Germany

Introduction

Germany is a true multicultural country with over 16 million Turks, Greeks, Italians, Poles, Russians, Spaniards and other ethnic groups contributing to the cultural mix in the country today. In fact, the travel guide Lonely Planet a few years ago listed Germany second in its rankings of best countries in the world to visit, primarily because of its diversity and ability to change.

Officially the Federal Republic of Germany, the country is divided into 16 states and city-states. Germany’s population is more than 81 million, which makes the country the sixteenth largest in the world and Europe’s largest. Germany is located in the heart of Europe and is bordered by Denmark to the north, Poland and the Czech Republic on its east, Austria and Switzerland just south, France and Luxembourg in the southwest and Belgium and the Netherlands in the northwest. The country is about the size of Montana and is the seventh largest country by area in Europe.

This cultural stew also greatly influences modern German cuisine. Yes, you can still have roast pork with dumplings and bratwurst with sauerkraut, but German cuisine also is defined by the richness of its ethnic contributions. German chefs from ethnic backgrounds are now winning prestigious cooking awards.

Of course, beer and Germany have been in a symbiotic relationship for centuries. Germans have been brewing ales for at least 3,000 years and lagers for five centuries, although the blond lager that is quaffed most throughout the world has been around for just 150 years. Germany is world-famous for its annual Oktoberfest, held each year in Munich. For 16 days beginning in late September, beer drinkers from around the globe descend on the city to enjoy the Gemütlichkeit, or good cheer, that comes from many rounds of great German beer.