Germany

At a Glance

Germany is a Central European country that combines industrial precision with deep romantic traditions, from the medieval towns of Bavaria and the dramatic Rhine Valley to the experimental culture of Berlin and the philosophical heritage of cities like Heidelberg and Weimar. The country takes its forests, its festivals, and its food seriously, and the quality of public life, transport, and civic organisation is among the highest in the world. Those who expect warmth upfront may need patience, but the culture rewards effort.

• The Autobahn has no general speed limit on roughly a third of its length.
• Exports more cars than it sells domestically — the economy runs on manufacturing.
• Berlin has more bridges than Venice.