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Part of what is considered Western Europe, Germany is really in the heart of the continent. It shares borders with nine countries: Denmark, Belgium, Holland, Luxembourg, France, Poland and the Czech Republic. The country is subdivided into 16 federal states also known as “Lander” (lands). The entire country counts approximately 82 million inhabitants, making German the 14th most populated country in the world, and the most populated county in Europe other than Russia.

After the traumatic second world war and the defeat of Nazi German, the country found itself divided between the world’s superpowers: the United States and the USSR. The Federal Republic of Germany was turned to the west, towards western Europe and the United States, while the Democratic Republic of Germany depended on eastern Europe and the Soviet Union. The country’s division was both symbolic and real with a wall to prevent the eastern Germans from escaping to the west. When the Berlin wall was destroyed in 1989, the story of the Cold War also saw its final chapters, and the difficult road to the reunification of Germany began. Alongside France, Germany is one of the founding members of the European Union and is now one of the world’s most powerful countries. Germany is a fascinating country to visit and attracts millions of tourists throughout the year. Its many different regions have hundreds of treasures to discover and appreciate. The southern regions like Bavaria and Bade-Wurtemburg are the most attractive thanks to their magnificent natural outdoors. Germany is also a country whose culture has influenced the world. Whether it be through literature or philosophy, painting or music, through people like Goethe, Marx, Nietzshe, Freud, Haendel, Back, Beethoven, our modern era has and will be forever marked. As you visit the city of Berlin, you will be moved by its combination of old and modern architecture. The Germans love their museums and the “Museum Island” of Berlin, with its Bode, Pergame and Altes Museums is a much visited site. In the newer quarters of Berlin you will be stunned by the Sony-Center and it gigantic dome. The city is full of culture: opera, museums, theatre and hundreds of avant-garde artists. If you can, do attend the famous Berlinale which takes place in February – it is one of the world’s biggest film festivals. The city’s nightlife is vibrant with dozens of clubs and giant discothèques with every style of music imaginable. Berlin is a tolerant city open to all, home to people of every race and sexual preference. It is also a major university city with students coming to study from around the world. After Berlin, Germany has dozens of exceptional cities with much to enjoy: Munich, Cologne, and Bonn for example… Berlin is well serviced in terms of public transportation, (metro, bus and tramway) and Germany has a fine network of motorways. Berlin has three airports, with Tegel Airport being the main hub. One can also fly to Bonn, Stuttgart, Cologne and Munich.