Information

Built on sand on around the banks of the river Spree, Berlin has been one of Europe's most influential economic, cultural and political centres - for better or worse - since it's origins as a trading post in the 13th century. It was capital of both the Prussian and the German Empire until World War I uprooted the Hohenzollern dynasty, which had ruled since the 15th Century. After the War the Weimer Republic was established and Berlin enjoyed a period of unprecedented prosperity and creativity - known as the 'Golden Twenties'. In the 30s however the German economy was collapsing and a accumulation of socio-political reasons saw Hitler and the Nazi party seize power.

Berlin became the centre of one of the most infamous regimes in history, and remained so until 1945 when it was liberated by the Red Army. Unfortunately liberation was a painful process. The Russians, who has lost close to 30 million people in the conflict, exacted a heavy revenge on the citizens of Berlin. Men were killed or transported to slave labour camps, and women were systematically raped. Eventually in 1949 the Russians ceded several districts in Berlin to the Allies and the famous division between West and East Berlin - a microcosm of the division of the entirity of Germany - was formed. This division was made physical when the GDR (The German Democratic Republic, which was the Soviet run East German government) put up the famous Berlin Wall, allegedly to protect its citizens from 'the fascists', but in fact to prevent them from escaping into the more liberal and prosperous West.

After the fall of the Wall, Berlin became the capital of unified Germany and a building boom began in the 1990s that included more than 30 major construction works in the east of the city. It has also become to be considered by many as the cultural capital of Central and Eastern Europe, excelling in every field but in particular those of dance/electronic music, contemporary art and dance, and classical and orchestral music. Berlin has three opera houses, over 150 theatres and playhouses, over 170 museums and collections and over 200 private galleries. Berlin also occupies a special place in Europe as an extremely liberal, socially progressive and tolerant city, placed in the heart of the continent, where East meets West.

Berlin's population is 3.4 million down from 4.5 million before WW2. It is a vast city, extending over 889 square kilometers. Its twelve bezirke (boroughs) are Mitte, Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg, Pankow, Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf, Spandau, Steglitz-Zehlendorf, Tempelhof-Schoneberg, Neukolln, Treptow-Kopenick, Marzahn-Hellersdorf, Lichtenberg, Reinickendorf, although many Berliners still use old names and districts for purposes of orientation.

Population: 82 million Capital: Berlin Major language: German Major religion: Christianity Life expectancy: 76 years (men), 82 years (women) Monetary unit: 1 Euro = 100 eurocent Main exports: Iron, steel, coal, cement, chemicals, machinery, vehicles, ships, machine tools, electronics, food and beverages, textiles Average annual income: US $23500 Internet domain: .de International dialling code: +49

About Berlin

Positioned almost directly in the centre of Europe, Germany is the most affluent country in the continent and also the most populous, after Russia. It covers an area of 349,520 sq km (134,910 sq miles). The north of the country is largely flat, covered by the North German Plain and dotted with numerous lakes in the northeast corner, the largest of which is Lake Muritz. In the centre and towards the west it is more hilly, and here lie the areas of Bohemia and the Black Forest. The far southwest is very mountainous and is home to the beautiful Bavarian Alps. The highest point, Zugspitze, rises to 9,720 ft. (2,963 m). Major rivers include the Danube, rising in the Black Forest, and the Elbe, Ems, Main, Rhine and Weser.

Modern Germany has only existed since 1990, after the Berlin Wall fell and East and West were reunified. Originally 'Germany' was an area in Central Europe dominated by the Germanic 'Frank' tribe. It became part of the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation in the 9th century and existed as such in various forms until 1806. As a result of the Napoleonic war the Empire was replaced in 1806 by the Confederation of the Rhine. Eventually all the German states, with the exception of Austria, united into the German Empire in 1871.

Under Wilhelm II Germany took an imperialistic course, which created friction between neighbouring countries and eventually led to the outbreak of World War I. After the war the Weimar Republic was established and Germany flourished - an exciting period characterised by something of the arts and decadence, referred to today as the 'Golden 20s'. However global depression and oppressive debts meant that Germany suffered from extreme unemployment and economic hardship in the 1930s: the political situation was such that the extreme right wing Nazi party was elected into power.

The terrors of the subsequent period in history are well chronicled as Hitler led Germany, and the world, into the bloodiest conflict of all time. After WWII, Germany's borders were redrawn and it was divided into two separate countries occupied by Russian troups in the East and the Allies in the West. Only in 1990, after the fall of the Berlin Wall in the previous year, were the two sides reunited.

Today Germany is the third biggest economy in the world and a leading member of the European union. It is also the top exporter of goods in the world. However it has the lowest GDP growth in Europe and its economy is undermined by the heavy subsidising from the West of the substantially poorer East, which has happened since reunification. High unemployment in particular is a problem.

Tourists flock to Germany to visit the stylish cities, legendary fairytale castles, beautiful lakes and forests, and for the hundreds of cultural and historic wonders - as well as to sample its world-famous beers, in particular during the Munich Beer Festival held every October. In the summer of 2006, tens of thousands will arrive to watch the World Cup Football Finals.

Comments

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Ilah
Germany

I love berlin

Reply May 5th, 2020
Danny Davieto

Terrible Don't even know who wrote this.

