By Michael T. Schumacher and Mary A. Schumacher

Germany's People
More than 91 percent of people are ethnically German. Turkish is the next largest ethnic group, at 2.4 percent of the population. The remaining 6.1 percent are mostly Serbo-Croatian, Italian, Greek, Russian, Polish and Spanish.

The largest religious affiliation is Protestant with 38 percent. Next is Roman Catholic, 34 percent, and Muslim, 1.7 percent. Those unaffiliated or practicing some other religion are 26.3 percent of the population.

Government
Chief of State: President Johannes Rau (since July 1, 1999)
Head of Government: Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder (since October 27, 1998)
Legislative Branch: the bicameral Parliament consists of the Bundestag (Federal Assemby) and the Bundesrat (Federal Council). 

Economy
After the U.S. and Japan, Germany is the world's most technologically powerful country. Nevertheless, the generous social benefits system has begun to take its toll on the economy, and the government has already begun cutting back on some services. The high unemployment rate of 10 percent or more continues to be long-term problem because of the high contribution rates for social programs on wages. As Germany's aged population increases, the country will struggle more to meet citizens' demands. 

National Holiday
German Unity Day - October 3 - celebrates the unification of West and East Germany on October 3, 1990.

Time Zone
Germany is on Central European Time, which is six hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard Time.

Capital City
Berlin is Germany's capital city. Once divided, reunited Berlin now has the seat of the German Government and Parliament. The old "Reichstag" or Parliament Building has undergone renovation, complete with a beautiful glass dome. The old Potsdam Square in the middle of the city is now called "Daimler City."

The Southern Region
Here's travel information, tips and links for the southern part of Germany. This region is the most visited one of Germany and includes Bayern (Bavaria) and Baden-Württemberg with such cities as Nürnberg (Nuremberg), München (Munich), Passau, Stuttgart, Karlsruhe, Baden-Baden, Heidelberg, and Augsburg.

The Western Region
Travelers to the western region of Germany will find magnificent cathedrals, well-preserved Roman ruins, and ancient towns, and a thriving modern-day life. The federal states in this region are Rheinland-Pfalz, Saarland, and Nordrhein-Westfalen. Well-known cities include Kaiserslautern (K-town), Mainz, Koblenz, Saarbrücken, Köln (Cologne), Aachen, Düssledorf, and Bonn.

The Northern Region
Here you'll find travel information, tips and links for the northern part of Germany, including Niedersachsen (Lower Saxony), Schleswig-Holstein, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, and the city-states Hamburg and Bremen. Some well-known cities are Kiel, Flensburg, Lüneburg, Hannover, and Rostock.

The Eastern Region
Eastern Germany has a rich, distinctive history and plenty to see and do for travelers. Discover Leipzig, Dresden, and Berlin's own eastern part. The federal states in this region are Brandenburg, Sachsen, and the city-state of Berlin.

The Central Region
Travelers to the central region of Germany will find the financial powerhouse of Germany, the largest German airport, the hotspot for commercial activities, as well some of Germany's most beautiful forests. The federal states in this region are Hessen, Thüringen, and Sachsen-Anhalt. Cities include Frankfurt/Main, Wiesbaden, Giessen, Kassel, Weimar, Eisenach, and Erfurt.

Links to More Information

Basic Statistical Figures
Germany's Statistical Office provides quick statistical overviews of geography, climate, industries, employment, and population.

Metric Conversion
Germany uses the metric system. Use these tables from Coolnerds to convert your measurements.

Weather
The Weather Channel's current temperature and forecast for Frankfurt am Main.

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Spotlight Germany     © 2000-2007.  Michael T. Schumacher, Ph.D. and  Mary A. Schumacher.   All rights reserved.