Overview of Germany:

Germany is a country in the Central of Europe, people officially call Federal Republic
of Germany. German territory spanning 357,021 square kilometers and It also has temperate
climate. With the population of 82 milions people, Germany is the country with the largest
population in the European Union.Germany has 16 states and the capital of Germany is
Berlin, one of the most huge and beautiful city in the world. The two main religions in
Germany is Christianity and Judaism. Islam just appear and spread in Germany after World
War II. Most of the German population are Christianity: 32.0% Protestants (in northern and
eastern Germany), 31.7% Roman Catholic (Western and Southern Germany), 1.14% by
direct Christian Orthodox. About 27% of Germans do not follow any religion, most of them
living in the North, especially those belonging to the former East Germany. The rest follow
the other direction.

Economy of Germany:

Germany has a strongest economy in Europe and rank 4th in the world after Unites
States of America, Japan and China. Germany is also the world's top exporter, ahead of the
U.S. and China. More than half of industrial capacity was destroyed in Germany after World
War II. In East Germany, the economy grows very slowly. West Germany also went through
the miraculous stages of development in the economic in 1950. The result was the West
German economy entered a stable period, unemployment was paid in 1959. In late 1950,
industrial production increased 130%. Foreign trade is one key factor in the success of the
German economy. Export plays vital role in the German economy. The exports of Germany
include machinery, electronics, automotive, chemical products, foodstuffs, garments, optical
instruments and power. The service sector has grown steadily in recent years and is
contributing most to the total domestic product. This sector including tourism. In 2004, the
amount of foreigners coming to Germany is the most tourist from the Netherlands, and then
as the UK and U.S.

Transportation of Germany:

From the mid-20th century road transport system of Germany has replaced rail
transport systems constitute the most important position. Germany is one of the countries
with dense traffic network in the world (second after the U.S.), including 11,980 km
expressways (Autobahn) and 41,386 km of inter-provincial road. Germany is the only
country in the world that has no speed limit on highways. Railway system gradually
diminished and restricted, while air transportation system has grown. Frankfurt Airport is
currently the largest airport in Germany. Although road traffic and caused more air pollution,
Germany keeps investment and extend. Water transport system has a very important position
for a country like the German.

Education of Germany:

Germany is the country with a long education and advanced in the world, school
systems are built synchronously, especially in 1717, education is considered compulsory
policy of the state, all People have to go to school, must attend school. Since then the reform
process and reform education is continuous, the model of German schools now is a result of
the reforms from the year 60-70 and the recent renovation.

Federal Republic of Germany is one of the countries with preferential educational

institutions in the world, students-students seem not to pay school fees. Schools and
universities are relatively well equipped, subjects were taught along with practical
experience.

Culture and Festival:

Germany is a country full of traditions and festivals, all year around you will find a
possibility to have fun with the public festivities.

In January there are few events being the most important the Three Hallowed Kings
festivity.

February is the month of Carnival (Fasching), in almost every Germany’s city there
are many big parties and parades. Although it is true that some carnivals are celebrated in
November 11, the real festivities start in February. The most popular cities where carnival is
celebrated are Aachen, Cologne, Dusseldorf, Mainz, Munich or Muenster.

March is the beginning of the spring and the end of the winter, so there are many
festivals and events. There is a festival made for kids and why not the whole family, we are
talking about the Berlin’s Spandau Spring Festival; there are roller coasters, rides, food
stands and fireworks exhibitions. In Munich is celebrated the Strong Beer weeks, a traditional
beer is brewed for this occasion. The beer has to contain about 6.5% alcohol; from there
comes its fame of “Strong Beer”.
 In April, the most important festivals are relative to the spring. In Frankfurt, Hamburg
and Munich there are many spring fairs, meanwhile Dresden is home to the FilmFest and the
International Dance week. But the most important celebration in this month is Easter; it is
celebrated 46 days after Ash Wednesday. Germany has many traditions in this festivity like
the Easter egg beautifully decorated, paschal lamb, paschal bunny and Easter fires among
others.

May is full of annual events, spring and summer festivals and many music festivals.
In this month Germany is really beautiful, full of color and interesting places to visit. The
most important events are the Munich Spring festival, the Bodensee Festival on Lake
Constance in Friedrichshafen, the Dresden Music Festival and the Asparagus Festival in
Darmstadt.
Germany’s June festivals include music festivals and sport events. The most important
musical festivals are the massive Rock am Ring and Rock am Park and the festival of
classical music in Dresden. In this month, the biggest sailing event of the world is the most
popular sport event; about 3.5 million people arrive to Keil and enjoy this event.
July is also time of musical festivals, many of them free such as the Rheinkultur Bonn,
Schlagermove pop music festival, Zeltfestival in Hamburg and the Das fest in Karlsruhe. This
month is also famous for its summer and wine festivals.