Reply Jan 22nd, 2020
Danny Davieto

SIKE

Reply Jan 30th, 2020
Guest

kj

Reply Jan 22nd, 2020
Bob
Australia

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Reply Nov 26th, 2018
digbick

thanks

Reply Nov 14th, 2018
apiseka
Australia

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Reply Oct 12th, 2017
The fly that made you hit yourself
United Kingdom

Thanks this helped with my homework

Reply Jul 6th, 2017
?
United States

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Reply May 15th, 2017
adi
India

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Reply May 9th, 2017
?
United States

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Reply May 15th, 2017
Annonymous
United States

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Reply May 3rd, 2017
Jake
Bahamas

It was helpful

Reply Jan 31st, 2017
Jo
Canada

Amazing! Doing homework on Berlin, and this really helped!

Reply Oct 28th, 2016
Pranav
United States

Great for hw

Reply May 22nd, 2016
Hictor
United States

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Reply May 13th, 2016
mina
United Kingdom

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Reply Mar 10th, 2016
deez nutz
Germany

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Reply Mar 8th, 2016
Bodhi
Australia

Great for homework, thanks heaps

Reply Feb 21st, 2016
germaN THE cat
United States

great for projects

Reply Jan 20th, 2016
dennis brusenski
United States

best way to do home work i am german and want to go there and live there

Reply Jul 2nd, 2015
emiliano
Mexico

great

Reply May 20th, 2015
Blaze
United States

this is great for my research newsletter!!

Reply Nov 20th, 2014
arianna
United States

i always wanted to go there to go sightseeing to do fun things there like take a tour around berlin germany

Reply Jun 22nd, 2013
Max
United Kingdom

GOOD HOMEWORK DONE

Reply May 29th, 2013
Nicole
United States

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Reply Jan 22nd, 2013
jai jai
United States

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Reply Jan 11th, 2013
nunya
United States

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Reply Jan 8th, 2013
antonia
Bahamas

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Reply Dec 12th, 2012
Canada

Found exactly what I needed!

Reply Nov 4th, 2012
Taylor
United States

thanks this is cool i love germany

Reply Feb 23rd, 2012
Austin
United States

same here this website is perfect for my project for germany

Reply Dec 12th, 2011
chloe
United States

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Reply Jun 30th, 2011
natalie
United States

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Reply Apr 20th, 2011
dave
United States

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Reply Apr 8th, 2011
Rick
Afghanistan

wow for real

Reply Apr 6th, 2015
Rachael
United States

Dude...this didn't help me! I'm trying to find out what life was like on the east and west side of the Berlin wall. I already know what caused them to build it. I want to know facts and information on what east ha for living and what the west ha for living..FML

Reply Mar 27th, 2011
United States

okay i spose but could have a bit more info on what its like now

Reply Mar 27th, 2011
school project
Australia

need current population stastics for Berlin ... disappointing

Reply Mar 2nd, 2011
Fiona
Australia

thanks very much u help mr with my homework for high school

Reply Feb 15th, 2011
encantada
United States

very good information..i'm flying just today to Berlin from Bcn! tks

Reply Aug 3rd, 2010
lily
United Kingdom

thatnks you helped me with my homework

Reply Jun 21st, 2010
:)
United Kingdom

Gr8 website interesting facts!!:)xx

Reply Jun 10th, 2010
berb
United States

good site thanks alot for the help

Reply Mar 22nd, 2010
Sophie .xx
United Kingdom

its a class page for homework .xxx

Reply Feb 7th, 2010
prodan florin
Romania

Hi!Do you remember me?If you want give me a message on this page.I wish talked to you.Bye.Prodan Florin

Reply Feb 3rd, 2010
David Ross
United States

this website is so helpful i have a five page paper due dec. 15 and i have to do it on Berlin Germany and its history Thanks alot

Reply Dec 9th, 2009
NeKecia Loydd
United States

hey this is a good website...im in class rite now doing an essay on berlin...thanx a bunch!!! help me if u can

Reply Dec 9th, 2009
Lise
United States

Your website helped me with my homework Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Reply Dec 8th, 2009
techno fans usa
United States

LOVEPARADE ONLY IN BERLIN

Reply Oct 3rd, 2009
Fred flinstone
United States

Germany rocks!!!!!

Reply Sep 15th, 2009
jason peterson
South Africa

hi im doing an essay on the weimer republic during the golden years era and i would appriciate it if someone could help

Reply Mar 22nd, 2009
thickness
United States

great site 2 read for good info.!!!!!!!!!

Reply Feb 18th, 2009
BURGER
United States

that is way to much to read!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Reply Jan 20th, 2009
Aidan
United States

Uh more information about the geography i have a project due like this week and i need information about rivers through berlin. Uh and Density Size Industries those kind of things please ad thank you if you're reading this

Reply Dec 15th, 2008
don't know
Australia

this website helped me with my homewrok about germany thanks xoxo =] =]

Reply Jun 17th, 2008
claire
United States

WHY CANT I FIND ESCAPE STORIES PEOPLE?!?!?!?!?!?

Reply May 1st, 2008
Nico
Germany

The Loveparade is happening in Dortmund this year. And it won't be in Berlin again 'til 2011.

Reply Feb 1st, 2008
Michelle
United States

Hello, Does anyone know when and where the love parade 2008 is happening and is it in Berlin or Dumotrun

Reply Jan 29th, 2008
someone
United States

HI!!! im just a kid looking up info for an essay im doing. I was really looking for information on mostly eastern germany and how life was for the people who lived there when the berlin wall was up but it was good information for a different project my friend is doing. ill make sure she looks this up bye

Reply Jan 23rd, 2008
Marie Combs
United States

Not really a review. I was looking for and entertainer by the name of Taco Ockerse. Anyone know how I can contact him. It's been a long time since I've seen him and thought it would be nice to catch up. Thanks, Marie

Reply Dec 19th, 2007
Guest

Yeah no

Reply Jan 24th, 2020