Germany at a glance

The Federal Republic of Germany lies in the heart of Europe and is a cosmopolitan, democratic country with a great tradition and a lively present. Facts and figures at a glance.

Germany’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union

In the second half of 2020 Germany will assume the Presidency of the EU Council and will play a strong role in helping shape the European Union’s future face.

Politics

Political system, Parliament & Parties

Germany is a federation. The federation and the 16 Länder (states) each have areas of responsibility of their own.

Federal Republic

Germany is defined by federalism. Through the Bundesrat, the upper House, the Länder (states) participate in the legislative process.

Parliament & Parties

The German Bundestag is elected every four years by free, secret, and direct ballot by citizens aged 18 and over who are eligible to vote.

Federal Government

The Federal Chancellor and the federal ministers form the Federal Government, the cabinet.

Political system

The Federal Republic of Germany is structured as a federal state and parliamentary democracy.

Biggest cities by inhabitants

Inhabitants (Source: Destatis)

Inhabitants

Berlin	On	city-berlin	3644826
Hamburg	On	city-hamburg	1841179
Munich	On	city-muenchen	1471508
Cologne	Off	city-koeln	1085664
Frankfurt/Main	Off	city-frankfurt	753056

Biggest cities by area

sq.km. (Source: Destatis)

Area

Berlin	On	city-berlin	891
Hamburg	On	city-hamburg	755
Gardelegen	Off	city-gardelegen	632
Möckern	Off	city-moeckern	523
Zerbst/Anhalt	Off	city-zerbst	468

Cities with the most students

Students (Source: Studentenwerke)

Students

Berlin	On	city-berlin	153576
Munich	On	city-muenchen	128076
Cologne	Off	city-koeln	87358
Frankfurt/Main	Off	city-frankfurt	78929
Hamburg	On	city-hamburg	72413

Federal Eagle, Flag, Currency

Federal Eagle

The Federal Eagle is the German state symbol that is the richest in tradition. The Federal President, the Bundesrat, the Federal Constitutional Court, and the Bundestag use differently styled eagles. The eagles that appear on coins and the national strip of German sports associations also differ in terms of design.

Flag

The Basic Law states that the colours of the federal flag shall be black, red, and gold. In 1949, this followed on from the flag of the first German republic of 1919. The Nazis had abolished the latter and replaced it with the swastika.

Currency

The euro has been the legal tender in Germany since 1 January 2002. It replaced the deutschmark, which had been in use since 1948. The European Central Bank (ECB) is headquartered in the German financial centre Frankfurt am Main.

Basic Law

Passed in 1949 in Bonn, the Basic Law was initially intended to be provisional. After reunification in 1990 the version was then adopted as the permanent constitution. The 146 Articles of the Basic Law supersede all other German legal norms and define the basic systems and values of the state.

National Holiday

As the Day of German Unity, in the Unification Treaty of 1990 3 October was declared a national holiday in Germany. The Day of German Unity is the only national holiday to be determined by federal law.

The 16 Länder

National Anthem

The German national anthem consists only of the third stanza of the Deutschlandlied by August Heinrich Hoffmann von Fallersleben (1841). The melody was written by Joseph Haydn in 1796-97.

Listen to the German National Anthem

Tips

Useful facts

Useful information and important telephone numbers for travellers in Germany.

Geography & Climate

Germany lies at the heart of Europe. It shares its borders with nine other nations. No other European country has more neighbours.

Getting around in Germany

From visa to voltage: Useful information and important telephone numbers for travellers in Germany.

Political fields of activity

Business, research and climate

Good ideas are drivers for the economy and science, but also for sustainability and environmental protection.

A Strong Hub

Germany is the world’s fourth-largest economy, highly innovative and has a strong focus on exports. The future lies in Industry 4.0.

Vibrant Hub of Knowledge

Germany is well positioned as an academic hub. Research has a more international focus than ever before.

A Pioneer in Climate Policy

Internationally, Germany leads the way in climate protection and is a pioneer in the development of renewable energies.

Society

Living in Germany

Germany is a cosmopolitan country shaped by a pluralism of lifestyles.

Land of Diversity

Germany is certainly diverse. Exciting cities and great variety in countryside such as the North Sea coast and the Alps are a source of fascination.

Vibrant Nation of Culture

Germany’s reputation as a great European cultural nation is based on famous names, its very vibrant art scene, and cosmopolitan diversity.

Attractive School System

In Germany it is compulsory for all children to attend school. The Federal states are responsible for the school system.

Enriching Diversity

Germany is defined by a pluralism of lifestyles. Demographic change is set to play a major role in the coming years.

Freedom of Religious Worship

Freedom of religion is enshrined in the German Basic Law, while the religious landscape is marked by increasing plurality.

Strong Welfare State

A dense web of state insurances protects citizens against existential risks.