The process of creating a unified Germany is on track but far from complete. After the initial euphoria wore off, the enormity of the task ahead set in. Improving the poor state of industry and the infrastructure in the former East...

Germany is one of the most densely populated countries in Europe. In fact, in the Rhine-Ruhr Valley, there are no obvious boundaries between cities. It’s just a mass of urban sprawl. Explore commonalities among German cities, which tend...

Once a small fishing village on the Rhine, Dusseldorf has the second-largest stock exchange in Germany and has become the banking and commercial center for the industrial region of the Ruhr. Consequently, the city has attracted a sizable...

Often described as the metropolis with the turbulent past, Berlin is by far the most exciting and cosmopolitan city in Germany. It’s the official capital and attracts a huge amount of investment. In addition, numerous corporate,...

Regarded as one of Germany's most traditional cities, Munich, the capital of Bavaria, is suffused with traditions, attitudes, and values foreigners usually associate with Germany. It is also one of Germany's most prosperous cities....

Germany is located in the heart of Europe and shares borders with nine countries. Explore the terrain, which varies ranging from the northern plains to the Danube Valley and the magnificent German Alps in the south. Germany’s extensive...

Germany had a serious problem with pollution. Increasingly over the years, managing the environment has become a high priority for Germans. The result has been a level of ecological awareness and environmental policy unsurpassed in...

While Germany’s weather is not the country’s main attraction, the weather can differ by region. Winters are generally long and dreary, and summers can be surprisingly unpredictable. Unlike most of Germany, the upper Rhine Valley has a...

While your German counterparts will probably expect you to throw yourself a birthday party, you can count on them to bring gifts. Special anniversaries with the company are also times for celebration. Traditionally, many companies...

Most Germans speak several languages well and take pride in doing so. They may even prefer to conduct meetings in English. It’s a good idea, though, to determine the language skills of the people you’re meeting. Any material you’ll be...

Germany's economic development has been shaped in large part by its lack of natural resources. Learn more about the historical highlights that have shaped Germany’s modern economic successes and the country’s complex economic system....

Contrary to the popular view, Germans have a great sense of humor. They love to laugh at themselves, and jokes about the slow Frisians, the thrifty Swabians, and the curious Berliners fill German theaters and cabarets. A good sense of...

Located in the heart of the former East German state, Leipzig was once one of the major industrial centers of Eastern Europe. Today, it is the quintessential example of a city that has undergone rapid economic recovery since Germany’s...

Known as Germany's Manhattan because of the numerous skyscrapers recently built there, Frankfurt is home to the continent’s financial capital. It's the headquarters of the European Central Bank as well as the location of Germany's major...

Negotiating in Germany can be long and arduous. Be prepared to have everything you say—as well as your appearance, demeanor, and manners—subjected to considerable scrutiny. Every detail of your presentation will be dissected, and the...

Shopping in Germany can be somewhat baffling because it’s often difficult to predict when a store will or won’t be open. Thankfully, an increasing number of stores are liberalizing their hours. Generally, large stores, supermarkets, and...

As with many aspects of German culture and society, popular perceptions about German food tend to be off the mark. While Germans still love their potatoes, meat, and sausage, eating habits have changed enormously over the years. Many...

As the role of women in German society continues to evolve, more and more women are entering the workforce and rising to managerial roles. So what does this mean for the women who make up this vital component of the German workforce?...

Since Germany has emerged as the economic powerhouse of Europe, the standard of living of the German people has improved enormously. Germany’s per capita income is among the top ten in the world. Signs of affluence are everywhere....

The free Hanseatic city of Hamburg is Germany’s second-largest city. Dating back to 811, the city has flourished as a center of trade and commerce. Today, it boasts one of the busiest ports in the world. Devastated by fire bombings in...

Germany consists of sixteen states (or Länder), including three city-states—Berlin, Bremen, and Hamburg. Generally grouped by region, these states have distinct social and cultural heritages. Discover the country’s varied regions and...

The French tend to be motivated by a search for perfection and generally take pride in their work. Nevertheless, business and social relationships along with quality of life and well-being matter a great deal to the French, some of whom...

history kids the cold war V1-0005

history kids the cold war V1-0001