Germany

East and West Germany reunited in 1990, creating a large and powerful state. Germany is at the center of the social, political and industrial activity of Europe.

Flag of Germany (CIA World Factbook - Public Domain)

Geography

Germany has a land area of 357,021 square kilometers, including 7798 square kilometers of enclosed water.

Germany's coastline is 2389 kilometers. Its land boundaries total 3621 kilometers, and are with Switzerland, Poland, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, France, Denmark, the Czech Republic, Belgium and Austria.

The highest point is the summit of the Zugspitze, at 2963 meters.[1]

Climate

Germany's climate is moderate, tempered by its proximity to the sea. Summers are warm, winters are mild to cold, and rain is frequent. An alpine climate is found in the high ground of the southernmost parts.[2]

Population

The estimated population of Germany as at July 2008 was 82,369,552 with a median age of 43.4 years, of whom 49.1% are male.

Average life expectancy at birth is 79.1 years (76.1 years for males, 82.3 years for females).[1]

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