity demands using 40% renewable sources by 2020 and 100% by 2050.<ref>{{cite news|title=* Environment * Renewable energy Germany targets switch to 100% renewables for its electricity by 2050|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/jul/07/germany-renewable-energy-electricity|accessdate=18 April 2011|newspaper=The Guardian|date=7 July 2010|author=Reuters Berlin|location=UK}}</ref> In 2010, energy sources were: oil (33.7%); coal, including lignite (22.9%); natural gas (21.8%); nuclear (10.8%); hydro-electric and wind power (1.5%); and other renewable sources (7.9%).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bmwi.de/BMWi/Redaktion/Binaer/Energiedaten/energiegewinnung-und-energieverbrauch2-primaerenergieverbrauch.xls|title=Primärenergieverbrauch nach Energieträgern|language=German|publisher=Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Technologie|date=December 2010|accessdate=18 April 2011}}</ref> In 2000, the government and the ] agreed to phase out all ]s by 2021.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/4295389.stm |title=Germany split over green energy |work=BBC News |date= 25 February 2005 |accessdate=27 March 2011}}</ref>
Germany is committed to the ] and several other treaties promoting biodiversity, low emission standards, recycling, and the use of renewable energy, and supports sustainable development at a global level.<ref>{{cite press release
|url = http://www.kst.portalu.de/dokumente/Aktuelles/Inventar-Bericht_Treibhausgas_2008.pdf |title = Deutschland erfüllte 2008 seine Klimaschutzverpflichtung nach dem Kyoto-Protokoll |publisher = Umweltbundesamt |date =1 February 2010 |accessdate =19 March 2011|language=German}}</ref> The German government has initiated wide-ranging emission reduction activities and the country's overall emissions are falling.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-06-21/pollution/27752791_1_energy-security-global-energy-germany |title=Germany greenest country in the world |newspaper=The Times of India |location=New Delhi |date=21 June 2008 |accessdate =26 March 2011}}</ref>
Nevertheless the country's ] were the highest in the EU {{as of|2010|alt=in 2010}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cdiac.ornl.gov/trends/emis/prelim_2009_2010_estimates.html |title=Record High 2010 Global Carbon Dioxide Emissions from Fossil-Fuel Combustion and Cement Manufacture Posted on CDIAC Site |publisher=Carbon Dioxide Information Analysis Center|accessdate=15 May 2012}}</ref>


The ] is regarded as one of the most competitive and innovative in the world,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.electrive.com/2019/12/10/cam-study-reveals-german-manufacturers-as-innovative/|publisher=Electrive|title=CAM study reveals: German carmakers are most innovative|date=10 December 2019|last=Randall|first=Chris|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200510175816/https://www.electrive.com/2019/12/10/cam-study-reveals-german-manufacturers-as-innovative/|archivedate=10 May 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> and is the ] as of 2021. Germany is home to ], the world's ] by vehicle production.<ref>{{Cite news |date=20 December 2022 |title=Hyundai, Now the No. 3 Carmaker, Takes Aim at Toyota and Volkswagen |work=Bloomberg |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-12-20/now-the-world-s-third-biggest-carmaker-hyundai-takes-aim-at-toyota-volkswagen |archive-date=7 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230207223928/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-12-20/now-the-world-s-third-biggest-carmaker-hyundai-takes-aim-at-toyota-volkswagen |url-status=live }}</ref>
===Science and technology===
{{Main|Science and technology in Germany|List of German inventors and discoverers}}
]]]
Germany's achievements in the sciences have been significant, and ] efforts form an integral part of the ].<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Federal Ministry of Education and Research|url=http://www.bmbf.de/pub/bufi_2010_en.pdf|title=Federal Report on Research and Innovation 2010|date=June 2010|format=PDF|accessdate=15 May 2012}}</ref> The ] has been awarded to ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nobelprize.org/|title=Nobel Prize|publisher=Nobelprize.org|accessdate=27 March 2011}}</ref> For most of the 20th century, German laureates had more awards than those of any other nation, especially in the sciences (], ], and ]).<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/63944/title/Swedish_academy_awards|title=Swedish academy awards|newspaper=ScienceNews|accessdate=1 October 2010}}</ref><ref>National Science Nobel Prize shares 1901–2009 and . From {{cite web|author=]|year=2010|url=http://www.idsia.ch/~juergen/nobelshare.html|title=Evolution of National Nobel Prize Shares in the 20th century|accessdate=27 March 2011}}</ref>


] at the 2013 ] Summit in Berlin. All new cars sold in Germany must be ] from 2035.<ref>{{cite news |title=EU countries approve 2035 phaseout of CO2-emitting cars |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/eu-countries-poised-approve-2035-phaseout-co2-emitting-cars-2023-03-28/ |work=Reuters |date=29 March 2023}}</ref>]]
The work of ] and ] was crucial to the foundation of modern ], which ] and ] developed further.<ref>{{cite book |last=Roberts |first=J. M. |title =The New Penguin History of the World |publisher =Allen Lane |year =2002 |page =1014 |isbn= 978-0-7139-9611-1}}</ref> They were preceded by such key physicists as ], ] and ], among others. ] discovered ]s and was the first winner of the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1901.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,5984670,00.html|title=The First Nobel Prize|newspaper=Deutsche Welle|date=8 September 2010|accessdate=27 March 2011}}</ref> ] was a pioneer in the fields of ] and ] and discovered ],<ref>{{cite web|title=Otto Hahn|url=http://www.famousscientists.org/otto-hahn|publisher=FamousScientists.org|accessdate=15 December 2011}}</ref> while ] and ] were founders of ]. Numerous ]s were born in Germany, including ], ], ], ], ], ] and ]. Research institutions in Germany include the ], the ] and the ]. The ] is granted to ten scientists and academics every year. With a maximum of €2.5&nbsp;million per award it is one of highest endowed research prizes in the world.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dfg.de/en/research_funding/scientific_prizes/gw_leibniz_prize.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080621091621/http://www.dfg.de/en/research_funding/scientific_prizes/gw_leibniz_prize.html|archivedate=21 June 2008|title=Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize|publisher=DFG|accessdate=27 March 2011}}</ref>
The top ten ] are vehicles, machinery, chemical goods, electronic products, electrical equipments, pharmaceuticals, transport equipments, basic metals, food products, and rubber and plastics.<ref name="Destatis">{{Cite web |url=http://www.destatis.de/EN/FactsFigures/NationalEconomyEnvironment/ForeignTrade/_Graphic/TradingGoods.png?__blob=poster |title=Foreign trade |website=Statistiches Bundesamt |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150502033130/https://www.destatis.de/EN/FactsFigures/NationalEconomyEnvironment/ForeignTrade/_Graphic/TradingGoods.png?__blob=poster |archivedate=2 May 2015 |accessdate=23 April 2015 }}</ref>


Of the world's 500 largest stock-market-listed companies measured by revenue in 2023, the ], 32 are headquartered in Germany.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://fortune.com/global500/2019/search/?hqcountry=Germany|website=Fortune|title=Global 500|accessdate=30 March 2020|archivedate=20 June 2021|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210620152854/https://fortune.com/global500/2019/search/?hqcountry=Germany|url-status=live}}</ref> 30 major Germany-based companies are included in the ], the German stock market index which is operated by ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/quote/DAX:IND|publisher=Bloomberg|title=DAX|accessdate=30 March 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200521105452/https://www.bloomberg.com/quote/DAX:IND|archivedate=21 May 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Well-known international brands include ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.statista.com/statistics/235173/brand-value-of-the-leading-10-most-valuable-german-brands/|website=Statista|title=Brand value of the leading 10 most valuable German brands in 2019|accessdate=30 March 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20191210192215/https://www.statista.com/statistics/235173/brand-value-of-the-leading-10-most-valuable-german-brands/|archivedate=10 December 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> ] is a ] for ] and has become the leading location for venture capital-funded firms in the European Union.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.euractiv.com/sections/innovation-industry/berlin-outranks-london-start-investment-317140 |title=Berlin outranks London in start-up investment |last=Frost |first=Simon |website=euractiv.com |date=28 August 2015 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151106224621/http://www.euractiv.com/sections/innovation-industry/berlin-outranks-london-start-investment-317140 |archivedate=6 November 2015 |accessdate=28 October 2015}}</ref> Germany is recognised for its large portion of specialised ], known as the {{lang|de|]}} model.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/connect/small-business/driving-growth/secrets-growth-power-of-germany-mittelstand/|website=The Telegraph|title=Secrets of growth: the power of Germany's Mittelstand|last=Dakers|first=Marion|date=11 May 2017|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306134928/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/connect/small-business/driving-growth/secrets-growth-power-of-germany-mittelstand/|archivedate=6 March 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> These companies represent 48% of the global market leaders in their segments, labelled ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-40796571|work=BBC News|title=Germany's 'hidden champions' of the Mittelstand|last=Bayley|first=Caroline|date=17 August 2017|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20190522010803/https://www.bbc.com/news/business-40796571|archivedate=22 May 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>
Germany has been the home of many famous inventors and ]s, such as ], credited with the invention of ] printing in Europe; ], the creator of the ]; and ], who built the first fully automatic digital computer.<ref>{{cite web|last=Bianchi|first=Luigi|title=The Great Electromechanical Computers|url=http://www.yorku.ca/lbianchi/sts3700b/lecture17a.html|publisher=]|accessdate=17 April 2011}}</ref> German inventors, engineers and industrialists such as Count ], ], ], ], ] and ] helped shape modern automotive and air transportation technology.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.centennialofflight.gov/essay/Lighter_than_air/zeppelin/LTA8.htm|title=The Zeppelin|publisher=U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission|accessdate=27 March 2011}}</ref> ] ] developed the ] and later on was a prominent member of ] and developed the ] Moon rocket, which paved the way for the success of the US ]. ]'s work in the domain of ] was pivotal to the development of modern telecommunication.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.itu.int/aboutitu/HistoricalFigures.html|title=Historical figures in telecommunications|publisher=International Telecommunication Union|date=14 January 2004|accessdate=27 March 2011}}</ref>


] efforts form an integral part of the German economy,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.bmbf.de/pub/Federal_Report_on_Research_and_Innovation_2014.pdf |title=Federal Report on Research and Innovation 2014 |date=2014 |publisher=Federal Ministry of Education and Research |archiveurl=http://arquivo.pt/wayback/20160514110947/http://www.bmbf.de/pub/Federal_Report_on_Research_and_Innovation_2014.pdf |archivedate=14 May 2016 |accessdate=26 March 2015}}</ref> with the country ] in research and development expenditure since 2005.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gross domestic spending on R&D |url=http://data.oecd.org/rd/gross-domestic-spending-on-r-d.htm |accessdate=17 December 2023 |publisher=] |archive-date=15 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231215212810/https://data.oecd.org/rd/gross-domestic-spending-on-r-d.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2018, Germany ] globally in terms of number of science and engineering research papers published<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/01/top-ten-countries-leading-scientific-publications-in-the-world/|last=McCarthy|first=Niall|title=The countries leading the world in scientific research|publisher=World Economic Forum|date=13 January 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200312073822/https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/01/top-ten-countries-leading-scientific-publications-in-the-world|archivedate=12 March 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> and third in the quality-adjusted ] in 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |date=18 June 2024 |title=Nature Index 2024 Research Leaders: India follows in China's footsteps as top ten changes again |url=https://www.nature.com/nature-index/news/nature-index-research-leaders-india-follows-china-footsteps |website=Nature Index }}</ref> Research institutions in Germany include the ], the ], and the ] and the ].<ref>{{cite journal|journal=Nature|title=An introduction to the complexities of the German research scene|date=27 March 2019|first=Hristio|last=Boytchev|volume=567|issue=7749|pages=S34–S35|doi=10.1038/d41586-019-00910-7|pmid=30918381|doi-access=free|bibcode=2019Natur.567S..34B }}</ref> Germany is the largest contributor to the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dlr.de/content/en/articles/news/2019/04/20191128_esa-ministerial-2019.html|publisher=German Aerospace Centre|date=28 November 2019|title=Germany invests 3.3 billion euro in European space exploration and becomes ESA's largest contributor|accessdate=17 May 2020|archivedate=20 June 2021|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210620152742/https://www.dlr.de/content/en/articles/news/2019/04/20191128_esa-ministerial-2019.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Germany was ranked 9th in the ] in 2024.<ref>{{Cite book |author=] |year=2024 |title=Global Innovation Index 2024: Unlocking the Promise of Social Entrepreneurship |url=https://www.wipo.int/web-publications/global-innovation-index-2024/en/ |access-date=2024-10-06 |website=www.wipo.int |page=18 |publisher=World Intellectual Property Organization |language=en |doi=10.34667/tind.50062 |isbn=978-92-805-3681-2}}</ref>
Germany is one of the leading countries in developing and using green technologies. Companies specialising in ] have an estimated turnover of €200 billion. Key sectors of Germany's green technology industry are power generation, sustainable mobility, material efficiency, energy efficiency, waste management and ], and sustainable ].<ref>]: ''Green Growth, Green Profit&nbsp;– How Green Transformation Boosts Business'' ], New York 2010, ISBN 978-0-230-28543-9</ref>


=== Infrastructure ===
==Demographics==
{{Main|Demographics of Germany|Germans|Social issues in Germany|List of cities in Germany by population}} {{Main|Transport in Germany|Energy in Germany|Telecommunications in Germany|Water supply and sanitation in Germany}}
] train on the ], with operating speed up to {{convert|300|km/h|abbr=on}}]]
With its central position in Europe, Germany is a transport hub for the continent.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.internationaltransportforum.org/statistics/investment/Country-responses/Germany.pdf |title=Assessment of strategic plans and policy measures on Investment and Maintenance in Transport Infrastructure |year=2012 |publisher=] |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150101013052/http://www.internationaltransportforum.org/statistics/investment/Country-responses/Germany.pdf |archivedate=1 January 2015 |accessdate=15 March 2014}}</ref> Its road network is among the densest in Europe.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php/Archive:Transport_infrastructure_at_regional_level|website=Eurostat|title=Transport infrastructure at regional level|accessdate=30 March 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180915230224/https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php/Archive:Transport_infrastructure_at_regional_level|archivedate=15 September 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> The motorway (]) is widely known for having no general federally mandated ] for some classes of vehicles.<ref name="wa 16-09-2013">{{cite news |last=Jeremic |first=Sam |title=Fun, fun, fun on the autobahn |url=http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/motors/a/-/motors/18958067/fun-fun-fun-on-the-autobahn/ |date=16 September 2013 |newspaper=] |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131012020747/http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/motors/a/-/motors/18958067/fun-fun-fun-on-the-autobahn/ |archivedate=12 October 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> The ] or ''ICE'' train network serves major German cities as well as destinations in neighbouring countries with speeds up to {{convert|300|km/h|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eurail.com/en/get-inspired/trains-europe/high-speed-trains/ice|title=ICE High-Speed Trains|publisher=Eurail|accessdate=3 April 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20191011052444/http://eurail.com/en/get-inspired/trains-europe/high-speed-trains/ice|archivedate=11 October 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> The largest German airports are ], ] and ].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.adv.aero/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/12.2022-ADV-Monatsstatistik.pdf |title=ADV Monthly Traffic Report 12/2022 |publisher=Arbeitsgemeinschaft Deutscher Verkehrsflughäfen e.V. |date=13 February 2023 |archive-date=16 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230216140438/https://www.adv.aero/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/12.2022-ADV-Monatsstatistik.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> The ] is the ] and one of the twenty ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hafen-hamburg.de/en/statistics/top-20-container-ports|publisher=Port of Hamburg|title=Top World Container Ports|accessdate=3 April 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010080235/https://www.hafen-hamburg.de/en/statistics/top-20-container-ports|archivedate=10 October 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
] Castle]]
{{As of|2019|alt=In 2019}}, Germany was the world's seventh-largest consumer of energy.<ref>{{cite web |title=Germany |url=https://www.eia.gov/international/analysis/country/DEU |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230605135256/https://www.eia.gov/international/analysis/country/DEU |archivedate=5 June 2023 |accessdate=30 August 2023 |publisher=US Energy Information Administration}}</ref> All ] were phased out in 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Paddison |last2=Schmidt |last3=Kappeler |first1=Laura |first2=Nadine |first3=Inke |date=15 April 2023 |title='A new era': Germany quits nuclear power, closing its final three plants |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/04/15/europe/germany-nuclear-phase-out-climate-intl/index.html |publisher=CNN |archive-date=22 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230422050759/https://www.cnn.com/2023/04/15/europe/germany-nuclear-phase-out-climate-intl/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Germany meets its power demands using 40% ],<ref>{{cite web |last=Wettengel |first=Julian |date=2 January 2019 |title=Renewables supplied 40 percent of net public power in Germany in 2018 |url=https://www.cleanenergywire.org/news/renewables-supplied-40-percent-net-public-power-germany-2018 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210620152813/https://www.cleanenergywire.org/news/renewables-supplied-40-percent-net-public-power-germany-2018 |archivedate=20 June 2021 |accessdate=10 April 2020 |website=Clean Energy Wire}}</ref> and has been called an "early leader" in ] and ].<ref name="International Energy Agency-2021">{{Cite web |publisher=International Energy Agency |date=16 December 2021 |title=Germany |url=https://www.iea.org/countries/germany |accessdate=24 May 2022 |archive-date=24 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220524012051/https://www.iea.org/countries/germany |url-status=live }}</ref> The country is committed to the ] and several other treaties promoting biodiversity, low emission standards, and ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbd.int/financial/2017docs/germany-commitment2016.pdf|title=Committed to Biodiversity|publisher=Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development|year=2017|accessdate=10 April 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200212170157/https://www.cbd.int/financial/2017docs/germany-commitment2016.pdf|archivedate=12 February 2020|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/15/world/europe/germany-climate-law.html |last=Eddy |first=Melissa |date=15 November 2019 |title=Germany Passes Climate-Protection Law to Ensure 2030 Goals |work=The New York Times |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200313200755/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/15/world/europe/germany-climate-law.html |archivedate=13 March 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://humanright2water.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/WL-Country-Mapping-Germany.pdf|title=Legal Country Mapping: Germany|publisher=WaterLex|date=6 July 2018|accessdate=27 March 2021|archivedate=28 September 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928114238/http://humanright2water.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/WL-Country-Mapping-Germany.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Germany's household recycling rate is among the ]—at around 65%.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.climateaction.org/news/germany-is-the-worlds-leading-nation-for-recycling|publisher=Climate Action|title=Germany is the world's leading nation for recycling|date=11 December 2017|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20190911230531/http://www.climateaction.org/news/germany-is-the-worlds-leading-nation-for-recycling|archivedate=11 September 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> The country's ] were the ninth-highest in the EU {{as of|2018|alt=in 2018}}, but these numbers have been trending downward.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.statista.com/statistics/986392/co2-emissions-per-cap-by-country-eu/|website=Statista|title=Greenhouse gas emissions per capita in the European Union (EU-28) in 2018, by country|accessdate=24 March 2021|archivedate=4 March 2021|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210304134727/https://www.statista.com/statistics/986392/co2-emissions-per-cap-by-country-eu/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |publisher=International Energy Agency |date=10 November 2021 |title=Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Energy Data Explorer |url=https://www.iea.org/data-and-statistics/data-tools/greenhouse-gas-emissions-from-energy-data-explorer |accessdate=8 November 2022 |archive-date=12 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190812215445/https://www.iea.org/geco/emissions/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The ] ({{lang|de|Energiewende}}) is the recognised move to a sustainable economy by means of energy efficiency and renewable energy, with the country being called "the world's first major ] economy".<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2009/04/germany-the-worlds-first-major-renewable-energy-economy |title=Germany: The World's First Major Renewable Energy Economy |access-date=24 February 2024 |archive-date=29 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150329212358/http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2009/04/germany-the-worlds-first-major-renewable-energy-economy |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |url=http://www.dlr.de/dlr/Portaldata/1/Resources/bilder/portal/portal_2012_1/leitstudie2011_bf.pdf |title=Langfristszenarien und Strategien für den Ausbau der erneuerbaren Energien in Deutschland bei Berücksichtigung der Entwicklung in Europa und global |last=Federal Ministry for the Environment |date=29 March 2012 |publisher=Federal Ministry for the Environment (BMU) |trans-title=Long-term Scenarios and Strategies for the Development of Renewable Energy in Germany Considering Development in Europe and Globally |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150921145218/http://www.dlr.de/dlr/Portaldata/1/Resources/bilder/portal/portal_2012_1/leitstudie2011_bf.pdf |archivedate=21 September 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="International Energy Agency-2021" /> Germany has reduced its ] by 11% between 1990 and 2015<ref>{{cite web |title=China and Germany – Working for an Energy Efficient Future |url=https://www.energypartnership.cn/newsroom/energy-efficiency/ |website=Energiepartnershcaft |date=25 September 2023 |archive-date=4 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240204135141/https://www.energypartnership.cn/newsroom/energy-efficiency/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and set itself goals of reducing it by 30% by 2030 and by 50% by 2050.<ref>{{cite book |title=Germany's Energy Efficiency Strategy 2050 |date=March 2020 |publisher=Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy |url=https://www.energypartnership.cn/fileadmin/user_upload/china/media_elements/Documents/200407_BMWi_Dossier_Energy_Efficiency_Strategy_2050.pdf |archive-date=30 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240130115350/https://www.energypartnership.cn/fileadmin/user_upload/china/media_elements/Documents/200407_BMWi_Dossier_Energy_Efficiency_Strategy_2050.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>


