general information

Federal Republic
Capital: Berlin
Area: 357 000km2
Currency: euro

Population: 82,4 million
Population density/km2: 229
EU member since 1952

language: German

• 22 330 is the number of hybrid cars in Germany.

• Since the reunification of Germany, the Germans make up 17% of the population of the European Union.

• Germans are the Europeans most likely to consult a doctor. Germans go on average 11 times a year to the doctor.

• The Germans eat 84kg of bread per annum. They are the biggest consumers of bread in Europe.

• The largest clock in Europe is in Cologne Cathedral. This clock can produce 40 different chimes.

• Germany is a federal country made up of 16 Lander.

• Germany is the number 1 for its quantity of museums (6500), ahead of France (4500) and Italy (2500)

Since the Berlin wall came down in 1989, cities like Berlin, Dresden, Munich, Cologne and Stuttgart have boomed. If you are around in September or October head down to Munich for the Bavarian Oktoberfest. 

Places to visit

Eltz castle, strategically placed in the narrow valley of the Eltz (affluent of the Mosel), has stood up well to the rest of time. This Ganerbenburg is a castle that is home to several heirs, each family in a different tower. The stubbornness of the knights of Eltz won them the nickname of ironheads.

Wies. The Wallfahrtskirche or pilgrimage church, with its Priesterhaus priory, is beautifully situated on a gently sloping hill. This marvellous of Rococo architecture from the mid-18th century is known for its illusionsmalerei, a special painting technique whereby an optical illusion of relief is achieved. The architect Zimmerman could not bring himself to abandon his masterwork and therefore lived the last years of his life in a small house near the church.




Trier. The Porta Nigra is undoubtedly the largest monument from Roman times which has survived in this city. The gateway was built around 180AD and owes its name to the dark patina of limstone blocks. It is evidence of the domination of the Roman Empire, which at one time covered virtually all of Europe. In the 11th century, this fortification was transformed into a two-level church. The Roman Empire left its mark in 20 of the 28 states of the European Union.