August is popular for beer festivals, wine festivals and theatre festivals. In the regions
of Mosel and Rhine, the wine festivals are the favorites for visitors. The cities of Stuttgart,
Hamburg, Mainz, Frankfurt or Aachen don’t stay behind; these are famous destinations for
beer fans. One of the most important festivals in this month is the Berlin Beer Festival, is like
the Oktoberfest but in a different location.
In September the wine, beer and music festivals continue. The most attractive music festivals
are the Beethoven Festival in Bonn, the Alstadt Autumn Festival in Dusseldorf, Berlin
Musicfest and the Potsdam Jazz Festival. In the last days of September, the Oktoberfest
begins in Munich; this is one of the most famous festivals of Germany. Many people arrive to
the city just to try the delicious beers especially made for this occasion. The Oktoberfest ends
in early October.
In November and December the Christmas markets appear, doesn’t matter the German city
where you are, there is always a Christmas market. There you will find good ideas for
Christmas gifts. One of the most famous markets is in Nuremberg.
Germany Sightseeing:

Bavarian Alps
Forming a long natural divide along the Austrian border, the Bavarian Alps are a strikingly
attractive sight. Outdoor enthusiasts will be in their element, with skiing, hiking and canoeing
options aplenty, while a selection of top-notch spas cater for those more intent on relaxation.

Berlin
The capital has a glut of iconic sights, from the stately Brandenburg Gate to the Norman
Foster-redesigned Reichstag. For a vivid encounter with recent history, be sure to visit the
Berlin Wall Museum at Checkpoint Charlie, where people crossed between the east and west
of the city during partition.

Black Forest
No part of the German countryside is as storied as the Black Forest: a dense, green mountain
range in the southwest. As well as its photogenic beauty and sky-high peaks, the forest is also
home to a large number of small character-rich towns. 

Dresden
The Second World War left Dresden in a sorrowful state of ruin, but the city has recovered
sufficiently to become a spirited and arty (not to mention good-looking) destination. Of most
note is the resurrected Frauenkirche church, destroyed by firebombing but rebuilt to
wonderful effect.

Essen
The European Capital of Culture for 2010 was once best known as being a mining town, but
has since grown into a multicultural example of modern Germany, with a heavy emphasis on
both industry and art. A fitting place to try and understand what makes the country tick.

Frankfurt
Frankfurt am Main is best known as a financial centre (its gleaming office-block skyline has
been coined ‘Mainhattan’) but there’s much to draw cultural tourists too. Its historic core
dates back to medieval times, and several attractive landmark buildings remain.
Hamburg
This northern port city is another with rich pickings for tourists. It’s the second largest
metropolis in the country and, as a result, a colourful, cosmopolitan place to visit. Retrace the
steps of The Beatles on the Reeperbahn, or dive into the wealth of heritage sites.

Heidelberg
Boasting a glorious woodland setting on the broad Neckar River, Heidelberg draws large
numbers of visitors with its mixture of historical attractions and annual events. The town has
a history of drawing academics, and is famed for its riverside Philosophers’ Walk
(Philosophenweg).

The Rhine
The Rhine (spelt Rhein in German) is one of the longest rivers in Europe, and one of its most
impressive to boot. Take a cruise from Koblenz past fairytale castles, pretty villages and the
imposing Lorelei Rock, legendary home of a siren who lures boatmen to their demise.

Weimar
A must for culture vultures. The southern 1,000-year-old town of Weimar has been home to
many great men, including Goethe, Luther, Bach, Liszt, Wagner and Schiller. An important
creative centre of the past, the city experienced its golden age in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Germany Public Holidays:

1 Jan New Year's Day.

6 Jan * Epiphany.

2 Apr Good Friday.

5 Apr Easter Monday.

1 May Labour Day.

13 May Ascension.

24 May Whit Monday.

3 Jun *Corpus Christi.

15 Aug * Assumption.

3 Oct Day of German Unity.

31 Oct * Day of Reformation.

1 Nov * All Saints' Day.

17 Nov * Repentance Day.

25 Dec - 26 Dec Christmas