Fast Facts – Germany

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What is the full name of Germany?

Federal Republic of Germany (Bundesrepublik Deutschland in German)

What are the former names of Germany?

German Empire, German Republic, German Reich

What is the origin of Germany’s name?

“Germany” comes from the Latin word, Germania. Germany’s name in other language has wide variations because of Germany’s central location in Europe and its history of different tribes and regions. Examples of the variation of names are: Deutschland (from the Old High German), Nemets (of Slavic origin, meaning “foreigner”), and Allemagne, (from the Germanic Alemanni tribe, meaning “all men” or “foreigner”).

When was Germany formed?

Germany was formed as the Holy Roman Empire on February 2, 962. It was unified on January 18, 1871, and became a Federal Republic on May 23, 1949. The country was split into East and West Germany during World War II, but reunified on October 3, 1990.

What is the capital of Germany?

Berlin

What type of government does Germany have?

Federal republic

Who is the president of Germany?

Joachim Gauck

Who is the chancellor of Germany?

Angela Merkel

Where is Germany located?

Germany is located in central Europe, bordering the Baltic and North Seas.

What is the population of Germany?

Approximately 81,471,834, and is the 2nd most populous country in Europe (after Russia)

How big is Germany?

357,022 square kilometers or 137,847 square miles

How many states does Germany have?

16 states

What are the states and their capitals?

• Baden-Württemberg – Stuttgart
• Bavaria – Munich
• Berlin – Berlin
• Brandenburg – Potsdam
• Bremen – Bremen
• Hamburg – Hamburg
• Hesse – Wiesbaden
• Mecklenburg-Vorprommern – Schwerin
• Lower Saxony – Hanover
• North Rhine-Westphalia – Düsseldorf
• Rhineland-Palatinate – Mainz
• Saarland – Saarbrücken
• Saxony – Dresden
• Saxony-Anhalt – Magdeburg
• Schleswig-Holstein – Kiel
• Thuringia – Erfurt

Which are the most populous states of Germany?

1. North Rhine-Westphalia
2. Bavaria
3. Baden-Wurttemberg
4. Lower Saxony
5. Hesse

What countries border Germany?

• Denmark
• Poland
• Czech Republic
• Austria
• Switzerland
• France
• Luxembourg
• Belgium
• Netherlands

What is the national holiday of Germany?

October 3 – Unity day celebrates the 1990 reunification of Germany

What are the major rivers in Germany?

• Rhine
• Danube
• Elbe

What currency does Germany use?

The Euro. Germany has the largest economy in Europe.

What is the national anthem of Germany?

“Lied der Deutschen” (Song of the Germans)

What is the official language of Germany?

German

What was Germany’s role in WWI and WWII?

Germany played an important role in both World Wars as a driving force of the Central Powers in WWI and the Axis Powers in WWII. Germany joined forces with Austria-Hungary, the Ottoman Empire and Bulgaria against the Allied Powers, over multiple issues. Germany’s defeat in WWI and subsequent embarrassment over admitting fault led to WWII.

Germany started WWII with the invasion of Poland. Nazi leader, Adolf Hitler led Germany in an attempt to restore the country’s pride by showing its dominance. This cultural revolution led to the Holocaust, the use of nuclear weapons in a war, and the establishment the United States and Soviet Union as enemies (ultimately leading to the Cold War).

How and why was Germany divided in WWII?

Germany was divided into West Germany and East Germany after WWII.

In 1945, at the Potsdam Conference, Germany was divided into military occupation zones. East Germany was occupied by Russia, and West Germany was divided into sections for France, Britain, and the United States. The capital, Berlin, was divided the same way. The German Democratic Republic erected the Berlin Wall to divide East and West Germany. The wall restricted the movement of West Berliners, and eventually stopped food and supplies from entering.

When were East Germany and West Germany reunified?

Germany was reunified on October 3, 1990 after the fall of the Berlin Wall.

Ref : Germany Map

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