Germany
Political system: Federal republic
Capital city: Berlin
Total area: 356 854 km²
Population: 82 million
Currency: euro
Official EU language: German
Germany has the largest population of any EU country. Its territory stretches from the North Sea and the Baltic in the north to the Alps in the south and is traversed by some of Europe’s major rivers such as the Rhine, Danube and Elbe.
Germany is a federal republic. The lawmakers at the national level are the Bundestag , whose members are elected every four years by popular vote and the Bundesrat , which consists of 69 representatives of the 16 states (Bundesländer).
After the Second World War, Germany was divided into the democratic West and the Communist East (German Democratic Republic). The Berlin Wall became the symbol of this division. It fell in 1989 and Germany was reunited a year later.
German is the most widely spoken first language in the European Union. Germany is the world’s third largest economy, producing automobiles, precision engineering products, electronic and communications equipment, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, and much more besides. Its companies have invested heavily in the central and east European countries which joined the EU in 2004.
As birthplace of Johann Sebastian Bach, Ludwig van Beethoven, Johannes Brahms and Richard Wagner, among others, Germany’s gift to European classical music is important. In thought and word, Germany’s huge heritage includes the works of Luther, Goethe, Schiller, Nietzsche, Kant, Brecht and Thomas Mann.
Germany is the second largest producer of hops in the world and the country is known for its quality beers. Wine is produced in the Moselle and Rhine valleys.
Study
Germany’s higher education system is characterised by particular variety and versatility. Whatever your planned focus may be, you will find the course to meet your requirements. From the practice-focused universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschule) to classical university training and all the way through to internationally renowned vocational academies – Germany has it all to offer. Germany’s universities and colleges are located throughout the country – whether in the major cities or in the rich green countryside. The spectrum ranges from time-honoured to highly modern, from small and welcoming to large and dynamic. So go ahead and choose what suits you best!
Work
Germany benefits from its position in Central Europe as a trading hub. The market place is consistent and offers great opportunities in the Capital, Berlin. Information Technology & engineering are some of the most fruitful career choices in the country.
Accommodation
Germany has many historic sites and is full of culture. If you want further information on accommodation visit http://www.metroroommates.com/state_rentals/germany_rentals.asp. Alternatively view the accommodation provided by the university you choose to study.
List of Universities in Germany
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For a European Country Overview – Work Click here
For a European Country Overview – Study Click here
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Experiences in Germany:
Sources:
http://europa.eu/about-eu/countries
http://www.daad.ac.nz/studyingingermany/
