History
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Germany was divided into numerous principalities and kingdoms in the past. After wars against Austria and France the German Empire was founded in 1971. This fell apart after the First World War and was followed by the establishment of the Weimar Republic in 1918. The beginning of Nazi Germany in 1933 marked the end of the Weimar Republic.
After the Second World War (1939 - 1945), the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) and the GDR (German Democratic Republic) were founded and separated by a border and in Berlin by the dividing wall (1961-1989).
Since 1990, Germany is reunited and therefore the Germans celebrate the Day of German Unity on the 3rd of October. Germany is a member of the European Union since its beginning in 1958.
Worth Knowing
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Until the early 20th century the country has been the number one among the scientific nations.
The highest mountain is the Zugspitze with 2 963 m.
n 2014 Germany won the football world champion- ship for the 4th time.
Facts & Figures
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Capital Berlin
Language German
Currency Euro
Inhabitants 82 Million
Area 357 000 km²
Specialities sauerkraut, veal sausage, pretzel
Geography composed of northern lowlands, central uplands, Alpine foothills and Bavarian Alps.
Famous Personalities
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Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and Friedrich Schiller important poets and writers
Manuel Neuer goalkeeper at Bayern Munich and the German national team
Heidi Klum model, presenter, juror