Germany is a country located in Central Europe. It is bordered by nine countries: Denmark to the north, Poland and the Czech Republic to the east, Austria and Switzerland to the south, and France, Luxembourg, Belgium, and the Netherlands to the west. Germany is known for its significant cultural, economic, and political influence both in Europe and globally. The capital city is Berlin, and the official language is German.
Historically, Germany has been central to many pivotal events, including the Holy Roman Empire, the Reformation, both World Wars, and the Cold War division between East and West Germany. It is a federal parliamentary republic, consisting of 16 states (Bundesländer). Germany is known for its advanced economy, being one of the world’s largest exporters, particularly in engineering, automotive, and technology sectors.
The country has a rich cultural heritage, contributing to art, music, philosophy, and science, with notable figures such as Johann Sebastian Bach, Ludwig van Beethoven, and Albert Einstein. Germany is also recognized for its diverse landscapes, historical sites, and contributions to European unity, being a founding member of the European Union.