Overview

Germany, the birthplace of Albert Einstein, boasts a colorful history and a diverse culture. The official language, naturally, is German and the largest city is the capital, Berlin.

Culture

Cycling is very popular in Germany, with bicycles often matching the number of cars on German streets. Football (soccer) and rugby are also very popular here. More than 1500 kinds of sausage can be found in the country, as well as dishes such as doner kebabs and sauerkraut. Several historical sights draw public interest such as the Berlin Wall, Neuschwanstein Castle, the Chalk Cliffs and the gardens of Potsdam.

History

During World War I, Germany fought with the Axis against the Allied countries but ultimately lost the war. This plunged the country into a deep depression during the 1930s. The German people were looking for a leader that would restore their former glory and they thought they had found it in Adolf Hitler. Hitler instead ignited World War II by invading Germany's neighboring countries such as Poland and Austria. The country joined forces with Italy and Japan to form the new Axis powers against the Allies (Britain, the United States and the Soviet Union). After several long years the Axis were again defeated and American bases were built all over Europe where they still operate today.