Germany Nutz and Bolts

The Basics

Country: Germany
Where is it: Germany is located in central Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea and the North Sea, between the Netherlands and Poland, and south of Denmark.
Why do people go here: The ravages of two world wars have paved the way for German cities to be some of the most modern in Europe with stunning architecture and advanced industrial centers, especially in its capital, Berlin. Germany is home to many famous, and painful, historical sites including the former Berlin Wall, concentration camps, and the Brandenburg Gate. Not to be forgotten is the distinctness of German food, the sheer number of museums and castles and Frankfurt’s role as the central bank of the EU.
What are the main entry points: Overseas visitors may find themselves flying into Frankfurt, which has a large airport hub. Europe’s central rail station is found in Berlin. German public transportation is known for its efficiency, and most visitors arrive via train from one of Germany’s 9 bordering countries. Germany is also home to the world-famous autoban freeway. Dresden, Berlin and Munich are all large border cities.
Currency used: Euro
Country Code for Phones: 49
Area codes for Major Cities: Berlin 30, Munich 89, Frankfurt 69
Religion: Protestant 34%, Roman Catholic 34%, Muslim 3.7%, unaffiliated or other 28.3%
Population: 82.4 million
Ethnic Breakdown: German 91.5%, Turkish 2.4%, other 6.1% (made up largely of Serbo-Croatian, Italian, Russian, Greek, Polish, Spanish)
Government: Federal republic
Languages: German

Travel Information

Major Cities: Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt
Attractions: Berlin, Beer, Historical Sites
Accommodation: Germany Hostels, Germany Hotels
Tourism Office locations and links: Hamburg Burchard Str. 14 P.O. Box 102249 Hamburg, Germany +49-40-300-51-249;; FAX +49-40-300-51-254; www.germany-tourism.de

Tips for Visiting

Off-the-Beaten-Path: Yes = Ja, No = Nein, Please = Bitte, Thank you = Dank, Do you speak English? = Macht sie sprechen Englisch?
Health Issues: No vaccines are required to enter Germany. Health care is on par with the rest of Europe and the U.S.
When to go: Late spring to early fall are the peak tourist times, due to the nice weather. Ski fans can hit the slopes December through March.
Common Phrases: Yes = Ja, No = Nein, Please = Bitte, Thank you = danke, Do you speak English? = sprechen Sie Englisch?
Specific Events/Holidays: Unity Day, 3 October (1990)
Getting Around: There is an extensive train and bus system in place throughout Germany. Well-developed highway systems allow for quick navigation, especially on the Autobahn, which has no speed limits. Eurail is valid in Germany.
Good to know: For large festivals, accommodation can book up well in advance. Check festival schedules and make sure you book ahead!