Since the reunification of East and West Germany the Federal Republic of Germany is composed of 16 states. Of these, North Rhine Westphalia, where Bonn, the present capital (until it is moved to Berlin), is located, is the most populous. Bavaria is largest of the states. Present population totals approximately 82,000,000. The country has five district geographical areas and a wide variety of landscapes. From north to south the areas are: North German lowlands; the hills and low mountains of the Mittelgebirge; the West and South German plateaus and mountains (including the Schwarzwald--the Black Forest); the South German Alpine foothills and lake country; and the Bavarian Alps with the Zugspitze, Germany's highest mountain (9,721 feet), near Garmisch. Germany is in the temperate zone and has frequent changes of weather. The average temperature in January, the coldest month, varies at sea level from 27° to 34° and drops to 21° in the mountains. During July, the warmest month, temperatures vary from 55° to 74°. Precipitation varies during the year from 20-30 inches in most of the country.

GOVERNMENT

The Federal Republic of Germany became a sovereign state in 1955. Its constitution is called the Bundesgesetz (basic law) and provides strong guarantees of individual rights. There are two Houses of Parliament, the Bundestag (Lower House) and the Bundesrat (Upper House). These are the major political parties: the Christian Democratic Union, the Social Democratic Party, and the Free Democratic Party, the Green Party and the remnant Communist Party from what was East Germany.

CURRENCY and TAXES

The unit of currency is the Euro (€) which is divided into 100 Cents. There is an 16% sales tax called a "value-added tax" on all products and services. There is a small tax on radio and television sets. 

TRANSPORTATION

The transportation system of Germany's major cities consists of electric trains, streetcars and buses. Subways are found in Berlin, Hamburg, Frankfurt and Bonn. All cities have taxi service. Germany's biggest transport undertaking is the Federal Railways (Deutsche Bundesbahn) with about 20,000 miles of track. Besides the famous international express trains such as the Orient Express a number of new international express services called TEE trains have been brought into service. Connections to and from the larger cities are excellent and most capitals in Europe can be reached within 24 hours. Since it is not normal practice for conductors to call the station on German trains, and trains stop only a minute or two, you should be at the door of the train ready to leave immediate on its arrival. Rail fares in Germany are lower than in the U.S. Because of its extensive network of roads, Germany is an ideal country for driving, Most people find a car desirable not only for transportation to work but also for shopping and recreational purposes. With the express highways, or Autobahnen, which connects most major cities in Germany and the good secondary roads, you can easily reach all parts of Germany by car. Gas presently costs a little over $5.50 per gallon. Driving in Germany is on the right. The speed limit in cities, unless otherwise posted, is 50 kilometers (30 miles) per hour in cities and towns and 100 kilometers (62 miles) on highways, Road signs are in keeping with the international system.

WEIGHTS and MEASURES

The metric system is in use in Germany. Commodities are sold in liters for liquid volume and kilograms for dry weight. Measure of length is by meter and land measure by hectares.

HOUSING

Housing is limited and expensive throughout most of Germany, though apartments are usually available. Suburban American-type housing is extremely scarce and expensive, The classified columns of the newspapers are the best source of information on currently available housing. A sort of Travelers' Aid functions in or near the railroad station in most large cities, where one can get information about apartments and houses and where to stay while looking for permanent accommodations. A boarding house is almost always less expensive than a hotel.

FURNISHINGS

Unfurnished apartments are usually bare: no light fixtures, refrigerator, towel racks stove etc. There is little closet space therefore wardrobe units are usually needed. Built-in shelves for books and storage free-standing are also scarce.

FOODS

German goods stores generally carry adequate supplies of fresh and canned fruits and vegetables, baby foods, fish, poultry and staples, as well as frozen foods. Some American brands of canned goods are available. The larger cities have American-style supermarkets, but in smaller communities one can still go from shop to shop for meats, vegetables, baked goods, etc. German cheeses and meats are especially good.

HEALTH

Germany has no more health hazards than the U.S. but there are more facilities for natural cures (mineral and thermal springs) than in America. German hospitals and laboratory facilities are considered to be very good, and doctors and dentists competent. Pharmaceutical items and drugs are comparable in quality and price with those available in the U.S. Drinking water and dairy products are under strict government control and are pure all over the country.

CHURCHES

There are churches of all denominations in Germany. About 45% of the population is Roman Catholic and 44% is Lutheran. These are the two state churches, and every other denomination, including Baptists are considered to be a sect.

EDUCATION

The educational system of the Federal Republic provides for compulsory school attendance from the ages of 6 to 18. Minimum requirements are 9 years full-time attendance and 2 to 3 years of part-time vocational school during apprenticeship. Each child is required to attend the primary school for 4 years. This primary school is part of the general school (Hauptschule) in which about 80% of all German children remain beyond primary schooling for another 4 to 5 years. Another 1% of the children transfer to the intermediate school Mittelschule) to follow a 6-year advance program. This school prepares its students for business, home economics and technical and social occupations. The remaining 13% transfer to advance secondary school (Höhere Schulen) with a 9-year program preparing for university entrance and for leading positions in business and civil service. Summer break is only six weeks long, but the children have three different breaks during the year for two weeks each.

SPORTS and RECREATION

Social life is much the same as in the U.S. Germans don't entertain as often as Americans do, but dinner parties are the most favored way of entertaining. Germans are very punctual and guests are expected to arrive right on time. The Christmas season is especially gay and the shops have a marvelous selection of ornaments, decorations and Christmas cards. The arts are particularly well-supported; opera, symphony concerts, ballet, theater and museums are present in all major cities. You can buy all the equipment for whatever sport interests you, although some is more expensive than in the U.S. There are a number of golf courses, and tennis court are everywhere. Soccer, is the most favorite sport, but sailing, and motor boating are very popular, and hiking, bicycling and camping are also major German preoccupations. Germans are enthusiastic about mechanized forms of racing and the summer months are filled with bicycle, motorcycle and all kinds of auto races. In the past few years American football and baseball has become somewhat popular.