=== Tourism ===
With a population of 80.2&nbsp;million according to the May 2011 census,<ref name="File 2013"/> Germany is the most populous country in the European Union, the second most populous country in Europe after ], and ranks as the ] in the world.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2119rank.html?countryName=Lebanon&countryCode=le&regionCode=me&rank=126 |title=Country Comparison :: Population |publisher=CIA |accessdate=26 June 2011}}</ref> Its ] stands at 225 inhabitants per square kilometre. The overall ] at birth is 80.19 years (77.93 years for males and 82.58 years for females).<ref name="CIA"/> The ] of 1.41 children born per woman (2011 estimates), or 8.33 births per 1000 inhabitants, is one of the ].<ref name="CIA"/> Since the 1970s, Germany's ] has continuously exceeded its ].<ref>{{cite web | title = Demographic Transition Model | publisher=Barcelona Field Studies Centre | date = 27 September 2009 | url = http://geographyfieldwork.com/DemographicTransition.htm | accessdate =28 March 2011}}</ref> The ] has forecast that the population could shrink to between 65 and 70 million by 2060 (depending on the level of net migration).<ref>{{cite press release | publisher=] | date = 18 November 2009 | language = German |title=Im Jahr 2060 wird jeder Siebente 80 Jahre oder älter sein| url=https://www.destatis.de/DE/PresseService/Presse/Pressemitteilungen/2009/11/PD09_435_12411.html;jsessionid=7247D871DEB96E4AE313EE55A45CEFC1.cae1 | accessdate =6 April 2012 }}<br/>
{{Main|Tourism in Germany}}
Details on the methodology, detailed tables, etc. are provided at {{cite web| url = http://www.destatis.de/jetspeed/portal/cms/Sites/destatis/Internet/DE/Presse/abisz/Bevoelkerungsvorausberechnung,templateId=renderPrint.psml| title = Bevölkerungsentwicklung in Deutschland bis 2060| date = 18 November 2009 | publisher = ] | language = German| accessdate =15 February 2011| archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20101229190016/http://www.destatis.de/jetspeed/portal/cms/Sites/destatis/Internet/DE/Presse/abisz/Bevoelkerungsvorausberechnung,templateId=renderPrint.psml <!--Added by H3llBot-->| archivedate = 29 December 2010}}</ref>
] in ]]]
However, such forecasts have often been proven wrong in the past, and Germany is currently witnessing increased birth rates<ref> (The Local)</ref> and migration rates since the beginning of the 2010s. It is notably experiencing a strong increase in the number of well-educated migrants.<ref> (Spiegel)</ref><ref> (DW)</ref> In 2012, 300,000 more immigrants than emigrants were reported in Germany.<ref> (DW)</ref>
Domestic and international travel and tourism combined directly contribute over €105.3&nbsp;billion to German GDP. Including indirect and induced impacts, the industry supports 4.2&nbsp;million jobs.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bmwi.de/Redaktion/EN/Publikationen/wirtschaftsfaktor-tourismus-in-deutschland-lang.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=3|title=Tourism as a driver of economic growth in Germany|publisher=Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy|date=November 2017|accessdate=5 July 2020|archivedate=8 July 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200708124326/https://www.bmwi.de/Redaktion/EN/Publikationen/wirtschaftsfaktor-tourismus-in-deutschland-lang.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=3|url-status=live}}</ref> As of 2022, Germany is the ].<ref>{{cite journal|url=https://webunwto.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/2023-05/UNWTO_Barom23_02_May_EXCERPT_final.pdf?VersionId=gGmuSXlwfM1yoemsRrBI9ZJf.Vmc9gYD|journal=World Tourism Barometer|volume=21|issue=2|date=May 2023|title=International Tourism – 2023 starts on a strong note with the Middle East recovering 2019 levels in the first quarter|archive-date=2 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230802171252/https://webunwto.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/2023-05/UNWTO_Barom23_02_May_EXCERPT_final.pdf?VersionId=gGmuSXlwfM1yoemsRrBI9ZJf.Vmc9gYD|url-status=live}}</ref> Its most popular landmarks include ], the ], the ], the ], ], ], the ], and ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dw.com/en/germanys-most-visited-landmarks/a-19432005|publisher=DW|title=Germany's most visited landmarks|accessdate=5 July 2020|archivedate=6 July 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200706112642/https://www.dw.com/en/germanys-most-visited-landmarks/a-19432005|url-status=live}}</ref> The ] near ] is Europe's second-most popular theme park resort.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.statista.com/statistics/236193/attendance-at-the-europa-park-rust-theme-park/|publisher=Statista|title=Attendance at the Europa Park Rust theme park from 2009 to 2018 (in millions)|date=19 June 2020|accessdate=5 July 2020|archivedate=1 August 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200801004437/https://www.statista.com/statistics/236193/attendance-at-the-europa-park-rust-theme-park/|url-status=live}}</ref>


== Demographics ==
]
{{Main|Demographics of Germany|Germans}}
Germans by nationality make up 92.3% of the population of Germany.<ref name="File 2013"/> {{As of|2011}} and about six million foreign citizens (7.7% of the population) were registered in Germany.<ref name="File 2013"/> Regarding ethnic background, 20%<ref name=pop>, p. 64 statistics</ref> of the country's residents, or more than 16 million people, were of foreign or partially foreign descent (including persons descending or partially descending from ] repatriates), 96% of whom lived in the former West Germany or Berlin.<ref> The ] defines persons with a migrant background as all persons who migrated to the present area of the Federal Republic of Germany after 1949, plus all foreign nationals born in Germany and all persons born in Germany as German nationals with at least one parent who migrated to Germany or was born in Germany as a foreign national.</ref> In 2010, 2.3 million families with children under 18 years were living in Germany, in which at least one parent had foreign roots. They represented 29% of the total of 8.1 million families with minor children. Compared with 2005 – the year when the microcensus started to collect detailed information on the population with a migrant background – the proportion of migrant families has risen by 2 percentage points.<ref name="destatis.de">{{cite web|url=https://www.destatis.de/EN/Publications/STATmagazin/Population/2012_03/2012_03MigrantBackground.html |title=Publikation - STATmagazin - Population - Families with a migrant background: traditional values count - Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) |publisher=Destatis.de |date=13 March 2012 |accessdate=4 November 2012}}</ref>
With a population of 84.7&nbsp;million according to the 2023 German census,<ref>{{cite news |title=Immigration Drives Germany's Population Growth to 84.7 Million |url=https://etias.com/articles/germany-population-growth-2023 |work=] |date=30 January 2024}}</ref> Germany is the most populous country in the ], the ] after ],<ref name="CIA" />{{efn|name="turkey"|Excluding ], which only has 3% of its total territory in Europe along with some 10% of its population<ref>{{cite web |url=http://countrystudies.us/turkey/18.htm |editor=Metz, Helen |title=Turkey: A Country Study &#124; Geography |year=1995 |publisher=GPO for the Library of Congress}}</ref>}} and the ]. Its ] stands at {{convert|227|/km2|/mi2|disp=preunit|inhabitants&nbsp;|inhabitants|}}. The ] of 1.57 children born per woman (2022 estimates) is below the replacement rate of 2.1 and is one of the ].<ref name="CIA" /> Since the 1970s, Germany's ] has exceeded its ]. However, Germany is witnessing increased birth rates and migration rates since the beginning of the 2010s. Germany has the ], with an average age of 47.4 years.<ref name="CIA" />
] and ] in ] (''Chóśebuz'') in ]]]
Four sizeable groups of people are referred to as national minorities because their ancestors have lived in their respective regions for centuries:<ref name="BMI 2010">{{Cite web |url=http://www.bmi.bund.de/SharedDocs/Downloads/EN/Broschueren/2010/nat_minderheiten.pdf?__blob=publicationFile |title=National Minorities in Germany |date=May 2010 |publisher=] |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130421151141/http://www.bmi.bund.de/SharedDocs/Downloads/EN/Broschueren/2010/nat_minderheiten.pdf?__blob=publicationFile |archivedate=21 April 2013 |accessdate=23 June 2014}}</ref> There is a ] minority in the northernmost state of ];<ref name="BMI 2010" /> the ], a ], are in the ] region of ] and ]; the ] and ] live throughout the country; and the ] are concentrated in Schleswig-Holstein's western coast and in the north-western part of ].<ref name="BMI 2010" />


After the United States, Germany is the second-most popular ] in the world.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Webb |first=Alex |date=20 May 2014 |title=Germany Top Migration Land After U.S. in New OECD Ranking |work=] |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2014-05-20/immigration-boom-propels-germany-past-u-k-in-new-oecd-ranking |archive-date=17 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150317014944/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2014-05-20/immigration-boom-propels-germany-past-u-k-in-new-oecd-ranking |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2015, following the ], the Population Division of the ] listed Germany as host to the ], about 5% or 12&nbsp;million of all 244&nbsp;million migrants.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.un.org/en/development/desa/population/migration/publications/migrationreport/docs/MigrationReport2015_Highlights.pdf |title=International Migration Report 2015 – Highlights |year=2015 |publisher=United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160513001608/http://www.un.org/en/development/desa/population/migration/publications/migrationreport/docs/MigrationReport2015_Highlights.pdf |archivedate=13 May 2016 |accessdate=9 June 2016}}</ref> Refugee crises have resulted in substantial population increases;<ref>{{cite news |title=Germany: Asylum applications rose sharply in 2023 |url=https://www.dw.com/en/germany-asylum-applications-rose-sharply-in-2023/a-67928269 |work=Deutsche Welle |date=9 January 2024}}</ref> for example, the major influx of Ukrainian immigrants following the ], meaning over 1.06&nbsp;million refugees from Ukraine were recorded in Germany as of April 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Current population |url=https://www.destatis.de/EN/Themes/Society-Environment/Population/Current-Population/_node.html |date=20 June 2023 |publisher=Federal Statistical Office |archive-date=26 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826024032/https://www.destatis.de/EN/Themes/Society-Environment/Population/Current-Population/_node.html |url-status=live }}</ref> {{As of|2019}}, Germany ranks seventh among EU countries in terms of the percentage of migrants in the country's population, at 13.1%.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://data.oecd.org/migration/foreign-population.htm#indicator-chart|publisher=OECD|title=Foreign population|accessdate=28 October 2021|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200313152632/https://data.oecd.org/migration/foreign-population.htm#indicator-chart|archivedate=13 March 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2022, there were 23.8 million people, 28.7 percent of the total population, who had a migration background.<ref>{{cite web|date=20 April 2023|publisher=Statistisches Bundesamt|title=Pressemitteilung Nr. 158 vom 20. April 2023|url=https://www.destatis.de/DE/Presse/Pressemitteilungen/2023/04/PD23_158_125.html|archive-date=7 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231107012216/https://www.destatis.de/DE/Presse/Pressemitteilungen/2023/04/PD23_158_125.html|url-status=live}}<!-- auto-translated by Module:CS1 translator --></ref>
Most of the families with a migrant background live in the western part of Germany. In 2010, the proportion of migrant families in all families was 32% in the pre-unification territory of the Federal Republic. This figure was more than double that in the new Länder (including Berlin) where it stood at 15%.<ref name="destatis.de"/> Families with a migrant background more often have three or more minor children in the household than families without a migrant background. In 2010, about 15% of the families with a migrant background contained three or more minor children, as compared with just 9% of the families without a migrant background.<ref name="destatis.de"/>

The ] lists Germany as host to the ], about 5% or 10&nbsp;million of all 191&nbsp;million migrants.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.un.org/esa/population/publications/2006Migration_Chart/Migration2006.pdf |title=International Migration 2006 |publisher =UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs |accessdate=18 March 2011}}</ref> As a consequence of ] to Germany's formerly rather unrestricted laws on ] and immigration, the number of immigrants seeking asylum or claiming German ethnicity (mostly from the former Soviet Union) has been declining steadily since 2000.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.focus-migration.de/Germany.1509.0.html?&L=1|title=Germany|publisher=Focus-Migration|accessdate=28 March 2011}}</ref> In 2009, 20% of the population had immigrant roots, the highest since 1945.<ref>{{Cite news | title=20% of Germans have immigrant roots | newspaper=Burlington Free Press | page= 4A | date=15 July 2010 }}</ref> {{As of|2008}}, the largest national group was from ] (2.5&nbsp;million), followed by ] (776,000) and ] (687,000).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.destatis.de/jetspeed/portal/cms/Sites/destatis/Internet/DE/Content/Statistiken/Bevoelkerung/MigrationIntegration/Migrationshintergrund/Tabellen/Content100/MigrationshintergrundStaatsangehoerigkeit,templateId=renderPrint.psml |title=Bevölkerung nach Migrationshintergrund| accessdate =28 March 2011|publisher=German Federal Statistical Office|language=German|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101229095012/http://www.destatis.de/jetspeed/portal/cms/Sites/destatis/Internet/DE/Content/Statistiken/Bevoelkerung/MigrationIntegration/Migrationshintergrund/Tabellen/Content100/MigrationshintergrundStaatsangehoerigkeit,templateId=renderPrint.psml <!--Added by H3llBot-->|archivedate=29 December 2010}}</ref> About 3&nbsp;million "Aussiedler"—ethnic Germans, mainly from the former eastern bloc—have ] in Germany since 1987.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.migrationinformation.org/Feature/display.cfm?ID=201|title=Fewer Ethnic Germans Immigrating to Ancestral Homeland|publisher=Migration Information Source|date=February 2004|accessdate=28 March 2011}}</ref> Large numbers of people with full or significant German ancestry are found in the United States,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/IPTable?_bm=y&-reg=ACS_2005_EST_G00_S0201:535;ACS_2005_EST_G00_S0201PR:535;ACS_2005_EST_G00_S0201T:535;ACS_2005_EST_G00_S0201TPR:535&-qr_name=ACS_2005_EST_G00_S0201&-qr_name=ACS_2005_EST_G00_S0201PR&-qr_name=ACS_2005_EST_G00_S0201T&-qr_name=ACS_2005_EST_G00_S0201TPR&-ds_name=ACS_2005_EST_G00_&-TABLE_NAMEX=&-ci_type=A&-redoLog=false&-charIterations=047&-geo_id=01000US&-format=&-_lang=en|author=United States Census Bureau|title=U.S. Census Bureau, 2005 American Community Survey}} The 1990 census gives 57.9 million, or 23.3% of the U.S. population.</ref> Brazil,<ref name="The German Times">{{cite web |url=http://www.german-times.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1127&Itemid=68 |title=German Roots - Gisele Bündchen |last=Akstinat |first=Simon |date=August 2007}}</ref> Argentina<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.buenosaires.gob.ar/areas/secretaria_gral/colectividades/?col=1 |title=Obsevatorio de Colectividades&nbsp;– Comunidad Alemana |publisher=Buenosaires.gob.ar |accessdate=28 September 2011}}</ref> and Canada.<ref> gives 2,742,765 total respondents stating their ''ethnic origin'' as partly German, with 705,600 stating "single-ancestry".</ref>
Most ethnic minorities (especially those of non-European origin) reside in large urban areas like ], ], ], ], ] and ]. The percentage of non-Germans and immigrants is rather low in rural areas and small towns, especially in the East German states of the former ].

{{Pie chart
| thumb = right
| caption = '''Ethnic groups in Germany'''
| other =
| label1 = Germans
| value1 = 80.7
| color1 = #FF0000
| label2 = Other Europeans
| value2 = 7.3
| color2 = #008080
| label3 = Turks
| value3 = 4
| color3 = #FFA500
| label4 = Other Middle Easterners
| value4 = 1.2
| color4 = #800080
| label5 = Asians
| value5 = 2
| color5 = #00FFFF
| label6 = Black Africans
| value6 = 1
| color6 = #FFFF00
| label7 = Others/unspecified
| value7 = 3.8
| color7 = #000080
}}

Germany is home to the ].<ref> UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs. Retrieved 18 March 2011.</ref>
Ethnic composition in 2010:

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Ethnic Group
! %<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bpb.de/nachschlagen/zahlen-und-fakten/soziale-situation-in-deutschland/61646/migrationshintergrund-i |title=Bevölkerung mit Migrationshintergrund I &#124; bpb |language={{de icon}} |publisher=Bpb.de |date=6 October 2011 |accessdate=13 August 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.destatis.de/DE/PresseService/Presse/Pressemitteilungen/2011/09/PD11_355_122.html |title=Pressemitteilungen - Statistisches Bundesamt (Destatis) - Ein Fünftel der Bevölkerung in Deutschland hatte 2010 einen Migrationshintergrund- Statistisches Bundesamt (Destatis) |language={{de icon}} |publisher=Destatis.de |date=26 September 2011 |accessdate=13 August 2012}}</ref>
! population<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.destatis.de/DE/PresseService/Presse/Pressemitteilungen/2013/05/PD13_188_121.html |title=Zensus 2011: 80,2 Millionen Einwohner lebten am 9. Mai 2011 in Deutschland |language={{de icon}} |publisher=Destatis Statistisches Bundesamt |date=3 May 2013 |accessdate=9 August 2013}}</ref>
|-
| ''']an'''
| '''88.0'''
| 70,593,332
|-
| {{nbsp|5}}]
| 80.7
| 64,737,294<ref>This number represents the number of people without "immigrant background", meaning people with two parents of mostly or full German ancestry. It does not represent the number of people who view themselves as German. This number does not include people with a German forebear, who came to modern Germany after 1955 (including ] and ]) and descendants of that person.</ref>
|-
| {{nbsp|5}}]
| 2.0
| 1,604,394
|-
| {{nbsp|5}}former ] (primarily ], ] and ])
| 1.7
| 1,363,735
|-
| {{nbsp|5}}] (]ans,former ]ns and ])
| 3.6
| 2,887,909
|-
| ''']'''
| '''5.2'''
| 4,171,424
|-
| {{nbsp|5}}]
| 4.0
| 3,208,788
|-
| {{nbsp|5}}others (primarily ] and ])
| 1.2
| 962,636
|-
| ''']
| '''2.0'''
| 1,604,394
|-
| '''] or ]'''
| '''1.0'''
| 802,197
|-
| '''] or unspecified background '''
| '''2.0'''
| 1,604,394
|-
| '''Other groups''' (primarily ], including ])
| '''1.8'''
| 1,443,955
|-
| Total population
| '''100'''
| 80,219,695
|}

Germany has a number of large ]. There are 11 officially recognised ] in Germany – and since 2006, 34 potential cities were identified which can be called a ].
The largest ] is the ] region (11.7&nbsp;million {{as of|2008|alt=in 2008}}), including ] (the capital of ]), ], ], ], ], ], and ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deutsche-metropolregionen.org/fileadmin/ikm/01_monitoring/IKM_Monitoring2010.pdf|title=Regionales Monitoring 2010 - Daten und Karten zu den Europäischen Metropolregionen in Deutschland|year=2010|publisher=Bundesamt für Bauwesen und Raumordnung|page=10|language=German|accessdate=11 April 2012}}</ref>{{-}}


Germany has a number of large ]. There are 11 officially recognised ]. The ] is ], while its largest urban area is the ].<ref name="Demographia">{{cite web|url=http://www.demographia.com/db-worldua.pdf |work=Demographia|title= World Urban Areas|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180503021711/http://www.demographia.com/db-worldua.pdf |archivedate=3 May 2018|accessdate=31 July 2016}}</ref>
{{Largest cities of Germany}} {{Largest cities of Germany}}


===Religion=== === Religion ===
{{Main|Religion in Germany}}{{further|Catholic Church in Germany|Evangelical Church in Germany|History of the Jews in Germany}}
{{multiple image
|direction=vertical|width=180
|image1=Kölner Dom nachts 2013.jpg|180
|caption1=The catholic ] at the ] river is a ]
|image2=Dom Berlin abends.JPG
|caption2=], one of the main ] cathedrals in Germany
}}
{{Main|Religion in Germany}}


