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Germany Overview
- Officially the Federal Republic of Germany
- Located in Western and Central Europe, bordered by several countries
- Capital is Berlin; Frankfurt is the main financial center
- Has over 83 million people, most populous EU member
Historical Background
- Settlement dates back to Lower Paleolithic, with Celts and Germanic tribes
- Named Germania by Romans; significant in the Holy Roman Empire
- Key events: Protestant Reformation, formation of German Confederation
Modern History
- Unification led to the German Empire in 1871
- Transition from the Weimar Republic to Nazi rule and WWII
- Divided into West Germany (FRG) and East Germany (GDR) after WWII
- Reunification on October 3, 1990
Economic Significance
- Developed country with the largest European economy
- Major exporter and importer, active in global markets
- Third-highest UNESCO World Heritage Sites at 55, mainly cultural