Germany’s struggle for war, the Third Reich and the consequent World War has left an indelible mark on world history. After the defeat in World War II in 1945, Germany was occupied by the allied forces of UK, USA, France and the Soviet Union. With the initiation of the Cold War, Germany was divided into the western Federal Republic of Germany and the eastern German Democratic Republic. The decline of the Soviet Union and the end of the cold war paved way for the unification of the nation in 1990.

Often referred to as ‘Das Land der Dichter und Denker’, or the land of poets and thinkers, Germany‘s culture is very rich and prosperous. German philosophers like Immanuel Kant have made considerable contribution in philosophy. Famous musicians such as Beethoven, Bach and Mozart are from Germany. The country has also made some very important contributions in the field of art and architecture.

Germany shares its borders with Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland and Switzerland. Its lowest point is Neuendorf bei Wilster and the highest point is Zugspitze.