], a ]]]
] is the largest religion in Germany, with around 51.5&nbsp;million adherents (62.8%) in 2008.<ref name="ekd">{{cite web|url=http://www.ekd.de/statistik/mitglieder.html |title=EKD-Statistik: Christen in Deutschland 2007 |publisher=Evangelische Kirche in Deutschland |accessdate=28 March 2011|language=German}}</ref> Relative to the whole population, 30.0% of Germans are ], 29.9% are ] belonging to the ] (EKD), and the remaining Christians belong to smaller denominations each with less than 0.5% of the German population.<ref name="fowid">{{cite web|url=http://fowid.de/fileadmin/datenarchiv/Religionszugehoerigkeit_Bevoelkerung__1950-2008.pdf|title=Konfessionen in Deutschland|language=German|publisher=Fowid|date=9 September 2009|accessdate=28 March 2011}}</ref> Protestantism is concentrated in the north and east and [[Roman Catholicism in Germany|Roman
According to the 2022 census, ] is the largest religion at 49.7% of the population; 23.1% identified as Protestant and 25.1% as Catholic.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bevölkerung nach Religionszugehörigkeit im Zensus 2022 und im Zensus 2011 - je Bundesland |url=https://www.zensus2022.de/DE/Ergebnisse-des-Zensus/Sonderauswertung_Religionszugehoerigkeit.html |date=2 July 2024 |publisher=Statistisches Bundesamt |language=de}}</ref>
Catholicism]] is concentrated in the south and west;<ref name="georgetown1">{{cite web |url= http://berkleycenter.georgetown.edu/resources/countries/germany |title=Germany |publisher=]|accessdate=15 December 2011}}</ref> 1.6% of the country's overall population declare themselves ].<ref name="ekd"/>


] is the second-largest religion in the country.<ref name="Zensus 2011">{{Cite web |url=https://ergebnisse.zensus2011.de/#StaticContent:00,BEG_4_2_6,m,table |title=Bevölkerung im regionalen Vergleich nach Religion (ausführlich) -in %- |date=9 May 2011 |website=Zensus 2011 |publisher=] |page=Zensus 2011 – Page 6 |language=German |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130621101339/https://ergebnisse.zensus2011.de/#StaticContent:00,BEG_4_2_6,m,table |archivedate=21 June 2013 }}</ref> In the 2011 census, 1.9% of respondents (1.52&nbsp;million people) gave their religion as Islam, but this figure is deemed unreliable because a disproportionate number of adherents of this faith (and other religions, such as Judaism) are likely to have made use of their right not to answer the question.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=Zensus 2011 – Fakten zur Bevölkerung in Deutschland" am 31. Mai 2013 in Berlin |publisher=] |url=https://www.destatis.de/DE/PresseService/Presse/Pressekonferenzen/2013/Zensus2011/Statement_Egeler_zensus_PDF.pdf?__blob=publicationFile |language=German |accessdate=28 September 2017 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010094954/https://www.destatis.de/DE/PresseService/Presse/Pressekonferenzen/2013/Zensus2011/Statement_Egeler_zensus_PDF.pdf?__blob=publicationFile |archivedate=10 October 2017 |trans-title=2011 Census – Facts about the population of Germany on 31 May 2013 in Berlin |url-status=live}}</ref> In 2019, there were an estimated 5.3–5.6 million Muslims with a migrant background{{efn|A migrant background was defined as having been born or having at least one parent born in a country from a prespecified list of countries with a significant Muslim population, or as having citizenship or having at least one parent with citizenship of one of these countries.<ref name=BAMF2020/>}} (6.4–6.7% of the population), in addition to an unknown number of Muslims without a migrant background.<ref name="BAMF2020">{{cite web|title=Muslimisches Leben in Deutschland 2020|publisher=]|date=April 2020|url=https://www.bamf.de/SharedDocs/Anlagen/DE/Forschung/Forschungsberichte/fb38-muslimisches-leben.html|accessdate=9 August 2021}}</ref> Most of the Muslims are ] and ] from Turkey, but there are a small number of ], ]s and other denominations. Other religions each comprise less than one percent of Germany's population.<ref name="Zensus 2011" />
The second largest religion is ] with an estimated 3.8 to 4.3&nbsp;million adherents (4.6% to 5.2%),<ref name="MLD"/> followed by ] with 250,000 and ] with around 200,000 adherents (0.3%); ] has some 90,000 adherents (0.1%). All other religious communities in Germany have fewer than 50,000 adherents.<ref>{{cite web|language=German|url=http://www.remid.de/remid_info_zahlen.htm|title=Religionen in Deutschland: Mitgliederzahlen|publisher=Religionswissenschaftlicher Medien- und Informationsdienst|date=31 October 2009|accessdate=28 March 2011}}</ref> Of the roughly 4&nbsp;million Muslims, most are ] and ] from Turkey, but there are a small number of ] and other denominations.<ref name="MLD">{{Cite book | title = Muslimisches Leben in Deutschland | url = http://www.bmi.bund.de/cae/servlet/contentblob/566008/publicationFile/31710/vollversion_studie_muslim_leben_deutschland_.pdf;jsessionid=6B8CD26E2AC179111AF4F75650B84B1A | format = PDF | accessdate =28 March 2011 |date = June 2009| publisher=Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge| language = German | isbn =978-3-9812115-1-1| pages = 80, 97 | chapter = Chapter 2: Wie viele Muslime leben in Deutschland?}}</ref> German Muslims, a large portion of whom are of ] origin, lack full official state recognition of their religious community.<ref name="georgetown1"/> Germany has Europe's third largest ] (after France and the United Kingdom).<ref>{{cite news | author = Blake, Mariah | url = http://www.csmonitor.com/2006/1110/p25s02-woeu.html | title = In Nazi cradle, Germany marks Jewish renaissance | newspaper = ] | date = 10 November 2006 | accessdate =28 March 2011}}</ref> Approximately 50% of the Buddhists in Germany are Asian immigrants.<ref>{{cite news |author=Schnabel, U. |date=15 March 2007 |url=http://www.zeit.de/2007/12/Buddhismus |title= Buddhismus Eine Religion ohne Gott |newspaper=] |location =Hamburg |accessdate=19 March 2011 |language=German}}</ref>


In 2011, formal members of the ] represented no more than 0.2% of the total German population, and 60% of them resided in ].<ref>{{cite news|title=Germany: Berlin Facing Challenge Of Assimilating Russian-Speaking Jews|newspaper=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty|date=8 April 2008|url=http://www.rferl.org/a/1078688.html|publisher=Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty|access-date=12 March 2017|archive-date=29 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161029115657/http://www.rferl.org/a/1078688.html|url-status=live}}</ref> An estimated 80 to 90 percent of these Jews in Germany are Russian-speaking immigrants from the ], who came to Germany from the 1980s onwards.<ref>{{cite web|title=German Jews more than victims, community head says|url=http://jewishjournal.com/news/world/86509/|publisher=Jewish Journal|date=5 January 2011|access-date=11 April 2024|archive-date=31 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181031005406/http://jewishjournal.com/news/world/86509/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Jewish Berlin: Myths and Fragmentation|url=http://www.humanityinaction.org/knowledgebase/109-jewish-berlin-myths-and-fragmentation|publisher=Humanity in Action|access-date=12 March 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170313043802/http://www.humanityinaction.org/knowledgebase/109-jewish-berlin-myths-and-fragmentation |archive-date=13 March 2017}}</ref>
Germans with no stated religious adherence make up 34.1% of the population and are concentrated in the former ] and major metropolitan areas.<ref name="fowid"/> ] in 1990 greatly increased the country's ] population, a legacy of the ] of the previously ]-controlled East. Christian church membership has decreased in recent decades, particularly among Protestants.<ref name="georgetown1"/>


A study in 2023 estimated that 46.2% of the population are not members of any religious organization or ].<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 28, 2024 |title=Religionszugehörigkeiten 2023 |url=https://fowid.de/meldung/religionszugehoerigkeiten-2023|website=fowid.de |language=de}}</ref> ] is strongest in the former ], which used to be predominantly Protestant before the enforcement of ], and in major metropolitan areas.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/belief/2012/sep/22/atheism-east-germany-godless-place |title=Eastern Germany: the most godless place on Earth |last=Thompson|first=Peter |date=22 September 2012 |work=The Guardian|url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130929114047/http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/belief/2012/sep/22/atheism-east-germany-godless-place |archivedate=29 September 2013 }}</ref><ref name="georgetown1">{{Cite web |url=http://berkleycenter.georgetown.edu/resources/germany |title=Germany |publisher=] |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150324170951/http://berkleycenter.georgetown.edu/resources/germany |archivedate=24 March 2015 |accessdate=27 March 2015}}</ref>
===Languages===
] is the most widely spoken first language in the ], with around 100 million native speakers.<ref name="Marten">{{cite book |editor1-first= Thomas|editor1-last= Marten|editor2-first= Fritz Joachim|editor2-last= Sauer|title= Länderkunde - Deutschland, Österreich, Schweiz und Liechtenstein im Querschnitt|trans_title= Regional Geography - An Overview of Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein|year= 2005|publisher= Inform-Verlag|location= Berlin|language= German|isbn= 3-9805843-1-3|page= 7}}</ref>]]
{{Main|Languages of Germany}}


=== Languages ===
German is the official and predominant spoken language in Germany.<ref name="Eurobarometer Languages"/> It is one of 23 official languages in the European Union, and one of the three ]s of the ].
{{Main|German language|Languages of Germany}}


German is the official and predominantly spoken language in Germany.<ref name="Eurobarometer Languages">{{Cite web |url=http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/archives/ebs/ebs_243_en.pdf |title=Special Eurobarometer 243: Europeans and their Languages (Survey) |year=2006 |publisher=] |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160414102658/http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/archives/ebs/ebs_243_en.pdf |archivedate=14 April 2016 |accessdate=28 March 2011}}<br />{{Cite web |url=http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/archives/ebs/ebs_243_sum_en.pdf |title=Special Eurobarometer 243: Europeans and their Languages (Executive Summary) |last=] |year=2006 |publisher=] |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110430202903/http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/archives/ebs/ebs_243_sum_en.pdf |archivedate=30 April 2011 |accessdate=28 March 2011}}</ref> It is one of 24 official and working languages of the European Union, and one of the three ] of the ], alongside English and French.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/MEMO_13_825|title=Frequently asked questions on languages in Europe|date=26 September 2013|publisher=European Commission|accessdate=5 July 2020|archivedate=5 July 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200705223150/https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/MEMO_13_825|url-status=live}}</ref> German is the most widely spoken first language in the European Union, with around 100 million native speakers.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.deutschland.de/en/topic/culture/the-german-language-surprising-facts-and-figures|title=The German Language|date=20 February 2018|publisher=FAZIT Communication GmbH|accessdate=5 July 2020|archivedate=2 October 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20201002203206/https://www.deutschland.de/en/topic/culture/the-german-language-surprising-facts-and-figures|url-status=live}}</ref>
Recognised native minority languages in Germany are ], ], ], ], and ]; they are officially protected by the ]. The most used immigrant languages are ], ], ], the ], and ]. 67% of German citizens claim to be able to communicate in at least one foreign language and 27% in at least two languages other than their own.<ref name="Eurobarometer Languages">{{cite web|title=Special Eurobarometer 243: Europeans and their Languages (Survey)|publisher=] |author=]|year=2006|url=http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/archives/ebs/ebs_243_en.pdf| accessdate=28 March 2011}}<br />{{cite web|title=Special Eurobarometer 243: Europeans and their Languages (Executive Summary)|publisher=] |author=]|year=2006|url=http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/archives/ebs/ebs_243_sum_en.pdf |accessdate=28 March 2011}}</ref>


Recognised native minority languages in Germany are ], ], ], ], ], ] and ]; they are officially protected by the ]. The most used immigrant languages are ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and other ], as well as ]. Germans are typically multilingual: 67% of German citizens claim to be able to communicate in at least one foreign language and 27% in at least two.<ref name="Eurobarometer Languages" />
Standard German is a ] and is closely related to and classified alongside English, ], ], and the Frisian languages. To a lesser extent, it is also related to the ] (extinct) and ]. Most German vocabulary is derived from the Germanic branch of the Indo-European language family.<ref>{{cite web|title=Many tongues, one family. Languages in the European Union|publisher=] |author=] |year=2004|url=http://ec.europa.eu/publications/booklets/move/45/en.pdf |accessdate=28 March 2011}}</ref> Significant minorities of words are derived from Latin and Greek, with a smaller amount from French and most recently English (known as ]). German is written using the Latin alphabet. German ]s, traditional local varieties traced back to the Germanic tribes, are distinguished from ] of ] by their ], ], and ].<ref>{{cite news|title=Sprechen Sie Deutsch? |url=http://www.economist.com/node/15731354 |accessdate=16 April 2011 |newspaper=The Economist |date=18 March 2010}}</ref>


===Education=== === Education ===
{{Main|Education in Germany|List of universities in Germany}} {{Main|Education in Germany}}
] is the oldest of ] and among its best ranked.<ref> - Top Position in Germany, Leading Role in Europe (Heidelberg University)</ref> It was established in 1386.]] ], Germany's oldest institution of higher learning and generally considered one of its most renowned]]
Responsibility for educational supervision in Germany is primarily organised within the individual ]. Optional ] education is provided for all children between three and six years old, after which ] for at least nine years depending on the state. Primary education usually lasts for four to six years.<ref name="ED">{{Cite web |url=http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/profiles/Germany.pdf |title=Country profile: Germany |date=April 2008 |publisher=Library of Congress |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110427060904/http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/profiles/Germany.pdf |archivedate=27 April 2011 |accessdate=28 March 2011}}</ref> Secondary schooling is divided into tracks based on whether students pursue ] or ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://wenr.wes.org/2016/11/education-in-germany|title=Education in Germany|author=Trines, Stefan|date=8 November 2016|website=World Education News and Reviews|accessdate=5 July 2020|archivedate=5 April 2019|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20190405120422/https://wenr.wes.org/2016/11/education-in-germany|url-status=live}}</ref> A system of apprenticeship called {{lang|de|]}} leads to a skilled qualification which is almost comparable to an academic degree. It allows students in ] to learn in a company as well as in a state-run trade school.<ref name="ED" /> This model is well regarded and reproduced all around the world.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/4f43b5c4-a32b-11e1-8f34-00144feabdc0.html#axzz2RApE4hJA |title=A German model goes global |website=Financial Times |date=21 May 2012 |url-access=registration |accessdate=28 September 2014 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120728095341/http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/4f43b5c4-a32b-11e1-8f34-00144feabdc0.html#axzz2RApE4hJA |archivedate=28 July 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref>


Most of the ] are public institutions, and students traditionally study without fee payment.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://theconversation.com/should-we-follow-the-german-way-of-free-higher-education-23970 |title=Should we follow the German way of free higher education? |first1=Tim |last1=Pitman |date=18 March 2014 |work=The Conversation |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140318031926/http://theconversation.com/should-we-follow-the-german-way-of-free-higher-education-23970 |archivedate=18 March 2014 |last2=Hannah Forsyth}}</ref> The general requirement for attending university is the {{lang|de|]}}. According to an OECD report in 2014, Germany is the world's third leading destination for international study.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.topuniversities.com/where-to-study/europe/germany/growing-popularity-international-study-germany |title=The Growing Popularity of International Study in Germany |first=Laura|last=Bridgestock |date=13 November 2014 |website=QS Topuniversities |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160413063050/http://www.topuniversities.com/where-to-study/europe/germany/growing-popularity-international-study-germany |archivedate=13 April 2016}}</ref> The established universities in Germany include some of the ], with ] (established in 1386), ] (established in 1409) and the ] (established in 1419) being the oldest.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.uni-heidelberg.de/university/rankings/ |title=Rankings: Universität Heidelberg in International Comparison|publisher=Universität Heidelberg |first=Björn |last=Bertram |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140921065348/http://www.uni-heidelberg.de/university/rankings/ |archivedate=21 September 2014 |accessdate=28 September 2014}}</ref> The ], founded in 1810 by the liberal educational reformer ], became the academic ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/humboldt-university-berlin|website=Times Higher Education|title=Humboldt University of Berlin|accessdate=5 July 2020|archivedate=15 June 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200615201758/https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/humboldt-university-berlin|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.drc.uns.ac.rs/presentations/05_DS/03-Prof.Dr.HeinrichKern.pdf|website=26th Annual Meeting of the Danube Rectors Conference|title=Humboldt's educational ideal and modern academic education|author=Kern, Heinrich|year=2010|accessdate=5 July 2020|archivedate=24 February 2021|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224180046/http://www.drc.uns.ac.rs/presentations/05_DS/03-Prof.Dr.HeinrichKern.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> In the contemporary era Germany has developed eleven ].
Over 99% of Germans age 15 and above are estimated to be able to read and write.<ref name="CIA"/> Responsibility for educational supervision in Germany is primarily organised within the individual ]. Since the 1960s, a reform movement attempted to unify secondary education in a ''Gesamtschule'' (]); several West German states later simplified their school system to two or three tiers. A system of apprenticeship called ''Duale Ausbildung'' ("]") allows pupils in ] to learn in a company as well as in a state-run vocational school.<ref name="ED"/> This successful model is highly regarded and reproduced all around the world.<ref> - Dual education following the German role model is replicated around the world (Financial Times)</ref>


=== Health ===
Optional ] education is provided for all children between three and six years old, after which school attendance is ] for at least nine years. Primary education usually lasts for four to six years and public schools are not stratified at this stage.<ref name="ED">{{cite web |url=http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/profiles/Germany.pdf |title=Country profile: Germany |publisher=Library of Congress |date=April 2008 |accessdate=28 March 2011}}</ref> In contrast, secondary education includes three traditional types of schools focused on different levels of academic ability: the '']'' enrols the most gifted children and prepares students for university studies; the '']'' for intermediate students lasts six years; the '']'' prepares pupils for vocational education.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://academic.cuesta.edu/intlang/german/education.html |title=The Educational System in Germany |publisher=Cuesta College |date=31 August 2002 |accessdate=16 May 2011}}</ref>
{{Main|Healthcare in Germany}}
], established in 1286, is a precursor to modern ]s.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.luebeck-tourism.de/discover/sights/hospital-of-the-holy-spirit.html |title=Hospital of the Holy Spirit Lübeck |publisher=Lübeck + Travemünde |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141215044833/http://www.luebeck-tourism.de/discover/sights/hospital-of-the-holy-spirit.html |archivedate=15 December 2014 |accessdate=12 December 2014}}</ref>]]


Germany's system of hospitals, called {{lang|de|Krankenhäuser}}, dates from medieval times, and today, Germany has the world's oldest ] system, dating from ] of the 1880s.<ref>{{Cite book |url=http://www.euro.who.int/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/80776/E68952.pdf |title=Health Care Systems in Transition: Germany |publisher=European Observatory on Health Care Systems |year=2000 |page=8|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110513054407/http://www.euro.who.int/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/80776/E68952.pdf |archivedate=13 May 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref> Since the 1880s, reforms and provisions have ensured a balanced health care system. The population is covered by a health insurance plan provided by statute, with criteria allowing some groups to opt for a private health insurance contract. According to the ] (WHO), Germany's ] was 77% government-funded and 23% privately funded {{as of|2013|lc=on}}.<ref name="health">{{Cite web |url=http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.country.country-DEU?lang=en |title=Germany statistics summary (2002–present) |publisher=World Health Organization |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160606194340/http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.country.country-DEU?lang=en |archivedate=6 June 2016 |accessdate=4 June 2016}}</ref> In 2014, Germany spent 11.3% of its GDP on health care.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SH.XPD.TOTL.ZS |title=Health expenditure, total (% of GDP) |date=1 January 2016 |publisher=World Bank |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170130122558/http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SH.XPD.TOTL.ZS |archivedate=30 January 2017}}</ref>
], a research facility at the ] in ]. Much of Germany's academic research is done in independent ].]]
The general entrance requirement for university is ], a qualification normally based on continuous assessment during the last few years at school and final examinations; however there are a number of exceptions, and precise requirements vary, depending on the state, the university and the subject. Germany's universities are recognised internationally; in the ] (ARWU) for 2008, six of the top 100 universities in the world are in Germany, and 18 of the top 200.<ref>{{cite web |title=Top 100 World Universities|publisher=] |url=http://www.arwu.org/rank2008/ARWU2008_A(EN).htm |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080822124509/http://www.arwu.org/rank2008/ARWU2008_A(EN).htm |archivedate=22 August 2008 |accessdate=28 March 2011}}</ref>


Germany ranked 21st in the world in 2019 in life expectancy with ] according to the WHO, and it had a very low ] (4 per 1,000 ]). {{As of|2019|alt=In 2019}}, the principal cause of death was cardiovascular disease, at 37%.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.euro.who.int/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/419459/Country-Health-Profile-2019-Germany.pdf?ua=1|publisher=WHO|title=Germany Country Health Profile 2019|accessdate=9 March 2020|archivedate=20 June 2021|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210620152704/https://www.euro.who.int/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/419459/Country-Health-Profile-2019-Germany.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> ] has been increasingly cited as a major health issue. A 2014 study showed that 52 percent of the adult German population was overweight or obese.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php/Overweight_and_obesity_-_BMI_statistics|title=Overweight and obesity – BMI statistics|website=Eurostat|accessdate=14 March 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200325112121/https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php/Overweight_and_obesity_-_BMI_statistics|archivedate=25 March 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>
Most of the German universities are public institutions, funded by the Länder governments, and students have traditionally undertaken study without fee payment. In 2005 the public universities introduced tuition fees of around €60 per semester (and up to €500 in the state of ]) for each student for a trial period;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.studyineurope.eu/study-in-germany/admission/tuition-fees|title=Tuition Fees at university in Germany|publisher=StudyinEurope.eu|year=2009|accessdate=19 March 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.faz.net/aktuell/feuilleton/forschung-und-lehre/ein-zwischenruf-studiengebuehren-was-sonst-12119899.html|title=Ein Zwischenruf Studiengebühren? Was sonst!|publisher=faz.net|year=2012|accessdate=21 March 2013}}</ref> however, the German public was not amenable to the experiment and the temporary fee-based system was mostly abolished, with two remaining universities to cease the fee requirement by the end of 2014.<ref>{{cite news|title=Should we follow the German way of free higher education?|url=http://theconversation.com/should-we-follow-the-german-way-of-free-higher-education-23970?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Latest+from+The+Conversation+for+18+March+2014&utm_content=Latest+from+The+Conversation+for+18+March+2014+CID_1175685d65ebfeb592001726ec96240e&utm_source=campaign_monitor&utm_term=Should%20we%20follow%20the%20German%20way%20of%20free%20higher%20education|accessdate=17 March 2014|newspaper=The Conversation|date=18 March 2014|author=Tim Pitman|author2=Hannah Forsyth}}</ref>


== Culture ==
Academic education is open to most citizens and studying is increasingly common in Germany.<ref>{{cite web|title=Mehr Studienanfänger denn je: Jetzt kommt die Flut|url=http://www.spiegel.de/unispiegel/studium/mehr-studienanfaenger-denn-je-jetzt-kommt-die-flut-a-774701.html|work=Spiegel Online|publisher=Spiegel Online|accessdate=17 March 2014|author=Von Markus Verbeet|language=German|date=18 July 2011}}</ref> The ] that combines practical and theoretical learning, but does not lead to an academic degree, is typical for Germany and is recognised as an exemplary model for other countries.<ref>{{cite web|title=Vocational Education and Training - Germany's Dual System as a Role Model?|url=http://www.dw.de/vocational-education-and-training-germanys-dual-system-as-a-role-model/a-15782050|work=Deutsche Welle|publisher=Deutsche Welle|accessdate=17 March 2014|date=2 March 2012}}</ref>

The established ] are among the ], with ] being the oldest in Germany (established in 1386 and in continuous operation since then). Heidelberg is followed by ] (1409), ] (1419), ] (1456), ] (1457), ] (1472) and the ] (1477).

