Area Total | 357,022 sq km |
Climate | temperate and marine; cool, cloudy, wet winters and summers; occasional warm mountain (foehn) wind |
Natural Resources | coal, lignite, natural gas, iron ore, copper, nickel, uranium, potash, salt, construction materials, timber, arable land |
Imports | Netherlands 13.8%, China 7%, France 6.6%, Belgium 5.9%, Italy 5.4%, Poland 5.4%, Czechia 4.8%, US 4.5%, Austria 4.3%, Switzerland 4.2% (2017) – machinery, data processing equipment, vehicles, chemicals, oil and gas, metals, electric equipment, pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs, agricultural products |
Government | federal parliamentary republic |
Capital | Berlin |
Population | 80.6 million (July 2017 est.) |
Ethnicity | German 91.5%, Turkish 2.4%, other 6.1% (made up largely of Polish, Italian, Romanian, Syrian, and Greek) |
Language | German (official) note: Danish, Frisian, Sorbian, and Romani are official minority languages; |
Exports | US 8.8%, France 8.2%, China 6.8%, Netherlands 6.7%, UK 6.6%, Italy 5.1%, Austria 4.9%, Poland 4.7%, Switzerland 4.2% (2017) – motor vehicles, machinery, chemicals, computer and electronic products, electrical equipment, pharmaceuticals, metals, transport equipment, foodstuffs, textiles, rubber and plastic products |
News about Germany
- 8 of the most beautiful German villages to visit this summerby The Local Germany on May 16, 2025
Germany is home to countless beautiful villages. Here are 8 of The Local's recommendations for some of the most charming ones to visit this summer for a day trip or as part of a longer tour.
- Why does Germany issue by far the most EU Blue Cards to skilled workers?by The Local Germany on May 16, 2025
The EU Blue Card is a work and residence permit for highly skilled people from outside the EU. Why does Germany issue by far the most compared to other EU states?
- German word of the day: Verpeiltby The Local Germany on May 16, 2025
Whenever you're having an off-day and struggling to get a grip on things, it may be handy to have this German word in mind - that is, if you can remember it.
- Germany to end free appeals for rejected visa applicants from Julyby The Local Germany on May 16, 2025
If your visa to visit or move to Germany is rejected after the start of July, you will no longer be able to use a free government review process to challenge it.
- Why Germany's new goverment is already facing a black hole in its budgetby The Local Germany on May 16, 2025
Just days after taking office, Germany's new black-red coalition is already facing setbacks, with new data suggesting the government could have far less money to work with than previously thought.
- Today in Germany: A roundup of the latest news on Fridayby The Local Germany on May 16, 2025
Merz opposes relaunch of Nord Stream 2 pipeline, German teenagers among world leaders for screentime, Lufthansa extends Tel Aviv flight suspension, and more news from around Germany on Friday.
- The direct flights from Frankfurt to lesser known US cities this summerby The Local Germany on May 15, 2025
Home to Germany's largest airport, you can expect to find direct flights from Frankfurt to most major US cities. Here's a look at some of the lesser-known destinations with direct connections this summer.
- Germany announces plan to meet Trump's NATO spending targetby The Local Germany on May 15, 2025
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz surprised NATO allies on Thursday by signalling plans to massively boost defence spending to five percent of GDP as demanded by US President Donald Trump.
- German homeowners urge rent control exemption for private landlordsby The Local Germany on May 15, 2025
As Germany's new government pledges to extend rent controls over the next four years, property owners' association Haus & Grund is calling for a carve-out for smaller landlords.
- Why Munich is planning to change its recycling rulesby The Local Germany on May 15, 2025
Between paper waste, compost and trash you might think Munich homes had enough waste bins already. Here's why adding a yellow bin for plastic and metal should actually make recycling easier.
- What Eurovision's voting patterns can teach you about European politicsby The Local Germany on May 15, 2025
Groans and giggles typically greet votes at the annual Eurovision Song Contest, loved and mocked for its kitsch music and seemingly partisan outcomes. But what are the voting patterns, and what external factors help explain them?
- Merz vows to rev up German economic 'growth engine'by The Local Germany on May 15, 2025
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has pledged reforms and investment for Europe's biggest economy to transform it once again into a "growth engine" after two years of recession.
- What is a German 'Kleingarten' and how do I get one?by The Local Germany on May 15, 2025
Kleingarten culture is a unique part of life in Germany, offering a small green oasis amidst the urban sprawl. If you're hoping to secure your own allotment, here's what to know about the process and costs - and what to expect when you get one.
- How is Germany responding to Kanye West's 'Heil Hitler' single?by The Local Germany on May 14, 2025
Rap icon Kanye West has reached a new level of controversy with a song that blatantly praises Nazi leader Adolf Hitler. The song clearly violates German laws but has become a viral hit in the country nonetheless.
- Germany's Merz urges Europe-US unity on Ukraine warby The Local Germany on May 14, 2025
Western powers must not be divided in confronting Russia over the Ukraine war, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Wednesday, urging a united stance between Europe and the United States.
- 'I was terrified she'd stop talking': How to make your German child bilingualby The Local Germany on May 14, 2025
For English-speaking parents in Germany, successfully raising bilingual children can require a surprising amount of forward planning – and vast reserves of patience, explains father of two Tom Pugh.
- 'Machines don't work!': The problem of getting digital ID photos in Germanyby The Local Germany on May 13, 2025
Germany's latest step toward digitalisation means local authorities will soon only accept digital photos for ID cards and residence permits. But from difficulties photographing babies to delays setting up photo machines, problems remain.
- Which German cities have the longest waiting times for citizenship?by The Local Germany on January 22, 2025
Many foreigners dream of getting German citizenship, but long delays and bureaucracy can stand in the way. What waiting times should people expect when applying for naturalisation in major German cities?
- 9 incredible foods you have to try while visiting Frankfurtby The Local Germany on August 16, 2024
Germany's financial capital is not only home to a thriving international community, but also boasts a rich local culinary culture. Here are nine traditional foods and drinks you must try on any trip to Frankfurt.
- 25 sure-fire ways to annoy a Germanby The Local Germany on February 17, 2023
From singing certain lines of the national anthem to sending birthday greetings on the wrong day, there are many ways to make yourself unpopular in Germany.