The Federal Republic of Germany is located in the heart of Europe, linking the west with the east, the north with the south. The most densely-populated country in Europe, Germany has been flanked by nine neighboring states since the unification of the two German states in 1990. An integral part of the European Union and NATO, Germany is a partner to the central and eastern European states that are en route to becoming part of a united Europe.

The Federal Republic of Germany covers an area of 357,022 square kilometers. The longest distance from north to south as the crow flies is 876 kilometers, and from west to east, 640 kilometers. There are some 82.6 million people living in Germany; the country boasts a great cultural diversity and special region-specific qualities, charming towns and attractive landscapes.

Additional information about the population, economy, education or environment can be obtained from a leaflet of the Federal Statistical Office Germany.

From the Middle Ages until 1945

For most of its history, Germany was not a unified state but a loose association of territorial states that together made up the "Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation". It was a long time until the founding of the German Reich in 1871.

The term "deutsch" first surfaced in the 8th century. It referred to the language spoken in the eastern part of the Franconian realm, and meant "as the people speak" ¨C as opposed to Latin, the language of scholars. After Charlemagne's death in 814 the Franconian realm disintegrated, primarily along the linguistic divide between early Medieval French and Old High German. A feeling of belonging together emerged only gradually among the inhabitants of the eastern areas. "Germany" ought to be where "German" was spoken. Whereas the western border was established at an early date, settlement of the East did not come to a halt until the 14th century. The resulting contact between and intermingling of the German and Slavonic populations persisted until World War II.

Structure of the state, the constitution and the legal system

The Federal Republic of Germany is a democratic and socially responsible federal country. The nationwide constitutional order of the Basic Law is expressed in the country's constitutional bodies, in the country's federalism, in the legal order and in the electoral system. These determine not only everyday political routine, but also the lives of the people in Germany.

Priorities

In the early days of the 21st century Germany is actively engaged in securing peace, safeguarding human rights and combating terrorism around the world. Germany supports a system of global cooperative security within the framework of the United Nations, and in light of the historic expansion of the EU in 2004 now finds itself at the center of a union of neighbors closely interconnected by friendship as well as political and economic ties. The transatlantic relationship remains one of the cornerstones of German foreign policy. Germany will benefit considerably from the enlargement of NATO and the related extension of the zone of stability. Germany¡¯s policy towards Russia contributes to stronger European integration and helps secure stability and peace in the world in a spirit of cooperation. Development aid policy remains a core element of German foreign relations and part of the federal government¡¯s political commitment to peace and cooperation based on partnership

Germany's position in the world economy

Ranking third in terms of total economic output, Germany is one of the world¡¯s leading nations. In terms of exports, Germany takes first place worldwide. The country continues to be an attractive market for foreign investors, offering a superbly developed infrastructure and a highly motivated, well-qualified work force. Top-notch research and development projects are additional hallmarks of the country.

The social partnership between trade unions and employers ensures a high degree of social harmony. Reforms to the social security system and structural reforms to the labor market are intended to reduce ancillary labor costs and rejuvenating economic growth, which, in comparison with other EU countries, is on a low level.

Compared with other industrial nation, the German economy has an almost unprecedented international focus. Companies generate almost a third of their profits through exports, and almost one in four jobs are dependent on foreign trade. The high level of international competitiveness is most evident where companies vie with others in the international arena. Despite the slump in world trade, the share of exports expanded at a higher than average rate. In addition, the continuous rise in direct investments by international companies in Germany and by German companies abroad underscores the strong position of the German economy in comparison with its international competitors. It is buttressed at the national level by a favorable inflation rate and unit labor costs as well as by a stable society.

Education

Germany is a country which highly values education and vocational training, research and the sciences. The country has produced Nobel Prize winners, high-level scientific work is undertaken here, international projects are promoted, and students from all over the world study here.

Education, science and research are structured in line with the federal nature of the Federal Republic of Germany. As a result, central government is only able to decide on and implement goals and measures in conjunction with the federal states, which are for the most part responsible for the school system and cultural matters.

Central government is, by contrast, responsible for the organization of vocational training in the dual system. Central government and the federal states work together on the "Commission of Central Government and the Federal States for Education Planning and Research Support" The federal states agree policy among themselves as part of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs of the Federal States.

The constitution of the Federal Republic of Germany guarantees everyone the freedom of self-expression and freedom in their choice of profession, training and workplace. In this context, education policy aims to provide each individual with the best possible education as well as high-quality vocational training that corresponds to their interests and abilities, thus raising young people to become mature citizens prepared to shoulder responsibility in democratic society.

Society

Open-minded, modern and tolerant ¨C these are the hallmarks of German society at the beginning of the 21st century. For the vast majority of people, the family still forms the nucleus of their lives, yet the forms people choose for living together have become far more numerous. Supported by consistent measures by the state to ensure equality, there has been a change in the interpretation of the roles men and women play. An increasing number of couples are now sharing domestic chores and the task of bringing up children, who are regarded as the parents¡¯ partners. Violence as part of bringing up children is despised, whereas peaceful co-existence with people from other countries and cultures has become part and parcel of everyday life. Around nine percent of the population is foreign. In every sixth marriage one of the partners has a foreign passport. Most Germans also go abroad on holiday, and in 2002 spent € 56 billion in the process. They do, however, also place great value on their own homes and are active as volunteers in clubs and charitable organizations.