Academic research is also performed at independent non-university research institutions, such as the ], ], ] and ] institutes. Many of these institutions have close connections with nearby universities.

===Health===
{{Main|Health in Germany}}
] - one of the world's oldest humanitarian institutions and a precursor to modern hospitals]]
Germany has the world's oldest ] system, dating back to ] in 1883.<ref>{{cite book| title= Health Care Systems in Transition: Germany | url = http://www.euro.who.int/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/80776/E68952.pdf |accessdate =15 April 2011 |year =2000 |publisher =European Observatory on Health Care Systems |id = AMS 5012667 (DEU) | page = 8 }}</ref> He stressed the importance of three key principles; solidarity, the government is responsible to ensure access by those who are in need, subsidiarity, policies are implemented with smallest no political and administrative influence, and corporatism, the government representative bodies in health care professions deems feasible procedures.<ref>{{cite web|last=Clarke|first=Emily|title=Health Care Systems: Germany|url=http://www.civitas.org.uk/nhs/download/germany.pdf|publisher=Civitas|accessdate=2013-09-25}}</ref> Since then there have been many reforms and provisions to ensure a balanced health care system. Currently the population is covered by a fairly comprehensive health insurance plan provided by statute. Certain groups of people (lifetime officials, self-employed persons, employees with high income) can opt out of the plan and switch to a private insurance contract. Previously, these groups could also choose to do without insurance, but this option was dropped in 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.krankenkassen.de/gesetzliche-krankenkassen/gesundheitsreform/Gesundheitsreform-zentrale-Punkte-Fragen/|title=Die Gesundheitsreform 2007: Was hat sich geändert?|publisher=Krankenkassen.de|accessdate=16 April 2012}}</ref> According to the ], Germany's ] was 77% government-funded and 23% privately funded {{as of|2005|lc=on}}.<ref name=health>{{cite web|url=http://apps.who.int/whosis/database/core/core_select.cfm|title=Core Health Indicators|publisher=World Health Organization|accessdate=6 June 2011}}</ref> In 2005, Germany spent 11% of its GDP on health care. Germany ranked 20th in the world in life expectancy with ], and it had a very low ] (4 per 1,000 ]).<ref name=health/>

{{As of|2010|alt=In 2010}}, the principal cause of death was cardiovascular disease, at 41%, followed by malignant tumours, at 26%.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.destatis.de/DE/ZahlenFakten/GesellschaftStaat/Gesundheit/Todesursachen/Aktuell.html;jsessionid=B6BD78C7EDB6FE6693DE58EA7B23D148.cae1|language=German |title=2010: Herz-/Kreislauferkrankungen verursachen 41 % aller Todesfälle|publisher=Destatis.de |accessdate=6 April 2012}}</ref>
{{As of|2008|alt=In 2008}}, about 82,000 Germans had been infected with HIV/AIDS and 26,000 had died from the disease (cumulatively, since 1982).<ref name=cp>{{cite web| url = http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/profiles/Germany.pdf| title = Country Profile Germany|date=April 2008| publisher = ] ]| format = PDF| accessdate =7 May 2011}}<br/>
This article may incorporate text from this source, which is in the public domain.</ref>
According to a 2005 survey, 27% of German adults are smokers.<ref name=cp/>

==Culture==
{{Main|Culture of Germany}} {{Main|Culture of Germany}}
] (1770–1827), composer]] ] in ]]]
Culture in German states has been shaped by major intellectual and popular currents in Europe, both religious and ], and ], ] and ] have played a significant role in the development of Western thought.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-17299607 |title=Germany country profile |date=25 February 2015 |website=BBC News|url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150602194632/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-17299607 |archivedate=2 June 2015}}</ref> Global opinion polls from the ] revealed that Germany is recognised for having the most positive influence in the world in 2013 and 2014.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-22624104 |title=BBC poll: Germany most popular country in the world |date=23 May 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130523014312/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-22624104 |archivedate=23 May 2013 |newspaper=BBC News }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/latestnews/2014/world-service-country-poll |title=World Service Global Poll: Negative views of Russia on the rise |date=4 June 2014 |publisher=BBC |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812221010/http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/latestnews/2014/world-service-country-poll |archivedate=12 August 2014 }}</ref>
From its roots, culture in German states has been shaped by major intellectual and popular currents in Europe, both religious and ]. Historically Germany has been called ''Das Land der Dichter und Denker'' ("the land of poets and thinkers"),<ref>{{cite news|author=Wasser, Jeremy|url=http://www.spiegel.de/international/0,1518,410135,00.html|title=Spätzle Westerns|newspaper=Spiegel Online International|date=6 April 2006|accessdate=28 March 2011}}</ref> because of the major role its famous ] and ] have played in the development of Western thought and culture.


Germany is well known for such folk festivals as the ] and ], which include ]s, ], ]s, ] cakes, and other practices.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-29380144 |title=The country with one people and 1,200 sausages |last=MacGregor, Neil |date=28 September 2014 |work=BBC News |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141210062000/http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-29380144 |archivedate=10 December 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.german-way.com/history-and-culture/holidays-and-celebrations/christmas/ |title=Christmas Traditions in Austria, Germany, Switzerland |publisher=German Ways |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141225193546/http://www.german-way.com/history-and-culture/holidays-and-celebrations/christmas/ |archivedate=25 December 2014 |accessdate=12 December 2014}}</ref> {{As of|2024}}, ] inscribed ].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/de |title=World Heritage Sites in Germany |publisher=UNESCO |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160323055317/https://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/de |archivedate=23 March 2016 |accessdate=22 March 2016}}</ref> There are a number of ] determined by each state; 3 October has been a ] of Germany since 1990, celebrated as the {{lang|de|Tag der Deutschen Einheit}} (]).<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.buzer.de/s1.htm?g=Einigungsvertrag&a=2 |title=Artikel 2 EV – Vertrag zwischen der Bundesrepublik Deutschland und der Deutschen Demokratischen Republik über die Herstellung der Einheit Deutschlands (Einigungsvertrag – EV k.a.Abk.) |publisher=buzer.de |language=German |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923224034/http://www.buzer.de/s1.htm?g=Einigungsvertrag&a=2 |archivedate=23 September 2015 |accessdate=15 May 2015}}</ref>
The federated states are in charge of the cultural institutions. There are 240 subsidised theatres, hundreds of symphonic orchestras, thousands of museums and over 25,000 libraries spread in Germany. These cultural opportunities are enjoyed by many: there are over 91&nbsp;million German museum visits every year; annually, 20&nbsp;million go to theatres and operas; 3.6&nbsp;million per year listen to the symphonic orchestras.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dw-world.de/dw/0,,8009,00.html |title=Unbelievable Multitude|newspaper=Deutsche Welle|accessdate=28 March 2011}}</ref> As of 2013 the ] inscribed ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.worldheritagesite.org/countries/germany.html|title=World Heritage Sites in Germany|publisher=UNESCO|accessdate=3 October 2010}}</ref>


=== Music ===
Germany has established a high level of ],<ref>{{cite web | url = http://hdr.undp.org/en/media/HDR_2010_EN_Tables_reprint.pdf | title = Human Development Report 2010 Table 4 Gender Inequality Index | pages = 156–160 | publisher= United Nations Development Programme | accessdate =20 April 2011}}</ref> promotes ], and is legally and socially tolerant towards homosexuals. Gays and lesbians can legally adopt their partner's biological children, and ]s have been permitted since 2001.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.news24.com/World/News/Germany-extends-gay-rights-20041029|title=Germany extends gay rights|publisher=News24|date=29 October 2004|accessdate=19 March 2011}}</ref> Germany has also changed its attitude towards immigrants; since the mid-1990s, the government and the majority of Germans have begun to acknowledge that controlled immigration should be allowed based on qualification standards.<ref>{{Cite book | first = Friedrich | last = Heckmann | title = The Integration of Immigrants in European Societies: national differences and trends of convergence| publisher=Lucius & Lucius | pages = 51 ff | year = 2003 | isbn = 978-3-8282-0181-1}}</ref> Germany has been named the world's second most valued nation among 50 countries in 2010.<ref>{{Cite press release | title = 2010 Anholt-GfK Roper Nation Brands Index | publisher=] | date = 12 October 2010 | url = http://www.gfk.com/group/press_information/press_releases/006688/index.en.html | accessdate =28 March 2011}}</ref> A global opinion poll for the ] revealed that Germany is recognised for having the most positive influence in the world in 2011,<ref>{{Cite news | url = http://www.worldpublicopinion.org/pipa/articles/views_on_countriesregions_bt/680.php?nid=&id=&pnt=680&lb=#ger | title = Views of US Continue to Improve in 2011 BBC Country Rating Poll |work=Worldpublicopinion.org | date = 7 March 2011 |accessdate =28 March 2011}}</ref> and for being the most positively viewed nation in the world, in 2013.<ref>{{Cite news | url = http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-22624104 | title = BBC poll: Germany most popular country in the world |work=BBC.co.uk | date = 23 May 2013 |accessdate =28 March 2011}}</ref>

===Art===
{{Main|German art}}
]'' (1818) by ], the most prominent artist of ]]]
Numerous German painters have enjoyed international prestige through their work in diverse artistic styles. ], ], ] and ] were important artists of the ], ] and ] of ], ] and ] of ], ] of ] and ] of ].

Several German artist groups formed in the 20th century, such as the ] or ] (The Bridge) and ] (The Blue Rider) in ]. The ] arose as a counter-style to it during the ]. After ], main movements of ], ] and ] evolved, with notable artists such as ], ], ], ], ], ] (]) and ] (photography). Major art exhibitions and festivals in Germany are the ], ] and ].

===Music===
{{Main|Music of Germany}} {{Main|Music of Germany}}
{{See also|Opera in German}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:left; float:left; margin-left:1em"
], one of the most famed composers of ], was born in ] in 1770.]]
|-
German ] includes works by some of the world's most well-known composers. ], ] and ] were influential composers of the ]. ] was a crucial figure in the transition between the Classical and ] eras. ], ], ] and ] were significant Romantic composers. ] was known for his operas. ] was a leading composer of the late Romantic and early ] eras. ] and ] are important composers of the 20th and early 21st centuries.<ref>{{Cite encyclopedia|encyclopedia=Grove Music Online|title=Germany, Federal Republic of|author1=John Kmetz|author2=Ludwig Finscher|author3=Giselher Schubert|author4=Wilhelm Schepping|author5=Philip V. Bohlman|date=20 January 2001|doi=10.1093/gmo/9781561592630.article.40055}}</ref>
! align=right|]<br /><small>]</small>
! align=right |]<br /><small>]</small>
! align=right |]<br /><small>]</small>
|-
| style="text-align:left; background:#dcdcdc;"| ] || style="text-align:left; background:#d3d3d3;"| ]|| style="text-align:left; background:silver;"|]
|}


In 2013, Germany was the second-largest music market in Europe, and ].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.riaj.or.jp/e/issue/pdf/RIAJ2013E.pdf |title=The Recorded Music Industry in Japan |year=2013 |publisher=Recording Industry Association of Japan |page=24 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130818080109/http://www.riaj.or.jp/e/issue/pdf/RIAJ2013E.pdf |archivedate=18 August 2013 |accessdate=8 February 2014 }}</ref> German popular music of the 20th and 21st centuries includes the movements of ], ], ], ]/], ], ], ], ] (folk music), ] and ]. German ] gained global influence, with ] and ] pioneering in this genre.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.dw.de/kraftwerk-maintain-their-legacy-as-electro-pioneers/a-6497092 |title=Kraftwerk maintain their legacy as electro-pioneers |date=8 April 2011 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130404040323/http://www.dw.de//kraftwerk-maintain-their-legacy-as-electro-pioneers//a-6497092 |archivedate=4 April 2013 |website=Deutsche Welle}}</ref> DJs and artists of the ] and ] scenes of Germany have become well known (e.g. ], ], ], ] and ]).<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Nye |first=Sean |title=Minimal Understandings: The Berlin Decade, The Minimal Continuum, and Debates on the Legacy of German Techno |url=https://www.academia.edu/3813069 |url-status=live |journal=Journal of Popular Music Studies |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150101013427/http://www.academia.edu/3813069/Minimal_Understandings_The_Berlin_Decade_The_Minimal_Continuum_and_Debates_on_the_Legacy_of_German_Techno |archivedate=1 January 2015 |accessdate=12 December 2014}}</ref>
German ] comprises works by some of the world's most well-known composers, including ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and ].


=== Art, design and architecture ===
Germany is the second largest music market in Europe, and fourth largest in the world.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.riaj.or.jp/e/issue/pdf/RIAJ2013E.pdf | title=The Recorded Music Industry In Japan | publisher=Recording Industry Association of Japan | format=PDF | page=24 | year=2013 | accessdate=8 February 2014}}</ref> German popular music of the 20th and 21st century includes the movements of ] (], ]), ] (], ]), ] (], ]), ]/] (], ]), ] (], ]), ] (], ]), ] (], ]) and ] (], ]). Especially the German ] gained global influence, with ] being a pioneer group in this genre,<ref>{{cite news|title=Kraftwerk maintain their legacy as electro-pioneers|url=http://www.dw.de/kraftwerk-maintain-their-legacy-as-electro-pioneers/a-6497092|accessdate=14 May 2013|publisher=Deutsche Welle|date=8 April 2011}}</ref> and the ] and ] scenes in Germany being very popular (e.g. ], ], ] and ]).


=== Architecture === {{Main|German art|Architecture of Germany|German fashion}}
{{Main|Architecture of Germany|Altstadt|World Heritage Sites in Germany|Castles in Germany|List of spa towns in Germany}}


{{multiple image
Architectural contributions from Germany include the ] and ], which were precursors of ]. ] in medieval times and ] in modern times are two distinctive styles that developed in Germany. Also in ] and ] art, regional and typically German elements evolved (e.g. ] and ''] Baroque''). Among many renowned Baroque masters were ], ], ] and the ].
|align=right
|width1=132
|image1=Caspar David Friedrich - Wanderer above the sea of fog.jpg
|caption1=], '']'' (1818)
|width2=155
|image2=Franz Marc 020.jpg
|caption2=], ''Roe Deer in the Forest'' (1914)
}}


German painters have influenced ]. ], ], ] and ] were important German artists of the ], ] of the ], ] and ] of ], ] of ] and ] of ]. Several German art groups formed in the 20th century; {{lang|de|]}} (The Bridge) and {{lang|de|]}} (The Blue Rider) influenced the development of ] in Munich and Berlin. The ] arose in response to expressionism during the Weimar Republic. After World War II, broad trends in German art include ] and the ].<ref name="groveart">{{cite encyclopedia|encyclopedia=Grove Art Online|author1=David Jenkinson|author2=Günther Binding|author2-link=Günther Binding|author3=Doris Kutschbach|author4=Ulrich Knapp|author5=Howard Caygill|author5-link=Howard Caygill|author6=Achim Preiss|author7=Helmut Börsch-Supan|author8=Thomas Kliemann|author9=April Eisman|author10=Klaus Niehr|author11=Jeffrey Chipps Smith|author12=Ulrich Leben|author13=Heidrun Zinnkann|author14=Angelika Steinmetz|author15=Walter Spiegl|author16=G. Reinheckel|author17=Hannelore Müller|author18=Gerhard Bott|author19=Peter Hornsby|author20=Anna Beatriz Chadour|author21=Erika Speel|author22=A. Kenneth Snowman|author23=Brigitte Dinger|author24=Annamaria Giusti|author25=Harald Olbrich|author26=Christian Herchenröder|author27=David Alan Robertson|author28=Dominic R. Stone|author29=Eduard Isphording|author30=Heinrich Dilly|title=Germany, Federal Republic of|date=10 December 2018|doi=10.1093/gao/9781884446054.article.T031531|isbn=978-1-884446-05-4}}</ref>
Germany is especially renowned for its ] ], with many well-kept examples to be found along the ], leading from the very ] to ] and its coasts.


German designers became early leaders of modern ].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://gizmodo.com/5918142/8-beautiful-things-from-bauhaus-the-single-most-influential-school-of-design |title=Bauhaus: The Single Most Influential School of Design |date=13 June 2012 |website=Gizmodo |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141221015122/http://gizmodo.com/5918142/8-beautiful-things-from-bauhaus-the-single-most-influential-school-of-design |archivedate=21 December 2014}}</ref> The ] and the fashion trade fair ] are held twice a year.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.fashionunited.co.uk/fashion-news/fashion/germanys-fashion-capital-the-improbable-rise-of-berlin-2012011713844 |title=Berlin as a fashion capital: the improbable rise |date=12 January 2012 |publisher=Fashion United UK |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150508051452/http://www.fashionunited.co.uk/fashion-news/fashion/germanys-fashion-capital-the-improbable-rise-of-berlin-2012011713844 |archivedate=8 May 2015}}</ref>
] on ], a typical example of ]. This style is common on the German ] coast.]]
When industrialisation spread across Europe, ] and a distinctive style of ] developed in Germany, sometimes referred to as ''] style'', due to the economical boom years at the end of the 19th century. ] and ] are sub-styles, that evolved since the 18th century in Germany, with the first modern ]s and ]s of Europe. Many architects formed this era, with ], ], ], ], ] and ] among them.


Architectural contributions from Germany include the ] and ] styles, which were precursors of ]. ] is a distinctive medieval style that evolved in Germany. Also in ] and ] art, regional and typically German elements evolved (e.g. ]).<ref name="groveart" /> ] in Germany is often identified by its ] ({{lang|de|Fachwerk}}) traditions and varies across regions, and among carpentry styles.<ref name="Heinrich Stiewe 2007">{{cite book|first=Heinrich |last=Stiewe|year=2007|title=Fachwerkhäuser in Deutschland: Konstruktion, Gestalt und Nutzung vom Mittelalter bis heute|publisher=Primus Verlag|isbn=978-3-89678-589-3}}</ref> When industrialisation spread across Europe, ] and a distinctive style of ] developed in Germany, sometimes referred to as {{lang|de|]}} ''style''. ] developed in the 1910s in Germany and influenced ] and other modern styles. Germany was particularly important in the early ]: it is the home of ] initiated by ] (]), and of the ] movement founded by ].<ref name="groveart" /> ] became one of the world's most renowned architects in the second half of the 20th century; he conceived of the glass façade ].<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/dictionaryofarch00curl_0 |title=A Dictionary of Architecture and Landscape Architecture |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=2006 |isbn=978-0-19-860678-9 |page= |url-access=registration}}</ref> Renowned contemporary ] and offices include ] winners ] and ].<ref>{{Cite book |title=100 Contemporary Architects |last=Jodidio |first=Philip |year=2008 |publisher=Taschen |isbn=978-3-8365-0091-3 |edition=1}}</ref>
] became a dominant architectural style at the turn of the 19th to the 20th century, with a strong influence of the Art Nouveau movement.<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite web|url=http://www.huntfor.com/arthistory/c19th/artnouveau.htm |title=Art Nouveau - Art Nouveau Art |publisher=Huntfor.com |accessdate=25 March 2013}}</ref> The ] movement did not gain much influence in Germany, instead the ] spread across the country, with e.g. ], ], ] and ] being influential architects.


=== Literature and philosophy ===
Germany was particularly important in the early ] - it is the home of the ] movement founded by ]. And thus Germany is a cradle of ]. ] became one of the world's most renowned architects in the second half of the 20th century. He conceived of the glass façade skyscraper.<ref>{{cite book|year=2006|title=A Dictionary of Architecture and Landscape Architecture|publisher=Oxford University Press|page=880|isbn=0-19-860678-8}}</ref>

Renowned contemporary architects and offices include ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and ].

===Literature and philosophy===
{{Main|German literature|German philosophy}} {{Main|German literature|German philosophy}}
]]] ], who collected popular German folk tales and published them in ]]]
German literature can be traced back to the Middle Ages and the works of writers such as ] and ]. Well-known German authors include ], ], ] and ]. The collections of folk tales published by the ] popularised ] on an international level. Influential authors of the 20th century include ], ], ], ] and ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/literature/articles/espmark/index.html |title=The Nobel Prize in Literature |publisher=Nobelprize.org |date=3 December 1999 |author=] |accessdate=28 March 2011}}</ref> German-speaking book publishers produce some 700&nbsp;million books every year, with about 80,000 titles, nearly 60,000 of them new. Germany comes third in quantity of books published, after the English-speaking book market and the People's Republic of China.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://land-der-ideen.matrix.de/CDA/facts_printing,4563,0,,en.html|title=Land of ideas|publisher=Land-der-ideen.matrix.de|accessdate=19 March 2011}}</ref> The ] is the most important in the world for international deals and trading, with a tradition spanning over 500 years.<ref>{{cite book |title =A History of the Frankfurt Book Fair |isbn=978-1-55002-744-0 |first =Peter |last =Weidhaas |first2 =Carolyn |last2 =Gossage |first3 =Wendy A. |last3 =Wright |publisher =Dundurn Press Ltd. | pages = 11 ff|year = 2007}}</ref> German literature can be traced back to the Middle Ages and the works of writers such as ] and ]. Well-known German authors include ], ], ] and ]. The collections of folk tales published by the ] popularised ] on an international level.<ref name="D99ff">{{cite journal |last=Dégh|first= Linda |year=1979|title=Grimm's Household Tales and its Place in the Household|journal=Western Folklore|volume=38 |number=2|pages=99–101|doi=10.2307/1498562 |jstor=1498562}}</ref> The Grimms also gathered and codified regional variants of the German language, grounding their work in historical principles; their {{lang|de|]}}, or German Dictionary, sometimes called the Grimm dictionary, was begun in 1838 and the first volumes published in 1854.<ref name="DWBhistory">{{cite web|title=History of the ''Deutsches Wörterbuch'' |url=http://150-grimm.bbaw.de/start.htm |website=DWB 150th Anniversary Exhibition and Symposium|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151015142342/http://150-grimm.bbaw.de/start.htm |archivedate=15 October 2015|publisher= Humboldt-Universität|year= 2004|language=de|accessdate= 27 June 2012}}</ref>


Influential authors of the 20th century include ], ], ], ], and ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=] |year=2001 |url=http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/literature/articles/espmark/index.html |title=The Nobel Prize in Literature |publisher=Nobelprize.org |url-status=live |archivedate=26 April 2011 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110426075458/http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/literature/articles/espmark/index.html}}</ref> The German book market is the third-largest in the world, after the United States and China.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.internationalpublishers.org/images/reports/2014/IPA-annual-report-2014.pdf |accessdate=6 July 2016 |title=Annual Report |date=October 2014 |publisher=International Publishers Association |page=13 |archivedate=11 July 2016 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160711214707/http://www.internationalpublishers.org/images/reports/2014/IPA-annual-report-2014.pdf}}</ref> The ] is the most important in the world for international deals and trading, with a tradition spanning over 500 years.<ref>{{Cite book |title=A History of the Frankfurt Book Fair |last1=Weidhaas |first1=Peter |last2=Gossage |first2=Carolyn |last3=Wright |first3=Wendy A. |year=2007 |url=https://archive.org/details/historyoffrankfu0000weid |publisher=Dundurn Press |isbn=978-1-55002-744-0 |pages= |url-access=registration}}</ref> The ] also retains a major position in Europe.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.dw.de/leipzig-book-fair-cultural-sideshow-with-a-serious-side/a-18313879 |title=Leipzig Book Fair: Cultural sideshow with a serious side |last=Chase |first=Jefferson |date=13 March 2015 |website=] |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150425203420/http://www.dw.de/leipzig-book-fair-cultural-sideshow-with-a-serious-side/a-18313879 |archivedate=25 April 2015 }}</ref>
German philosophy is historically significant. ]'s contributions to ]; the ] philosophy by ]; the establishment of classical ] by ], ] and ]; ]'s composition of metaphysical pessimism; the formulation of ] by ] and ]; ]'s development of ]; ]'s contributions to the dawn of ]; ]'s works on Being; and the development of the ] by ], ], ] and ] have been particularly influential. In the 21st century, Germany has contributed to the development of contemporary analytic philosophy in continental Europe.<ref>{{cite book|author=Searle, John|year=1987|title=The Blackwell Companion to Philosophy|chapter=Introduction|publisher=Wiley-Blackwell}}</ref> Along with the earlier mention of achievements in science by Germans, it is clear that German literature and philosophy have profoundly shaped Western society's development. Correspondingly, 20th century author Peter Watson, who has written extensively on the progressive development of modern thought, incisively remarks, "Kant, Humboldt, Marx, Clausius, Mendel, Nietzsche, Planck, Freud, Einstein, Weber, Hitler—for good or ill, can any other nation boast a collection of eleven (or even more) individuals who compare with these figures in regard to the enduring influence they have had on modern ways of thought?"<ref>Peter Watson, ''The German Genius: Europe's Third Renaissance, the Second Scientific Revolution, and the Twentieth Century'' (New York: Harper Collins, 2011), 828.</ref>


German philosophy is historically significant: ]'s contributions to ]; the ] philosophy by ]; the establishment of classical ] by ], ] and ]; ]'s composition of metaphysical pessimism; the formulation of ] by ] and ]; ]'s development of ]; ]'s contributions to the dawn of ]; ]'s works on Being; ]'s historical philosophy; and the development of the ] have all been very influential.<ref>{{Cite book |title=The Blackwell Companion to Philosophy |last=Searle, John |publisher=Wiley-Blackwell |year=1987 |chapter=Introduction}}</ref>
===Media===
{{Main|Media of Germany|Cinema of Germany|Radio in Germany|Television in Germany|List of newspapers in Germany|Video gaming in Germany}}
] on the ''Boulevard of Stars'' at Berlin's ]. Lang was the director of '']'', the first ] (in ]), that premiered in 1927.<ref> - ''Although the first science fiction film is generally agreed to be Georges Méliès' A Trip To The Moon (1902), Metropolis (1927) is the first feature length outing of the genre.'' (scififilmhistory.com, retrieved 15 May 2013)</ref>]]
] dates back to the earliest years of the medium, it has made major technical and artistic contributions to film, as with the work of ], who showed the first film sequences ever to an audience, in 1895. Early German cinema was particularly influential with ] such as ] and ]. Director ]'s '']'' (1927) is referred to as the first modern science-fiction film. In 1930 ] directed '']'', the first major German ].<ref>{{Cite book |last= Bordwell |first= David |authorlink= David Bordwell |author2=Thompson, Kristin |title= Film History: An Introduction |origyear= 1994 |edition= 2nd |year= 2003 |publisher=McGraw-Hill |isbn= 978-0-07-115141-2 |page= 204 |chapter= The Introduction of Sound}}</ref>


=== Media ===
During the 1970s and 1980s, ] directors such as ], ], ], and ] put West German cinema on the international stage.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fassbinderfoundation.de/node.php/en/home|title=Rainer Werner Fassbinder|publisher=Fassbinder Foundation|accessdate=28 March 2011}}</ref> The annual ]s ceremony is held every other year in Berlin, home of the ] (EFA); the ], held annually since 1951, is one of the world's foremost ]s.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fiapf.org/pdf/2006accreditedFestivalsDirectory.pdf |title=2006 FIAPF accredited Festivals Directory|publisher=International Federation of Film Producers Associations|accessdate=28 March 2011}}</ref>
{{Main|Media of Germany|Cinema of Germany}}
] in ]]]
The largest internationally operating ] companies in Germany are ], ] and ]. ] is the largest in Europe, with over 38&nbsp;million TV households as of 2012.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.astra.de/16795168/tv-verbreitung_in_deutschland |title=Distribution of TV in Germany (German) |date=19 February 2013 |publisher=Astra Sat |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150101012509/http://www.astra.de/16795168/tv-verbreitung_in_deutschland |archivedate=1 January 2015 }}</ref> Around 90% of German households have cable or satellite TV, with a variety of ] and ] channels.<ref name="media" /> There are more than ]; Germany's national radio network is the ] and the public ] is the main German radio and television broadcaster in foreign languages.<ref name="media" /> Germany's print market of ] and ] is the largest in Europe.<ref name="media">{{cite web|url=https://medialandscapes.org/country/germany|title=Germany|publisher=Media Landscapes|accessdate=14 March 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327081145/https://medialandscapes.org/country/germany|archivedate=27 March 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> The papers with the highest circulation are {{lang|de|]}}, {{lang|de|]}}, {{lang|de|]}} and {{lang|de|]}}.<ref name="media" /> The largest magazines include {{lang|de|]}} and {{lang|de|]}}.<ref name="media" /> Germany has ], with over 34 million players nationwide.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2019-07-16-german-consumers-spent-4-4bn-on-video-games-in-2018|title=German consumers spent €4.4bn on video games in 2018|last=Batchelor|first=James|date=16 July 2019|website=GamesIndustry.biz|accessdate=15 March 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200509014644/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2019-07-16-german-consumers-spent-4-4bn-on-video-games-in-2018|archivedate=9 May 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> The ] is the world's largest ].<ref>{{Cite news |last=MacDonald |first=Keza |date=23 August 2022 |title=Pushing Buttons: What to expect from the world's biggest games convention |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/games/2022/aug/23/pushing-buttons-gamescom-worlds-biggest-gaming-convention |archive-date=26 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230726020832/https://www.theguardian.com/games/2022/aug/23/pushing-buttons-gamescom-worlds-biggest-gaming-convention |url-status=live }}</ref>


German cinema has made major technical and artistic contributions to film. The first works of the ] were shown to an audience in 1895. The renowned ] in ] was established in 1912, thus being the first large-scale film studio in the world. Early German cinema was particularly influential with ] such as ] and ]. Director ]'s '']'' (1927) is referred to as the first major science-fiction film. After 1945, many of the films of the immediate post-war period can be characterised as {{lang|de|]}} (rubble film). East German film was dominated by the state-owned film studio ], while the dominant genre in West Germany was the {{lang|de|]}} ("homeland film").<ref>{{cite book|first=Stephen |last=Brockmann|title=A Critical History of German Film|url=https://archive.org/details/criticalhistoryg00broc |url-access=limited |publisher=Camden House|year= 2010|page= |isbn=978-1-57113-468-4}}</ref> During the 1970s and 1980s, ] directors such as ], ], ], and ] brought West German auteur cinema to critical acclaim.
In the 21st century, several German movies have had international success, such as '']'' (2001), '']'' (2001), '']'' (2003), ''Gegen die Wand (])'' (2004), ''Der Untergang (])'' (2004), '']'' (2006), '']'' (2008), '']'' (2008), '']'' (2009), '']'' (2009), '']'' (2009), ]'' (2010), '']'' (2011) and '']'' (2012). The ] went to the German production '']'' in 1979, to '']'' in 2002, and to '']'' in 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0405094/awards|title=Awards:Das Leben der Anderen|publisher=IMDb|accessdate=28 March 2011}}</ref>


The ] ("Oscar") went to the German production '']'' ({{lang|de|Die Blechtrommel}}) in 1979, to '']'' ({{lang|de|Nirgendwo in Afrika}}) in 2002, and to '']'' ({{lang|de|Das Leben der Anderen}}) in 2007. ] won an Oscar for their performances in other films. The annual ]s ceremony is held every other year in Berlin, home of the ]. The ], known as "Berlinale", awarding the "]" and held annually since 1951, is one of the world's leading ]s. The "Lolas" are annually awarded in Berlin, at the ].<ref>{{cite book|page=331|title=Historical Dictionary of German Cinema|author1=Reimer, Robert |author2=Reimer, Carol|publisher=Rowman & Littlefield|year=2019|isbn=978-1-5381-1940-2}}</ref>
Germany's television market is the largest in Europe, with some 34&nbsp;million TV households. Around 90% of German households have cable or satellite TV, with a variety of free-to-view public and commercial channels.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/country_profiles/1047864.stm |title=Country profile: Germany |work=BBC News |accessdate=28 March 2011}}</ref> The most watched television broadcast of all-time in Germany was the ] semi-fnal game of the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.quotenmeter.de/cms/?p1=n&p2=43347&p3=|title=Die Fußball-Weltmeisterschaft: Eine Quoten-Übersicht}}</ref> Nine out of ten of the top ten ] of all-time in Germany feature the ].


=== Cuisine ===
The ] is one of the largest in the world.<ref>{{cite web|last=Purchese |first=Robert |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/germany-becomes-europes-top-market |title=Germany's video game market |publisher=Eurogamer.net |date=2009-08-17 |accessdate=2012-03-04}}</ref> The ] in ] is Europe's leading gaming convention. Popular game series from Germany include ], the ], ], the ], ], the ], the ], ] and ]. The most relevant game developers and publishers are ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and ].

===Cuisine===
{{Main|German cuisine}} {{Main|German cuisine}}
] with mustard, a ], and ]]]
]n woman holding glasses of ], one of the few traditional ] brands that are allowed to be served at ].]]
German cuisine varies from region to region and often neighbouring regions share some culinary similarities, including with the southern regions of ] and ], ], and ]. International varieties such as ], ], ], ], ], and ] are also popular.

] is a significant part of German cuisine and German bakeries produce about 600 main types of bread and 1,200 types of pastries and ] ({{lang|de|Brötchen}}).<ref>{{cite book|page=344|title=The World of Wine and Food: A Guide to Varieties, Tastes, History, and Pairings|last=Philpott|first=Don|publisher=Rowman & Littlefield|year=2016|isbn=978-1-4422-6804-3}}</ref> ] account for about 22% of all cheese produced in Europe.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/products-eurostat-news/-/EDN-20190119-1|website=Eurostat|title=Where does our cheese come from?|date=19 January 2019|accessdate=15 March 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20191204144839/https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/products-eurostat-news/-/EDN-20190119-1|archivedate=4 December 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2012 over 99% of all meat produced in Germany was either pork, chicken or beef. Germans produce their ubiquitous sausages in almost 1,500 varieties, including ]s and ]s.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://germanfoods.org/german-food-facts/german-hams-sausages-meats-guide/ |title=Guide to German Hams and Sausages |publisher=German Foods North America |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150322084957/http://germanfoods.org/german-food-facts/german-hams-sausages-meats-guide/ |archivedate=22 March 2015 |accessdate=26 March 2015 }}</ref>


The national alcoholic drink is ].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/lifestyle/recipes/in-depth-look-at-germanys-national-drink-beer/videoshow/16419704.cms|work=]|access-date=29 September 2021|date=16 September 2012|title=In-depth look at Germany's national drink – beer|archive-date=30 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210930074944/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/lifestyle/recipes/in-depth-look-at-germanys-national-drink-beer/videoshow/16419704.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> German beer consumption per person stands at {{convert|110|litres|0}} in 2013 and remains among the ].<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/top-10-heaviest-beer-drinking-countries-czech-republic-germany-sink-most-pints-1475764 |title=Top 10 Heaviest Beer-drinking Countries: Czech Republic and Germany Sink Most Pints |first=Samantha |last=Payne |date=20 November 2014 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150513195740/http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/top-10-heaviest-beer-drinking-countries-czech-republic-germany-sink-most-pints-1475764 |archivedate=13 May 2015 |work=International Business Times}}</ref> ] date back to the 16th century.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/492-years-of-good-beer-germans-toast-the-anniversary-of-their-beer-purity-law-a-549175.html |title=492 Years of Good Beer: Germans Toast the Anniversary of Their Beer Purity Law |date=23 April 2008 |work=Spiegel Online |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080506121630/http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/0,1518,549175,00.html |archivedate=6 May 2008}}</ref> ] has become popular in many parts of the country, especially close to ].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.germanwineusa.com/press-trade/statistics.html |title=German Wine Statistics |publisher=Wines of Germany, Deutsches Weininstitut |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20141214121534/http://www.germanwineusa.com/press-trade/statistics.html |archivedate=14 December 2014 |accessdate=14 December 2014}}</ref> In 2019, Germany was the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.statista.com/statistics/240638/wine-production-in-selected-countries-and-regions/|website=Statista|title=Wine production worldwide in 2019, by country (in million hectoliters)|accessdate=14 March 2021|archivedate=1 April 2021|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210401002003/https://www.statista.com/statistics/240638/wine-production-in-selected-countries-and-regions/|url-status=live}}</ref>
German cuisine varies from region to region. The southern regions of ] and ], for instance, share a culinary culture with Switzerland and Austria. In all regions, meat is often eaten in sausage form.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.germanfoods.org/consumer/facts/guidetoham.cfm | title = Guide to German Hams and Sausages | publisher = German Foods North America | accessdate =17 May 2012}}</ref> ] has gained a market share of ca. 2%, and is expected to increase further.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.fao.org/organicag/display/work/display_2.asp?country=DEU&lang=en&disp=summaries | title =Germany Country Profiles for Organic Agriculture | publisher= Food and Agriculture Organization | accessdate =6 May 2011}}</ref> Although wine is becoming more popular in many parts of Germany, the national alcoholic drink is beer. German beer consumption per person is declining, but at 121.4&nbsp;litres in 2009 it is still among the highest in the world.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.dw.de/dw/article/0,,5489225,00.html | title = Brewers not worried by beer consumption drop | work = Deutsche Welle | location = Bonn | accessdate =6 April 2012 | author = Schneibel, Gerhard | date = 23 April 2010}}</ref> The ] has awarded nine restaurants in Germany three stars, the highest designation, while 15 more received two stars.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.dw.de/dw/article/0,,2914502_page_0,00.html | title = Schnitzel Outcooks Spaghetti in Michelin Guide | work = Deutsche Welle | location = Bonn | accessdate =6 April 2012 | date = 15 November 2007}}</ref> German restaurants have become the world's second-most decorated after France.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://in.reuters.com/article/2007/11/14/us-germany-food-idINL1447732320071114 | title = German cuisine beats Italy, Spain in gourmet stars | work = Reuters | accessdate =19 March 2011 | date = 28 March 2011}}</ref>


The 2018 '']'' awarded ], giving the country a cumulative total of 300 stars.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.foodandwine.com/news/germany-michelin-stars|website=Food and Wine|title=Germany Was Just Awarded Its 300th Michelin Star|last=Heller|first=Charlie|date=15 November 2017|accessdate=15 March 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171228210645/http://www.foodandwine.com/news/germany-michelin-stars|archivedate=28 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
], ], and ] are the main varieties of meat consumed in Germany, with pork being the most popular. The average person in Germany will consume up to {{convert|61|kg|lb|abbr=on}} of meat in a year. Among poultry, ] is most common, although ], ], and ] are also enjoyed. ], especially ], ], and ] are also widely available all year round. ] is the most common freshwater fish on the German menu; ], ], and ] also are listed frequently. Vegetables are often used in ]s or vegetable soups, but are also served as side dishes. Carrots, turnips, spinach, peas, beans, broccoli and many types of cabbage are very common. A wide variety of ]s and ]s are served throughout the country, most commonly made with fresh fruit. Apples, plums, strawberries, and cherries are used regularly in cakes. ] is also very popular, often made with ]. '']'' (Black Forest cake, made with cherries) is probably the most well-known example of a wide variety of typically German ]s filled with whipped or butter cream.


===Sports=== === Sports ===
{{Main|Sport in Germany}} {{Main|Sport in Germany}}
] in 2012. ] is the most popular sport in Germany.]] ] after winning the ] for the fourth time in 2014]]
] is the most popular sport in Germany. With more than 7&nbsp;million official members, the ] (''Deutscher Fußball-Bund'') is the largest single-sport organisation worldwide,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dw.com/en/dfb-presidential-candidate-fritz-keller-promises-no-more-one-man-show/a-50119403|website=DW|title=DFB: presidential candidate Fritz Keller promises 'no more one-man show'|last=Schalling|first=Herbert|date=21 August 2019|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200329034515/https://www.dw.com/en/dfb-presidential-candidate-fritz-keller-promises-no-more-one-man-show/a-50119403|archivedate=29 March 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> and the German top league, the ], attracts the second-highest ] of all professional sports leagues in the world.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/attendance-sports-leagues-world-2015-5|website=Business Insider|title=The NFL and Major League Baseball are the most attended sports leagues in the world|last=Gaines|first=Cork|date=22 May 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20190831191916/https://www.businessinsider.com/attendance-sports-leagues-world-2015-5|archivedate=31 August 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> The ] won the ] in 1954, 1974, 1990, and 2014,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/fifa-tournaments/archive/|publisher=FIFA|title=FIFA World Cup Timeline|accessdate=7 March 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200305190808/https://www.fifa.com/fifa-tournaments/archive/|archivedate=5 March 2020}}</ref> the ] in 1972, 1980 and 1996,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/index.html|publisher=UEFA|title=History|accessdate=7 March 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200418050335/https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/index.html|archivedate=18 April 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> and the ] in 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/confederationscup/|publisher=FIFA|title=Confederations Cup|accessdate=7 March 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200312140436/https://www.fifa.com/confederationscup/|archivedate=12 March 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>


Germany is one of the leading ] countries in the world. Constructors like ] and ] are prominent manufacturers in motor sport. ] has won the ] race 19 times, and ] 13 times ({{As of|2024|04|lc=y}}).<ref>{{cite web|last=Smith|first=Damien|title=Porsche to make Le Mans 24 Hours return in 2023|url=https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/motorsport-news/porsche-make-le-mans-24-hours-return-2023|work=Autocar|date=15 December 2020|accessdate=12 April 2021|archivedate=12 April 2021|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210412125853/https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/motorsport-news/porsche-make-le-mans-24-hours-return-2023|url-status=live}}</ref> The driver ] has set many motor sport records during his career, having won seven ].<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2006/oct/23/formulaone.sport |title=What we will miss about Michael Schumacher |last=Ornstein |first=David |date=23 October 2006 |work=The Guardian |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140108044532/http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2006/oct/23/formulaone.sport |archivedate=8 January 2014 }}</ref> ] is also among the most successful ] drivers of all time.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.independent.ie/sport/vettel-makes-formula-one-history-with-eighth-successive-victory-29761655.html |title=Vettel makes Formula One history with eighth successive victory |date=17 November 2013 |work=Irish Independent|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203024830/http://www.independent.ie/sport/vettel-makes-formula-one-history-with-eighth-successive-victory-29761655.html |archivedate=3 December 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>
Twenty-seven million Germans are members of a sports club and an additional twelve million pursue sports individually.<ref name="sports">{{cite web | url = http://www.germany.info/relaunch/culture/life/sports.html | title = Germany Info: Culture & Life: Sports | publisher=Germany Embassy in Washington, D.C | accessdate =28 March 2011}}</ref> ] is the most popular sport. With more than 6.3&nbsp;million official members, the ] (''Deutscher Fußball-Bund'') is the largest sports organisation of its kind worldwide.<ref name="sports"/> The ], the top league of men's club football in Germany, is the most popular sports league in Germany and attracts the second highest ] of any professional sports league in the world. The ] is the top league of women's club football in Germany.


] historically have been successful contenders in the ], ranking third in an ] when combining ] and ] medals prior to ].<ref>{{cite book|page=99|title=Success and Failure of Countries at the Olympic Games|publisher=Routledge|last=Reiche|first=Danyel|year=2016|isbn=978-1-317-63277-1}}</ref> In 1936 Berlin hosted the ] and the ] in ]. ] hosted the ].<ref>{{cite book|last=Large|first= David Clay|title=Nazi Games: The Olympics of 1936|url=https://archive.org/details/nazigamesolympic00larg|url-access=registration|publisher=W. W. Norton & Company|year= 2007|isbn=978-0-393-05884-0|pages=136, 337}}</ref>{{sfn|Large|2007|p=337}}
The ] won the ] in 1954, 1974 and 1990 and the ] in 1972, 1980 and 1996. Germany hosted the ] and ] and the UEFA European Championship in ]. Among the most well-known footballers are ], ], ], ], and ]. The ] won the ] in 2003 and 2007 and the ] in 1989, 1991, 1995, 1997, 2001, 2005, 2009, and 2013.


== See also ==
Other popular spectator sports include ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and ]. ] like ], ], ], ] and ], ], ], ], ] and ] are popular in Germany as well, especially with large annual events such as ] or ] Rostock.<ref name="sports"/>
{{Portal|Germany|Europe}}

Germany is one of the leading ] countries in the world. Constructors like ] and ] are prominent manufacturers in motor sport. Additionally, ] has won the ], an annual endurance race held in France, 16 times, and ] has won it 11 times. The ] driver ] has set many motor sport records during his career, having won more ] and more Formula One races than any other driver; he is one of the highest paid sportsmen in history.<ref>{{Cite news | url = http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2006/oct/23/formulaone.sport | title = What we will miss about Michael Schumacher | newspaper=The Guardian | date = 23 October 2006 | accessdate =19 March 2011 | location=UK | first=David | last=Ornstein }}</ref> ] has won the championships from 2010 until 2013 and thus is among the most successful F1 drivers of all times.

Historically, ] have been successful contenders in the ], ranking third in an ], combining East and West German medals. In the ], Germany finished fifth in the medal count,<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.olympic.org/medallists-results?athletename=&category=343488&games=1333952&sport=&event=&mengender=false&womengender=false&mixedgender=false&teamclassification=false&individualclassification=false&continent=&country=&goldmedal=true&silvermedal=true&bronzemedal=true&worldrecord=false&olympicrecord=false&targetresults=true | title = Beijing 2008 Medal Table | publisher=International Olympic Committee | accessdate =19 March 2011}}</ref> while in the ] they finished first.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.olympic.org/medallists-results?athletename=&category=343486&games=1334152&sport=&event=&mengender=false&womengender=false&mixedgender=false&teamclassification=false&individualclassification=false&continent=&country=&goldmedal=true&silvermedal=true&bronzemedal=true&worldrecord=false&olympicrecord=false&targetresults=true&sortorder=medal&sortorder=country | title = Turin 2006 Medal Table | publisher=International Olympic Committee | accessdate =19 March 2011}}</ref> Germany has hosted the Summer Olympic Games twice, in Berlin in ] and in ] in ]. The Winter Olympic Games took place in Germany once in ] in the twin towns of ] and ].

==See also==
* ] * ]


==References== == Notes ==
{{Reflist|30em}} {{notelist}}


== References ==
;Work cited
{{Reflist}}
{{cite book |last = Fulbrook |first = Mary |title = A Concise History of Germany |publisher = Cambridge University Press |year = 1991 |isbn = 978-0-521-36836-0 }}


'''Sources'''
==External links==
* {{cite book|last=Fulbrook|first=Mary|year=1991|title=A Concise History of Germany|publisher=Cambridge University Press|isbn=978-0-521-36836-0|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/isbn_9780521368360}}
{{Spoken Misplaced Pages-2|2008-06-24|Germany (Spoken Article) Part 1.ogg|Germany (Spoken Article) Part 2.ogg}}
* {{cite book |last1=Murdoch |first1=Adrian |year=2004 |chapter=Germania Romana |editor1-last=Murdoch |editor1-first=Brian |editor1-link=Brian O. Murdoch |editor2-last=Read |editor2-first=Malcolm |title=] |url= |publisher=] |pages=55–73 |isbn=1-57113-199-X}}
{{Sister project links|Germany|voy=Germany}}


== External links ==
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{{Spoken Misplaced Pages|date=27 May 2023|Germany 2023.ogg}}
* from the ]
{{Sister project links|Germany|collapsible=collapsed|voy=Germany}}
* – Topical multilingual website about Germany
<!--Misplaced Pages is not a link list nor a web directory. If your link points to a site that does not cover many subjects about Germany, put it in a more specific article.-->
*{{Wikiatlas|Germany}}
* Germany's international broadcaster *
*
*{{CIA World Factbook link|gm|Germany}}
* at ''UCB Libraries GovPubs'' * from ]
* . '']''. ].
*{{dmoz|Regional/Europe/Germany}}
* from the ]
* – by the German Federal Foreign Office
* at the ]
* – Federal Statistical Office Germany
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* from ]


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Revision as of 19:56, 23 December 2024

Country in Central Europe "Deutschland" redirects here. For other uses, see Deutschland (disambiguation) and Germany (disambiguation). "Federal Republic of Germany" redirects here. For the country from 1949–1990, see West Germany.

Federal Republic of GermanyBundesrepublik Deutschland (German)
Flag of Germany Flag Coat of arms of Germany Coat of arms
Anthem: "Das Lied der Deutschen"
("The Song of the Germans")
Show globeShow map of EuropeLocation of Germany (dark green)

– in Europe (light green & dark grey)
– in the European Union (light green)

Capitaland largest cityBerlin
52°31′N 13°23′E / 52.517°N 13.383°E / 52.517; 13.383
Official languagesGerman
Demonym(s)German
GovernmentFederal parliamentary republic
• President Frank-Walter Steinmeier
• Chancellor Olaf Scholz
LegislatureBundestag, Bundesrat
Area
• Total357,596 km (138,069 sq mi) (63rd)
• Water (%)1.27
Population
• 2022 censusNeutral increase 82,719,540 (19th)
• Density236/km (611.2/sq mi) (58th)
GDP (PPP)2024 estimate
• TotalIncrease $6.017 trillion (6th)
• Per capitaIncrease $70,930 (22nd)
GDP (nominal)2024 estimate
• TotalIncrease $4.710 trillion (3rd)
• Per capitaIncrease $55,521 (17th)
Gini (2023)Negative increase 29.4
low inequality
HDI (2022)Increase 0.950
very high (7th)
CurrencyEuro () (EUR)
Time zoneUTC+1 (CET)
• Summer (DST)UTC+2 (CEST)
Date format
  • Day, month, year
  • Year, month, day
Drives onRight
Calling code+49
ISO 3166 codeDE
Internet TLD.de

Germany, officially the Federal Republic of Germany, is a country in Central Europe. It lies between the Baltic and North Sea to the north and the Alps to the south. Its sixteen constituent states have a total population of over 82 million in an area of 357,596 km (138,069 sq mi), making it the most populous member state of the European Union. 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. The nation's capital and most populous city is Berlin and its main financial centre is Frankfurt; the largest urban area is the Ruhr.

Settlement in the territory of modern Germany began in the Lower Paleolithic, with various tribes inhabiting it from the Neolithic onward, chiefly the Celts. Various Germanic tribes have inhabited the northern parts of modern Germany since classical antiquity. A region named Germania was documented before AD 100. In 962, the Kingdom of Germany formed the bulk of the Holy Roman Empire. During the 16th century, northern German regions became the centre of the Protestant Reformation. Following the Napoleonic Wars and the dissolution of the Holy Roman Empire in 1806, the German Confederation was formed in 1815.

Formal unification of Germany into the modern nation-state commenced on 18 August 1866 with the North German Confederation Treaty establishing the Prussia-led North German Confederation, which became the German Empire in 1871. After World War I and the German Revolution of 1918–1919, the Empire was replaced by the Weimar Republic. The Nazi rise to power in 1933 led to the establishment of a totalitarian dictatorship, World War II, and the Holocaust. In 1949, after the war and a period of Allied occupation, Germany was organized into two separate polities with limited sovereignty: the Federal Republic of Germany, or West Germany, and the German Democratic Republic, or East Germany. Berlin continued its de jure Four Power status. The Federal Republic of Germany was a founding member of the European Economic Community and the European Union, while the German Democratic Republic was a communist Eastern Bloc state and member of the Warsaw Pact. After the fall of the communist led-government in East Germany, German reunification saw the former East German states join the Federal Republic of Germany on 3 October 1990.

Germany has been described as a great power with a strong economy; it has the largest economy in Europe by nominal GDP. As a global power in industrial, scientific and technological sectors, it is both the world's third-largest exporter and importer. As a developed country, it offers social security, a universal health care system, and tuition-free university education. Germany is a member of the United Nations, Council of Europe, NATO and OECD, and a founding member of the European Union, G7 and G20. It has the third-highest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 54, of which 51 are cultural.

Etymology

Further information: Names of Germany, Germani, and Germania

The English word Germany derives from the Latin Germania, which came into use after Julius Caesar adopted it for the peoples east of the Rhine. The German term Deutschland, originally diutisciu land ('the German lands'), is derived from deutsch (cf. Dutch), descended from Old High German diutisc 'of the people' (from diot or diota 'people'), originally used to distinguish the language of the common people from Latin and its Romance descendants. This in turn descends from Proto-Germanic *þiudiskaz 'of the people' (see also the Latinised form Theodiscus), derived from *þeudō, descended from Proto-Indo-European *tewtéh₂- 'people', from which the word Teutons also originates.

History

Main article: History of Germany For a chronological guide, see Timeline of German history.

Prehistory

Main articles: Linear Pottery culture, Unetice culture, Urnfield culture, and Celts

Pre-human ancestors, the Danuvius guggenmosi, who were present in Germany over 11 million years ago, are theorized to be among the earliest ones to walk on two legs. Ancient humans were present in Germany at least 600,000 years ago. The first non-modern human fossil (the Neanderthal) was discovered in the Neander Valley. Similarly dated evidence of modern humans has been found in the Swabian Jura, including 42,000-year-old flutes which are the oldest musical instruments ever found, the 40,000-year-old Lion Man, and the 41,000-year-old Venus of Hohle Fels. The Nebra sky disk, created during the European Bronze Age, has been attributed to a German site.

Germanic tribes, Roman frontier and the Frankish Empire

Main articles: Jastorf culture, Germanic peoples, Germania, Migration Period, and Frankish Realm
Basilica of Constantine in Trier (Augusta Treverorum), built in the 4th century

The Germanic peoples are thought to have emerged from the Jastorf culture during the Nordic Bronze Age or early Iron Age. From southern Scandinavia and northern Germany, they expanded south, east, and west, coming into contact with the Celtic, Iranian, Baltic, and Slavic tribes. Southern Germany was inhabited by Celtic-speaking peoples, who belonged to the wider La Tène culture. They were later assimilated by the Germanic conquerors.

Under Augustus, the Roman Empire began to invade lands inhabited by the Germanic tribes, creating a short-lived Roman province of Germania between the Rhine and Elbe rivers. In 9 AD, three Roman legions were defeated by Arminius in the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest. The outcome of this battle dissuaded the Romans from their ambition of conquering Germania and is thus considered one of the most important events in European history. By 100 AD, when Tacitus wrote Germania, Germanic tribes had settled along the Rhine and the Danube (the Limes Germanicus), occupying most of modern Germany. However, Baden-Württemberg, southern Bavaria, southern Hesse and the western Rhineland had been incorporated into Roman provinces.

Around 260, Germanic peoples broke into Roman-controlled lands. After the invasion of the Huns in 375, and with the decline of Rome from 395, Germanic tribes moved farther southwest: the Franks established the Frankish Kingdom and pushed east to subjugate Saxony and Bavaria. Areas of what is today eastern Germany were inhabited by Western Slavic tribes.

East Francia and the Holy Roman Empire

Main articles: East Francia and Holy Roman Empire
East Francia in 843
Martin Luther, born in Eisleben in 1483, challenged the indulgences of the Catholic Church, giving rise to the Reformation and Protestantism.

Charlemagne founded the Carolingian Empire in 800; it was divided in 843. The eastern successor kingdom of East Francia stretched from the Rhine in the west to the Elbe river in the east and from the North Sea to the Alps. Subsequently, the Holy Roman Empire emerged from it. The Ottonian rulers (919–1024) consolidated several major duchies. In 996, Gregory V became the first German Pope, appointed by his cousin Otto III, whom he shortly after crowned Holy Roman Emperor. The Holy Roman Empire absorbed northern Italy and Burgundy under the Salian emperors (1024–1125), although the emperors lost power through the Investiture controversy.

Under the Hohenstaufen emperors (1138–1254), German princes encouraged German settlement to the south and east (Ostsiedlung). Members of the Hanseatic League, mostly north German towns, prospered in the expansion of trade. The population declined starting with the Great Famine in 1315, followed by the Black Death of 1348–1350. The Golden Bull issued in 1356 provided the constitutional structure of the Empire and codified the election of the emperor by seven prince-electors.

Johannes Gutenberg introduced moveable-type printing to Europe, laying the basis for the democratization of knowledge. In 1517, Martin Luther incited the Protestant Reformation and his translation of the Bible began the standardization of the language; the 1555 Peace of Augsburg tolerated the "Evangelical" faith (Lutheranism), but also decreed that the faith of the prince was to be the faith of his subjects (cuius regio, eius religio). From the Cologne War through the Thirty Years' Wars (1618–1648), religious conflict devastated German lands and significantly reduced the population.

The Peace of Westphalia ended religious warfare among the Imperial Estates. The legal system initiated by a series of Imperial Reforms (approximately 1495–1555) provided for considerable local autonomy and a stronger Imperial Diet. The House of Habsburg held the imperial crown from 1438 until the death of Charles VI in 1740. Following the War of the Austrian Succession and the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle, Charles VI's daughter Maria Theresa ruled as empress consort when her husband, Francis I, became emperor.

From 1740, dualism between the Austrian Habsburg monarchy and the Kingdom of Prussia dominated German history. In 1772, 1793, and 1795, Prussia and Austria, along with the Russian Empire, agreed to the Partitions of Poland. During the period of the French Revolutionary Wars, the Napoleonic era and the subsequent final meeting of the Imperial Diet, most of the Free Imperial Cities were annexed by dynastic territories; the ecclesiastical territories were secularised and annexed. In 1806 the Imperium was dissolved; France, Russia, Prussia, and the Habsburgs (Austria) competed for hegemony in the German states during the Napoleonic Wars.

German Confederation and Empire

Main articles: German question, German Confederation, Unification of Germany, German Empire, and German colonial empire
The German Confederation in 1815

Following the fall of Napoleon, the Congress of Vienna founded the German Confederation, a loose league of 39 sovereign states. The appointment of the emperor of Austria as the permanent president reflected the Congress's rejection of Prussia's rising influence. Disagreement within restoration politics partly led to the rise of liberal movements, followed by new measures of repression by Austrian statesman Klemens von Metternich. The Zollverein, a tariff union, furthered economic unity. In light of revolutionary movements in Europe, intellectuals and commoners started the revolutions of 1848 in the German states, raising the German question. King Frederick William IV of Prussia was offered the title of emperor, but with a loss of power; he rejected the crown and the proposed constitution, a temporary setback for the movement.

Berlin Palace, the main residence of the House of Hohenzollern

King William I appointed Otto von Bismarck as the Minister President of Prussia in 1862. Bismarck successfully concluded the war with Denmark in 1864; the subsequent decisive Prussian victory in the Austro-Prussian War of 1866 enabled him to create the North German Confederation which excluded Austria. After the defeat of France in the Franco-Prussian War, the German princes proclaimed the founding of the German Empire in 1871. Prussia was the dominant constituent state of the new empire; the King of Prussia ruled as its Kaiser, and Berlin became its capital.

In the Gründerzeit period following the unification of Germany, Bismarck's foreign policy as chancellor of Germany secured Germany's position as a great nation by forging alliances and avoiding war. However, under Wilhelm II, Germany took an imperialistic course, leading to friction with neighbouring countries. A dual alliance was created with the multinational realm of Austria-Hungary; the Triple Alliance of 1882 included Italy. Britain, France and Russia also concluded alliances to protect against Habsburg interference with Russian interests in the Balkans or German interference against France. At the Berlin Conference in 1884, Germany claimed several colonies including German East Africa, German South West Africa, Togoland, and Kamerun. Later, Germany further expanded its colonial empire to include holdings in the Pacific and China. The colonial government in South West Africa (present-day Namibia), from 1904 to 1907, carried out the annihilation of the local Herero and Namaqua peoples as punishment for an uprising; this was the 20th century's first genocide.

The assassination of Austria's crown prince on 28 June 1914 provided the pretext for Austria-Hungary to attack Serbia and trigger World War I. After four years of warfare, in which approximately two million German soldiers were killed, a general armistice ended the fighting. In the German Revolution (November 1918), Wilhelm II and the ruling princes abdicated their positions, and Germany was declared a federal republic. Germany's new leadership signed the Treaty of Versailles in 1919, accepting defeat by the Allies. Germans perceived the treaty as humiliating, which was seen by historians as influential in the rise of Adolf Hitler. Germany lost around 13% of its European territory and ceded all of its colonial possessions in Africa and the Pacific.

Weimar Republic and Nazi Germany

Main articles: Weimar Republic and Nazi Germany
Adolf Hitler, dictator of Nazi Germany from 1933 to 1945
A map of German-occupied Europe in 1942 during World War II with areas controlled by the German Reich shown in bold black

On 11 August 1919, President Friedrich Ebert signed the democratic Weimar Constitution. Communists briefly seized power in Bavaria and a few larger cities, while conservative elements failed to overthrow the central government in the 1920 Kapp Putsch. The occupation of the Ruhr by Belgian and French troops and a period of hyperinflation followed. A plan to restructure Germany's war reparations and the creation of a new currency in 1924 helped stabilise the government and ushered in the Golden Twenties, an era of artistic innovation and liberal cultural life.

The worldwide Great Depression hit Germany in 1929, and by 1932 the unemployment rate had risen to 24%. The Nazi Party led by Adolf Hitler became the largest party in the Reichstag after the election of July 1932, and President Hindenburg appointed Hitler chancellor on 30 January 1933. After the Reichstag fire, a decree abrogated basic civil rights, and the first Nazi concentration camp opened. On 23 March 1933, the Enabling Act gave Hitler unrestricted legislative power, overriding the constitution, and marked the beginning of Nazi Germany. His government established a centralised totalitarian state, withdrew from the League of Nations, and dramatically increased the country's rearmament. A government-sponsored programme for economic renewal focused on public works, the most famous of which was the Autobahn.

In 1935, the regime withdrew from the Treaty of Versailles and introduced the Nuremberg Laws which targeted Jews and other minorities. Germany also reacquired control of the Saarland in 1935, remilitarised the Rhineland in 1936, annexed Austria in 1938, annexed the Sudetenland in 1938 with the Munich Agreement, and in violation of the agreement occupied Czechoslovakia in March 1939. Kristallnacht (Night of Broken Glass) saw the burning of synagogues, the destruction of Jewish businesses, and mass arrests of Jewish people.

In August 1939, Hitler's government negotiated the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact that divided Eastern Europe into German and Soviet spheres of influence. On 1 September 1939, Germany invaded Poland, beginning World War II in Europe; Britain and France declared war on Germany on 3 September. In the spring of 1940, Germany conquered Denmark and Norway, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, and France, forcing the French government to sign an armistice. The British repelled German air attacks in the Battle of Britain in the same year. In 1941, German troops invaded Yugoslavia, Greece and the Soviet Union. By 1942, Germany and its allies controlled most of continental Europe and North Africa, but following the Soviet victory at the Battle of Stalingrad, the Allied reconquest of North Africa and invasion of Italy in 1943, German forces suffered repeated military defeats. In 1944, the Soviets pushed into Eastern Europe; the Western allies landed in France and entered Germany despite a final German counteroffensive. Following Hitler's suicide during the Battle of Berlin, Germany signed the surrender document on 8 May 1945, ending World War II in Europe and Nazi Germany. Following the end of the war, surviving Nazi officials were tried for war crimes at the Nuremberg trials.

In what later became known as the Holocaust, the German government persecuted minorities, including interning them in concentration and death camps across Europe. The regime systematically murdered 6 million Jews, at least 130,000 Romani, 275,000 disabled, thousands of Jehovah's Witnesses, thousands of homosexuals, and hundreds of thousands of political and religious opponents. Nazi policies in German-occupied countries resulted in the deaths of an estimated 2.7 million Poles, 1.3 million Ukrainians, 1 million Belarusians and 3.5 million Soviet prisoners of war. German military casualties have been estimated at 5.3 million, and around 900,000 German civilians died. Around 12 million ethnic Germans were expelled from across Eastern Europe, and Germany lost roughly one-quarter of its pre-war territory.

East and West Germany

Main articles: History of Germany (1945–1990), Allied-occupied Germany, West Germany, and East Germany
The Berlin Wall during its fall in 1989 and the Brandenburg Gate (background) was one of the first developments in the end of the Cold War, leading ultimately to the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

After Nazi Germany surrendered, the Allies de jure abolished the German state and partitioned Berlin and Germany's remaining territory into four occupation zones. The western sectors, controlled by France, the United Kingdom, and the United States, were merged on 23 May 1949 to form the Federal Republic of Germany (German: Bundesrepublik Deutschland); on 7 October 1949, the Soviet Zone became the German Democratic Republic (GDR) (German: Deutsche Demokratische Republik; DDR). They were informally known as West Germany and East Germany. East Germany selected East Berlin as its capital, while West Germany chose Bonn as a provisional capital, to emphasise its stance that the two-state solution was temporary.

West Germany was established as a federal parliamentary republic with a "social market economy". Starting in 1948 West Germany became a major recipient of reconstruction aid under the American Marshall Plan. Konrad Adenauer was elected the first federal chancellor of Germany in 1949. The country enjoyed prolonged economic growth (Wirtschaftswunder) beginning in the early 1950s. West Germany joined NATO in 1955 and was a founding member of the European Economic Community. On 1 January 1957, the Saarland joined West Germany.

East Germany was an Eastern Bloc state under political and military control by the Soviet Union via occupation forces and the Warsaw Pact. Although East Germany claimed to be a democracy, political power was exercised solely by leading members (Politbüro) of the communist-controlled Socialist Unity Party of Germany, supported by the Stasi, an immense secret service. While East German propaganda was based on the benefits of the GDR's social programmes and the alleged threat of a West German invasion, many of its citizens looked to the West for freedom and prosperity. The Berlin Wall, built in 1961, prevented East German citizens from escaping to West Germany, becoming a symbol of the Cold War.

Tensions between East and West Germany were reduced in the late 1960s by Chancellor Willy Brandt's Ostpolitik. In 1989, Hungary decided to dismantle the Iron Curtain and open its border with Austria, causing the emigration of thousands of East Germans to West Germany via Hungary and Austria. This had devastating effects on the GDR, where regular mass demonstrations received increasing support. In an effort to help retain East Germany as a state, the East German authorities eased border restrictions, but this actually led to an acceleration of the Wende reform process culminating in the Two Plus Four Treaty under which Germany regained full sovereignty. This permitted German reunification on 3 October 1990, with the accession of the five re-established states of the former GDR. The fall of the Wall in 1989 became a symbol of the Fall of Communism, the dissolution of the Soviet Union, German reunification and Die Wende ("the turning point").

Reunified Germany and the European Union

Main articles: German reunification and History of Germany since 1990

United Germany was considered the enlarged continuation of West Germany so it retained its memberships in international organisations. Based on the Berlin/Bonn Act (1994), Berlin again became the capital of Germany, while Bonn obtained the unique status of a Bundesstadt (federal city) retaining some federal ministries. The relocation of the government was completed in 1999, and modernisation of the East German economy was scheduled to last until 2019.

Since reunification, Germany has taken a more active role in the European Union, signing the Maastricht Treaty in 1992 and the Lisbon Treaty in 2007, and co-founding the eurozone. Germany sent a peacekeeping force to secure stability in the Balkans and sent German troops to Afghanistan as part of a NATO effort to provide security in that country after the ousting of the Taliban.

In the 2005 elections, Angela Merkel became the first female chancellor. In 2009, the German government approved a €50 billion stimulus plan. Among the major German political projects of the early 21st century are the advancement of European integration, the energy transition (Energiewende) for a sustainable energy supply, the debt brake for balanced budgets, measures to increase the fertility rate (pronatalism), and high-tech strategies for the transition of the German economy, summarised as Industry 4.0. During the 2015 European migrant crisis, the country took in over a million refugees and migrants.

Geography

Main article: Geography of Germany
A physical map of Germany

Germany is the seventh-largest country in Europe. It borders Denmark to the north, Poland and Czechia to the east, Austria and Switzerland to the south, and France, Luxembourg, Belgium, and the Netherlands to the west. Germany is also bordered by the North Sea and, at the north-northeast, by the Baltic Sea. German territory covers 357,596 km (138,069 sq mi). Elevation ranges from the mountains of the Alps (highest point: the Zugspitze at 2,963 metres or 9,721 feet) in the south to the shores of the North Sea (Nordsee) in the northwest and the Baltic Sea (Ostsee) in the northeast. The forested uplands of central Germany and the lowlands of northern Germany (lowest point: in the municipality Neuendorf-Sachsenbande, Wilstermarsch at 3.54 metres or 11.6 feet below sea level) are traversed by such major rivers as the Rhine, Danube and Elbe. Significant natural resources include iron ore, coal, potash, timber, lignite, uranium, copper, natural gas, salt, and nickel.

Climate

Most of Germany has a temperate climate, ranging from oceanic in the north and west to continental in the east and southeast. Winters range from the cold in the Southern Alps to cool and are generally overcast with limited precipitation, while summers can vary from hot and dry to cool and rainy. The northern regions have prevailing westerly winds that bring in moist air from the North Sea, moderating the temperature and increasing precipitation. Conversely, the southeast regions have more extreme temperatures.

From February 2019 – 2020, average monthly temperatures in Germany ranged from a low of 3.3 °C (37.9 °F) in January 2020 to a high of 19.8 °C (67.6 °F) in June 2019. Average monthly precipitation ranged from 30 litres per square metre in February and April 2019 to 125 litres per square metre in February 2020. Average monthly hours of sunshine ranged from 45 in November 2019 to 300 in June 2019.

Biodiversity

Berchtesgaden National Park in Bavaria

The territory of Germany can be divided into five terrestrial ecoregions: Atlantic mixed forests, Baltic mixed forests, Central European mixed forests, Western European broadleaf forests, and Alps conifer and mixed forests. As of 2016, 51% of Germany's land area is devoted to agriculture, while 30% is forested and 14% is covered by settlements or infrastructure.

Plants and animals include those generally common to Central Europe. According to the National Forest Inventory, beeches, oaks, and other deciduous trees constitute just over 40% of the forests; roughly 60% are conifers, particularly spruce and pine. There are many species of ferns, flowers, fungi, and mosses. Wild animals include roe deer, wild boar, mouflon (a subspecies of wild sheep), fox, badger, hare, and small numbers of the Eurasian beaver. The blue cornflower was once a German national symbol.

The 16 national parks in Germany include the Jasmund National Park, the Vorpommern Lagoon Area National Park, the Müritz National Park, the Wadden Sea National Parks, the Harz National Park, the Hainich National Park, the Black Forest National Park, the Saxon Switzerland National Park, the Bavarian Forest National Park and the Berchtesgaden National Park. In addition, there are 17 Biosphere Reserves, and 105 nature parks. More than 400 zoos and animal parks operate in Germany. The Berlin Zoo, which opened in 1844, is the oldest in Germany, and claims the most comprehensive collection of species in the world.

Politics

Main articles: Politics of Germany, Taxation in Germany, and Federal budget of Germany Frank-Walter SteinmeierFrank-Walter Steinmeier
president since 2017Olaf ScholzOlaf Scholz
chancellor since 2021

Germany is a federal, parliamentary, representative democratic republic. Federal legislative power is vested in the parliament consisting of the Bundestag (Federal Diet) and Bundesrat (Federal Council), which together form the legislative body. The Bundestag is elected through direct elections using the mixed-member proportional representation system. The members of the Bundesrat represent and are appointed by the governments of the sixteen federated states. The German political system operates under a framework laid out in the 1949 constitution known as the Grundgesetz (Basic Law). Amendments generally require a two-thirds majority of both the Bundestag and the Bundesrat; the fundamental principles of the constitution, as expressed in the articles guaranteeing human dignity, the separation of powers, the federal structure, and the rule of law, are valid in perpetuity.

The president, currently Frank-Walter Steinmeier, is the head of state and invested primarily with representative responsibilities and powers. He is elected by the Bundesversammlung (federal convention), an institution consisting of the members of the Bundestag and an equal number of state delegates. The second-highest official in the German order of precedence is the Bundestagspräsident (President of the Bundestag), who is elected by the Bundestag and responsible for overseeing the daily sessions of the body. The third-highest official and the head of government is the chancellor, who is appointed by the Bundespräsident after being elected by the party or coalition with the most seats in the Bundestag. The chancellor, currently Olaf Scholz, is the head of government and exercises executive power through his Cabinet.

Since 1949, the party system has been dominated by the Christian Democratic Union and the Social Democratic Party of Germany. So far every chancellor has been a member of one of these parties. However, the smaller liberal Free Democratic Party and the Alliance 90/The Greens have also been junior partners in coalition governments. Since 2007, the democratic socialist party The Left has been a staple in the German Bundestag, though they have never been part of the federal government. In the 2017 German federal election, the right-wing populist Alternative for Germany gained enough votes to attain representation in the parliament for the first time.

Constituent states

Main articles: States of Germany, Federalism in Germany, and List of current Minister-presidents of the German federal states

Germany is a federation and comprises sixteen constituent states which are collectively referred to as Länder. Each state (Land) has its own constitution, and is largely autonomous in regard to its internal organisation. As of 2017, Germany is divided into 401 districts (Kreise) at a municipal level; these consist of 294 rural districts and 107 urban districts.

Lower Saxony Lower Saxony Free Hanseatic City of Bremen Bremen Hamburg Hamburg Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Mecklenburg-
Vorpommern
Saxony-Anhalt Saxony-
Anhalt
Saxony Saxony Brandenburg Brandenburg Berlin Berlin Thuringia Thuringia Hesse Hesse North Rhine-Westphalia North Rhine-
Westphalia
Rhineland-Palatinate Rhineland-Palatinate Bavaria Bavaria Baden-Württemberg Baden-
Württemberg
Saarland Saarland Schleswig-Holstein Schleswig-Holstein
State Capital Area Population
(Census 2022)
Nominal GDP Nominal GDP per capita EUR (2023)
km mi Billions EUR (2023) Share of
GDP (%)
Baden-Württemberg Stuttgart 35,751 13,804 11,104,040 615.071 14.92 54,339
Bavaria Munich 70,550 27,240 13,038,724 768.469 18.65 57,343
Berlin Berlin 892 344 3,596,999 193.219 4.69 51,209
Brandenburg Potsdam 29,654 11,449 2,534,075 97.477 2.37 37,814
Bremen Bremen 420 162 693,204 39.252 0.95 56,981
Hamburg Hamburg 755 292 1,808,846 150.575 3.65 79,176
Hesse Wiesbaden 21,115 8,153 6,207,278 351.139 8.52 54,806
Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Schwerin 23,214 8,963 1,570,817 59.217 1.44 36,335
Lower Saxony Hanover 47,593 18,376 7,943,265 363.109 8.81 44,531
North Rhine-Westphalia Düsseldorf 34,113 13,171 17,890,489 839.084 20.36 46,194
Rhineland-Palatinate Mainz 19,854 7,666 4,094,169 174.249 4.23 41,797
Saarland Saarbrücken 2,569 992 1,006,864 41.348 1.00 41,617
Saxony Dresden 18,416 7,110 4,038,131 155.982 3.78 38,143
Saxony-Anhalt Magdeburg 20,452 7,897 2,146,443 78.38 1.90 35,911
Schleswig-Holstein Kiel 15,802 6,101 2,927,542 118.68 2.88 40,090
Thuringia Erfurt 16,202 6,256 2,110,396 75.909 1.84 35,715
Germany Berlin 357,386 137,988 82,719,540 4,121.16 100 48,750

Law

Main articles: Law of Germany, Judiciary of Germany, and Law enforcement in Germany

Germany has a civil law system based on Roman law with some references to Germanic law. The Bundesverfassungsgericht (Federal Constitutional Court) is the German Supreme Court responsible for constitutional matters, with power of judicial review. Germany's specialized supreme court system includes the inquisitorial Federal Court of Justice for civil and criminal cases, along with the Federal Labour Court, Federal Social Court, Federal Fiscal Court, and Federal Administrative Court for other matters.

Criminal and private laws are codified on the national level in the Strafgesetzbuch and the Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch respectively. The German penal system seeks the rehabilitation of the criminal and the protection of the public. With the exceptions of petty crimes, tried by a single professional judge, and of serious political crimes, all charges are adjudicated by mixed tribunals where lay judges (Schöffen) and professional judges preside together.

As of 2016, Germany's murder rate stood at a low of 1.18 murders per 100,000. In 2018, the overall crime rate fell to its lowest since 1992.

Same-sex marriage has been legal in Germany since 2017, and LGBT rights are generally protected in the nation.

Foreign relations

Main article: Foreign relations of Germany
Germany hosted the 2022 G7 summit at Schloss Elmau in Bavaria.

Germany has a network of 227 diplomatic missions abroad and maintains relations with more than 190 countries. Germany is a member of NATO, the OECD, the G7, the G20, the World Bank and the IMF. It has played an influential role in the European Union since its inception and has maintained a strong alliance with France and all neighbouring countries since 1990. Germany promotes the creation of a more unified European political, economic and security apparatus. The governments of Germany and the United States are close political allies. Cultural ties and economic interests have crafted a bond between the two countries resulting in Atlanticism.

After 1990, Germany and Russia worked together to establish a "strategic partnership" in which energy development became one of the most important factors. As a result of the cooperation, Germany imported most of its natural gas and crude oil from Russia.

Germany's development policy functions as a distinct sector within its foreign policy framework. It is formulated by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and carried out by the implementing organisations. The German government sees development policy as a joint responsibility of the international community. It was the world's second-biggest aid donor in 2019 after the United States.

Military

Main article: Bundeswehr
A German TPz Fuchs armoured personnel carrier

Germany's military, the Bundeswehr (Federal Defence), is organised into the Heer (Army and special forces KSK), Marine (Navy), Luftwaffe (Air Force) and Cyber- und Informationsraum (Cyber and Information Domain Service) branches. In absolute terms, German military spending in 2023 was the seventh-highest in the world. In response to the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced that German military expenditure would be increased past the NATO target of 2%, along with a one-time 2022 infusion of 100 billion euros, representing almost double the 53 billion euro military budget for 2021. In 2023, military spending according to NATO criteria amounted to $73.1 billion, or 1.64% of the country's GDP, well below the NATO target of 2%. In 2024, Germany reported $97.7 billion to NATO, exceeding the NATO target of 2% at 2.12% of GDP.

As of May 2024, the Bundeswehr has a strength of 180,215 active soldiers and 80,761 civilians. Reservists are available to the armed forces and participate in defence exercises and deployments abroad. Until 2011, military service was compulsory for men at age 18, but this has been officially suspended and replaced with a voluntary service. Since 2001 women may serve in all functions of service without restriction. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, Germany was the fifth-largest exporter of major arms in the world from 2019 to 2023.

In peacetime, the Bundeswehr is commanded by the Minister of Defence. In state of defence, the Chancellor would become commander-in-chief of the Bundeswehr. The role of the Bundeswehr is described in the Constitution of Germany as defensive only. But after a ruling of the Federal Constitutional Court in 1994, the term "defence" has been defined not only to include protection of the borders of Germany, but also crisis reaction and conflict prevention, or more broadly as guarding the security of Germany anywhere in the world. As of 2017, the German military has about 3,600 troops stationed in foreign countries as part of international peacekeeping forces, including about 1,200 supporting operations against Daesh, 980 in the NATO-led Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan, and 800 in Kosovo.

Economy

Main articles: Economy of Germany, Science and technology in Germany, and List of German inventions and discoveries
Frankfurt, a leading business and financial centre in Europe and the seat of the European Central Bank

Germany has a social market economy with a highly skilled labour force, a low level of corruption, and a high level of innovation. It is the world's third-largest exporter and third-largest importer, and has the largest economy in Europe by nominal GDP, which is also the world's third-largest economy by nominal GDP and sixth-largest by PPP-adjusted GDP. Its GDP per capita measured in purchasing power standards amounts to 121% of the EU27 average. The country's service sector contributes approximately 69% of the total GDP, industry 31%—with Germany having the largest manufacturing sector in Europe—and agriculture 1% as of 2017. The unemployment rate published by Eurostat amounts to 3.2% as of January 2020, which is the fourth-lowest in the EU.

Germany is part of the European single market which represents more than 450 million consumers. In 2017, the country accounted for 28% of the eurozone economy according to the International Monetary Fund. Germany introduced the common European currency, the euro, in 2002. Its monetary policy is set by the European Central Bank, which is headquartered in Frankfurt.

The automotive industry in Germany is regarded as one of the most competitive and innovative in the world, and is the sixth-largest by production as of 2021. Germany is home to Volkswagen Group, the world's second-largest automotive manufacturer by vehicle production.

Then-chancellor Angela Merkel at the 2013 Electromobility Summit in Berlin. All new cars sold in Germany must be zero-emission vehicles from 2035.

The top ten exports of Germany are vehicles, machinery, chemical goods, electronic products, electrical equipments, pharmaceuticals, transport equipments, basic metals, food products, and rubber and plastics.

Of the world's 500 largest stock-market-listed companies measured by revenue in 2023, the Fortune Global 500, 32 are headquartered in Germany. 30 major Germany-based companies are included in the DAX, the German stock market index which is operated by Frankfurt Stock Exchange. Well-known international brands include Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche, Opel, Siemens, Allianz, Adidas, Puma, Hugo Boss, SAP SE, Bosch and Deutsche Telekom. Berlin is a hub for startup companies and has become the leading location for venture capital-funded firms in the European Union. Germany is recognised for its large portion of specialised small and medium enterprises, known as the Mittelstand model. These companies represent 48% of the global market leaders in their segments, labelled hidden champions.

Research and development efforts form an integral part of the German economy, with the country ranking fourth in research and development expenditure since 2005. In 2018, Germany ranked fourth globally in terms of number of science and engineering research papers published and third in the quality-adjusted Nature Index in 2023. Research institutions in Germany include the Max Planck Society, the Helmholtz Association, and the Fraunhofer Society and the Leibniz Association. Germany is the largest contributor to the European Space Agency. Germany was ranked 9th in the Global Innovation Index in 2024.

Infrastructure

Main articles: Transport in Germany, Energy in Germany, Telecommunications in Germany, and Water supply and sanitation in Germany
An ICE 3 train on the Cologne–Frankfurt high-speed rail line, with operating speed up to 300 km/h (190 mph)

With its central position in Europe, Germany is a transport hub for the continent. Its road network is among the densest in Europe. The motorway (Autobahn) is widely known for having no general federally mandated speed limit for some classes of vehicles. The Intercity Express or ICE train network serves major German cities as well as destinations in neighbouring countries with speeds up to 300 km/h (190 mph). The largest German airports are Frankfurt Airport, Munich Airport and Berlin Brandenburg Airport. The Port of Hamburg is the third-busiest port in Europe and one of the twenty largest container ports in the world.

Windmills behind Lisberg Castle

In 2019, Germany was the world's seventh-largest consumer of energy. All nuclear power plants were phased out in 2023. Germany meets its power demands using 40% renewable sources, and has been called an "early leader" in solar panels and offshore wind. The country is committed to the Paris Agreement and several other treaties promoting biodiversity, low emission standards, and water management. Germany's household recycling rate is among the highest in the world—at around 65%. The country's greenhouse gas emissions per capita were the ninth-highest in the EU in 2018, but these numbers have been trending downward. The German energy transition (Energiewende) is the recognised move to a sustainable economy by means of energy efficiency and renewable energy, with the country being called "the world's first major renewable energy economy". Germany has reduced its primary energy consumption by 11% between 1990 and 2015 and set itself goals of reducing it by 30% by 2030 and by 50% by 2050.

Tourism

Main article: Tourism in Germany
Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria

Domestic and international travel and tourism combined directly contribute over €105.3 billion to German GDP. Including indirect and induced impacts, the industry supports 4.2 million jobs. As of 2022, Germany is the eighth-most-visited country. Its most popular landmarks include Cologne Cathedral, the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag, the Dresden Frauenkirche, Neuschwanstein Castle, Heidelberg Castle, the Wartburg, and Sanssouci Palace. The Europa-Park near Freiburg is Europe's second-most popular theme park resort.

Demographics

Main articles: Demographics of Germany and Germans

With a population of 84.7 million according to the 2023 German census, Germany is the most populous country in the European Union, the second-most populous country in Europe after Russia, and the nineteenth-most populous country in the world. Its population density stands at 227 inhabitants per square kilometre (590 inhabitants/sq mi). The fertility rate of 1.57 children born per woman (2022 estimates) is below the replacement rate of 2.1 and is one of the lowest fertility rates in the world. Since the 1970s, Germany's death rate has exceeded its birth rate. However, Germany is witnessing increased birth rates and migration rates since the beginning of the 2010s. Germany has the third oldest population in the world, with an average age of 47.4 years.

A bilingual street sign in both German and Lower Sorbian in Cottbus (Chóśebuz) in Brandenburg

Four sizeable groups of people are referred to as national minorities because their ancestors have lived in their respective regions for centuries: There is a Danish minority in the northernmost state of Schleswig-Holstein; the Sorbs, a Slavic population, are in the Lusatia region of Saxony and Brandenburg; the Roma and Sinti live throughout the country; and the Frisians are concentrated in Schleswig-Holstein's western coast and in the north-western part of Lower Saxony.

After the United States, Germany is the second-most popular immigration destination in the world. In 2015, following the 2015 refugee crisis, the Population Division of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs listed Germany as host to the second-highest number of international migrants worldwide, about 5% or 12 million of all 244 million migrants. Refugee crises have resulted in substantial population increases; for example, the major influx of Ukrainian immigrants following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, meaning over 1.06 million refugees from Ukraine were recorded in Germany as of April 2023. As of 2019, Germany ranks seventh among EU countries in terms of the percentage of migrants in the country's population, at 13.1%. In 2022, there were 23.8 million people, 28.7 percent of the total population, who had a migration background.

Germany has a number of large cities. There are 11 officially recognised metropolitan regions. The country's largest city is Berlin, while its largest urban area is the Ruhr.

  Largest cities or towns in Germany
Federal Statistical Office of Germany - Destatis (Census 2022)
Rank Name State Pop. Rank Name State Pop.
Berlin
Berlin
Hamburg
Hamburg
1 Berlin Berlin 3,596,999 11 Essen North Rhine-Westphalia 571,039 Munich
Munich
Cologne
Cologne
2 Hamburg Hamburg 1,808,846 12 Dresden Saxony 557,782
3 Munich Bavaria 1,478,638 13 Nuremberg Bavaria 522,554
4 Cologne North Rhine-Westphalia 1,017,355 14 Hanover Lower Saxony 513,291
5 Frankfurt Hesse 743,268 15 Duisburg North Rhine-Westphalia 501,415
6 Düsseldorf North Rhine-Westphalia 611,258 16 Wuppertal North Rhine-Westphalia 356,768
7 Stuttgart Baden-Württemberg 610,458 17 Bochum North Rhine-Westphalia 354,288
8 Leipzig Saxony 598,899 18 Bielefeld North Rhine-Westphalia 330,072
9 Dortmund North Rhine-Westphalia 598,246 19 Bonn North Rhine-Westphalia 321,544
10 Bremen Bremen 575,071 20 Mannheim Baden-Württemberg 313,693

Religion

Main article: Religion in GermanyFurther information: Catholic Church in Germany, Evangelical Church in Germany, and History of the Jews in Germany
Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

According to the 2022 census, Christianity is the largest religion at 49.7% of the population; 23.1% identified as Protestant and 25.1% as Catholic.

Islam is the second-largest religion in the country. In the 2011 census, 1.9% of respondents (1.52 million people) gave their religion as Islam, but this figure is deemed unreliable because a disproportionate number of adherents of this faith (and other religions, such as Judaism) are likely to have made use of their right not to answer the question. In 2019, there were an estimated 5.3–5.6 million Muslims with a migrant background (6.4–6.7% of the population), in addition to an unknown number of Muslims without a migrant background. Most of the Muslims are Sunnis and Alevis from Turkey, but there are a small number of Shi'ites, Ahmadiyyas and other denominations. Other religions each comprise less than one percent of Germany's population.

In 2011, formal members of the Jewish community represented no more than 0.2% of the total German population, and 60% of them resided in Berlin. An estimated 80 to 90 percent of these Jews in Germany are Russian-speaking immigrants from the former Soviet Union, who came to Germany from the 1980s onwards.

A study in 2023 estimated that 46.2% of the population are not members of any religious organization or denomination. Irreligion in Germany is strongest in the former East Germany, which used to be predominantly Protestant before the enforcement of state atheism, and in major metropolitan areas.

Languages

Main articles: German language and Languages of Germany

German is the official and predominantly spoken language in Germany. It is one of 24 official and working languages of the European Union, and one of the three procedural languages of the European Commission, alongside English and French. German is the most widely spoken first language in the European Union, with around 100 million native speakers.

Recognised native minority languages in Germany are Danish, Low German, Low Rhenish, Sorbian, Romani, North Frisian and Saterland Frisian; they are officially protected by the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. The most used immigrant languages are Turkish, Arabic, Kurdish, Polish, Italian, Greek, Spanish, Serbo-Croatian, Bulgarian and other Balkan languages, as well as Russian. Germans are typically multilingual: 67% of German citizens claim to be able to communicate in at least one foreign language and 27% in at least two.

Education

Main article: Education in Germany
Heidelberg University, Germany's oldest institution of higher learning and generally considered one of its most renowned

Responsibility for educational supervision in Germany is primarily organised within the individual states. Optional kindergarten education is provided for all children between three and six years old, after which school attendance is compulsory for at least nine years depending on the state. Primary education usually lasts for four to six years. Secondary schooling is divided into tracks based on whether students pursue academic or vocational education. A system of apprenticeship called Duale Ausbildung leads to a skilled qualification which is almost comparable to an academic degree. It allows students in vocational training to learn in a company as well as in a state-run trade school. This model is well regarded and reproduced all around the world.

Most of the German universities are public institutions, and students traditionally study without fee payment. The general requirement for attending university is the Abitur. According to an OECD report in 2014, Germany is the world's third leading destination for international study. The established universities in Germany include some of the oldest in the world, with Heidelberg University (established in 1386), Leipzig University (established in 1409) and the University of Rostock (established in 1419) being the oldest. The Humboldt University of Berlin, founded in 1810 by the liberal educational reformer Wilhelm von Humboldt, became the academic model for many Western universities. In the contemporary era Germany has developed eleven Universities of Excellence.

Health

Main article: Healthcare in Germany
The Hospital of the Holy Spirit in Lübeck, established in 1286, is a precursor to modern hospitals.

Germany's system of hospitals, called Krankenhäuser, dates from medieval times, and today, Germany has the world's oldest universal health care system, dating from Bismarck's social legislation of the 1880s. Since the 1880s, reforms and provisions have ensured a balanced health care system. The population is covered by a health insurance plan provided by statute, with criteria allowing some groups to opt for a private health insurance contract. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Germany's health care system was 77% government-funded and 23% privately funded as of 2013. In 2014, Germany spent 11.3% of its GDP on health care.

Germany ranked 21st in the world in 2019 in life expectancy with 78.7 years for men and 84.8 years for women according to the WHO, and it had a very low infant mortality rate (4 per 1,000 live births). In 2019, the principal cause of death was cardiovascular disease, at 37%. Obesity in Germany has been increasingly cited as a major health issue. A 2014 study showed that 52 percent of the adult German population was overweight or obese.

Culture

Main article: Culture of Germany
A German Christmas market in Dresden

Culture in German states has been shaped by major intellectual and popular currents in Europe, both religious and secular, and its scientists, writers and philosophers have played a significant role in the development of Western thought. Global opinion polls from the BBC revealed that Germany is recognised for having the most positive influence in the world in 2013 and 2014.

Germany is well known for such folk festivals as the Oktoberfest and Christmas customs, which include Advent wreaths, Christmas pageants, Christmas trees, Stollen cakes, and other practices. As of 2024, UNESCO inscribed 54 properties in Germany on the World Heritage List. There are a number of public holidays in Germany determined by each state; 3 October has been a national day of Germany since 1990, celebrated as the Tag der Deutschen Einheit (German Unity Day).

Music

Main article: Music of Germany See also: Opera in German
Ludwig van Beethoven, one of the most famed composers of classical music, was born in Bonn in 1770.

German classical music includes works by some of the world's most well-known composers. Dieterich Buxtehude, Johann Sebastian Bach and Georg Friedrich Händel were influential composers of the Baroque period. Ludwig van Beethoven was a crucial figure in the transition between the Classical and Romantic eras. Carl Maria von Weber, Felix Mendelssohn, Robert Schumann and Johannes Brahms were significant Romantic composers. Richard Wagner was known for his operas. Richard Strauss was a leading composer of the late Romantic and early modern eras. Karlheinz Stockhausen and Wolfgang Rihm are important composers of the 20th and early 21st centuries.

In 2013, Germany was the second-largest music market in Europe, and fourth-largest in the world. German popular music of the 20th and 21st centuries includes the movements of Neue Deutsche Welle, pop, Ostrock, heavy metal/rock, punk, pop rock, indie, Volksmusik (folk music), schlager pop and German hip hop. German electronic music gained global influence, with Kraftwerk and Tangerine Dream pioneering in this genre. DJs and artists of the techno and house music scenes of Germany have become well known (e.g. Paul van Dyk, Felix Jaehn, Paul Kalkbrenner, Robin Schulz and Scooter).

Art, design and architecture

Main articles: German art, Architecture of Germany, and German fashion C.D. Friedrich, Wanderer above the Sea of Fog (1818)Franz Marc, Roe Deer in the Forest (1914)

German painters have influenced Western art. Albrecht Dürer, Hans Holbein the Younger, Matthias Grünewald and Lucas Cranach the Elder were important German artists of the Renaissance, Johann Baptist Zimmermann of the Baroque, Caspar David Friedrich and Carl Spitzweg of Romanticism, Max Liebermann of Impressionism and Max Ernst of Surrealism. Several German art groups formed in the 20th century; Die Brücke (The Bridge) and Der Blaue Reiter (The Blue Rider) influenced the development of expressionism in Munich and Berlin. The New Objectivity arose in response to expressionism during the Weimar Republic. After World War II, broad trends in German art include neo-expressionism and the New Leipzig School.

German designers became early leaders of modern product design. The Berlin Fashion Week and the fashion trade fair Bread & Butter are held twice a year.

Architectural contributions from Germany include the Carolingian and Ottonian styles, which were precursors of Romanesque. Brick Gothic is a distinctive medieval style that evolved in Germany. Also in Renaissance and Baroque art, regional and typically German elements evolved (e.g. Weser Renaissance). Vernacular architecture in Germany is often identified by its timber framing (Fachwerk) traditions and varies across regions, and among carpentry styles. When industrialisation spread across Europe, classicism and a distinctive style of historicism developed in Germany, sometimes referred to as Gründerzeit style. Expressionist architecture developed in the 1910s in Germany and influenced Art Deco and other modern styles. Germany was particularly important in the early modernist movement: it is the home of Werkbund initiated by Hermann Muthesius (New Objectivity), and of the Bauhaus movement founded by Walter Gropius. Ludwig Mies van der Rohe became one of the world's most renowned architects in the second half of the 20th century; he conceived of the glass façade skyscraper. Renowned contemporary architects and offices include Pritzker Prize winners Gottfried Böhm and Frei Otto.

Literature and philosophy

Main articles: German literature and German philosophy
Brothers Grimm, who collected popular German folk tales and published them in a collection

German literature can be traced back to the Middle Ages and the works of writers such as Walther von der Vogelweide and Wolfram von Eschenbach. Well-known German authors include Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Friedrich Schiller, Gotthold Ephraim Lessing and Theodor Fontane. The collections of folk tales published by the Brothers Grimm popularised German folklore on an international level. The Grimms also gathered and codified regional variants of the German language, grounding their work in historical principles; their Deutsches Wörterbuch, or German Dictionary, sometimes called the Grimm dictionary, was begun in 1838 and the first volumes published in 1854.

Influential authors of the 20th century include Gerhart Hauptmann, Thomas Mann, Hermann Hesse, Heinrich Böll, and Günter Grass. The German book market is the third-largest in the world, after the United States and China. The Frankfurt Book Fair is the most important in the world for international deals and trading, with a tradition spanning over 500 years. The Leipzig Book Fair also retains a major position in Europe.

German philosophy is historically significant: Gottfried Leibniz's contributions to rationalism; the enlightenment philosophy by Immanuel Kant; the establishment of classical German idealism by Johann Gottlieb Fichte, Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel and Friedrich Wilhelm Joseph Schelling; Arthur Schopenhauer's composition of metaphysical pessimism; the formulation of communist theory by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels; Friedrich Nietzsche's development of perspectivism; Gottlob Frege's contributions to the dawn of analytic philosophy; Martin Heidegger's works on Being; Oswald Spengler's historical philosophy; and the development of the Frankfurt School have all been very influential.

Media

Main articles: Media of Germany and Cinema of Germany
Babelsberg Studio in Potsdam

The largest internationally operating media companies in Germany are Bertelsmann, Axel Springer SE and ProSiebenSat.1 Media. Germany's television market is the largest in Europe, with over 38 million TV households as of 2012. Around 90% of German households have cable or satellite TV, with a variety of free-to-view public and commercial channels. There are more than 300 public and private radio stations in Germany; Germany's national radio network is the Deutschlandradio and the public Deutsche Welle is the main German radio and television broadcaster in foreign languages. Germany's print market of newspapers and magazines is the largest in Europe. The papers with the highest circulation are Bild, Süddeutsche Zeitung, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung and Die Welt. The largest magazines include ADAC Motorwelt and Der Spiegel. Germany has a large video gaming market, with over 34 million players nationwide. The Gamescom is the world's largest gaming convention.

German cinema has made major technical and artistic contributions to film. The first works of the Skladanowsky Brothers were shown to an audience in 1895. The renowned Babelsberg Studio in Potsdam was established in 1912, thus being the first large-scale film studio in the world. Early German cinema was particularly influential with German expressionists such as Robert Wiene and Friedrich Wilhelm Murnau. Director Fritz Lang's Metropolis (1927) is referred to as the first major science-fiction film. After 1945, many of the films of the immediate post-war period can be characterised as Trümmerfilm (rubble film). East German film was dominated by the state-owned film studio DEFA, while the dominant genre in West Germany was the Heimatfilm ("homeland film"). During the 1970s and 1980s, New German Cinema directors such as Volker Schlöndorff, Werner Herzog, Wim Wenders, and Rainer Werner Fassbinder brought West German auteur cinema to critical acclaim.

The Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film ("Oscar") went to the German production The Tin Drum (Die Blechtrommel) in 1979, to Nowhere in Africa (Nirgendwo in Afrika) in 2002, and to The Lives of Others (Das Leben der Anderen) in 2007. Various Germans won an Oscar for their performances in other films. The annual European Film Awards ceremony is held every other year in Berlin, home of the European Film Academy. The Berlin International Film Festival, known as "Berlinale", awarding the "Golden Bear" and held annually since 1951, is one of the world's leading film festivals. The "Lolas" are annually awarded in Berlin, at the German Film Awards.

Cuisine

Main article: German cuisine
Bavarian Bratwurst with mustard, a pretzel, and German beer

German cuisine varies from region to region and often neighbouring regions share some culinary similarities, including with the southern regions of Bavaria and Swabia, Switzerland, and Austria. International varieties such as pizza, sushi, Chinese food, Greek food, Indian cuisine, and doner kebab are also popular.

Bread is a significant part of German cuisine and German bakeries produce about 600 main types of bread and 1,200 types of pastries and rolls (Brötchen). German cheeses account for about 22% of all cheese produced in Europe. In 2012 over 99% of all meat produced in Germany was either pork, chicken or beef. Germans produce their ubiquitous sausages in almost 1,500 varieties, including Bratwursts and Weisswursts.

The national alcoholic drink is beer. German beer consumption per person stands at 110 litres (24 imp gal; 29 US gal) in 2013 and remains among the highest in the world. German beer purity regulations date back to the 16th century. Wine has become popular in many parts of the country, especially close to German wine regions. In 2019, Germany was the ninth-largest wine producer in the world.

The 2018 Michelin Guide awarded eleven restaurants in Germany three stars, giving the country a cumulative total of 300 stars.

Sports

Main article: Sport in Germany
The German national football team after winning the FIFA World Cup for the fourth time in 2014

Football is the most popular sport in Germany. With more than 7 million official members, the German Football Association (Deutscher Fußball-Bund) is the largest single-sport organisation worldwide, and the German top league, the Bundesliga, attracts the second-highest average attendance of all professional sports leagues in the world. The German men's national football team won the FIFA World Cup in 1954, 1974, 1990, and 2014, the UEFA European Championship in 1972, 1980 and 1996, and the FIFA Confederations Cup in 2017.

Germany is one of the leading motor sports countries in the world. Constructors like BMW and Mercedes are prominent manufacturers in motor sport. Porsche has won the 24 Hours of Le Mans race 19 times, and Audi 13 times (as of April 2024). The driver Michael Schumacher has set many motor sport records during his career, having won seven Formula One World Drivers' Championships. Sebastian Vettel is also among the most successful Formula One drivers of all time.

German athletes historically have been successful contenders in the Olympic Games, ranking third in an all-time Olympic Games medal count when combining East and West German medals prior to German reunification. In 1936 Berlin hosted the Summer Games and the Winter Games in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Munich hosted the Summer Games of 1972.

See also

Notes

  1. From 1952 to 1990, the entire "Das Lied der Deutschen" was the national anthem, but only the third verse was sung on official occasions. Since 1991, the third verse alone has been the national anthem.
  2. Berlin is the sole constitutional capital and de jure seat of government, but the former provisional capital of the Federal Republic of Germany, Bonn, has the special title of "federal city" (Bundesstadt) and is the primary seat of six ministries.
  3. Danish, Low German, Sorbian, Romani, and Frisian are recognised by the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages.
  4. The Bundesrat is sometimes referred to as an upper chamber of the German legislature. This is technically incorrect, since the German Constitution defines the Bundestag and Bundesrat as two separate legislative institutions. Hence, the federal legislature of Germany consists of two unicameral legislative institutions, not one bicameral parliament.
  5. Deutschland (German), German: [ˈdɔʏtʃlant]
  6. Bundesrepublik Deutschland (German), German: [ˈbʊndəsʁepuˌbliːk ˈdɔʏtʃlant]
  7. Excluding Turkey, which only has 3% of its total territory in Europe along with some 10% of its population
  8. A migrant background was defined as having been born or having at least one parent born in a country from a prespecified list of countries with a significant Muslim population, or as having citizenship or having at least one parent with citizenship of one of these countries.

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