Germany is a Central European country covering 357,022 km², sharing borders with nine countries such as Denmark, Poland, and France. The geography features the North German Plain, Central Uplands, Southern German Scarplands, and the Bavarian Alps. Major waterways include the Rhine and Elbe rivers, while 16 states divide the nation. Berlin is the capital and largest city, making Germany the second-most populous in Europe.
Germany, located in Central Europe, spans an area of about 357,022 km² (137,847 mi²) and shares borders with nine countries: Denmark to the north, Poland and the Czech Republic to the east, Austria and Switzerland to the south, and France, Luxembourg, Belgium, and the Netherlands to the west. The northern coastal boundaries are delineated by the Baltic Sea and the North Sea.
Geographically, Germany comprises four main regions: the North German Plain, Central Uplands, Southern German Scarplands, and the Bavarian Alps. The North German Plain includes flat lowlands extending from the northern coast to the Central Uplands, featuring urban centers like Hamburg and Berlin, as well as fertile farmland.
The Central Uplands area consists of various low mountain ranges, including the Harz Mountains and the Black Forest. This region is characterized by rolling hills, forests, valleys, and serves as a watershed divide between crucial river systems like the Rhine and Elbe.
Another significant area is the Southern German Scarplands, comprising Jurassic limestone plateaus, the Swabian Jura, and the Bavarian Plateau. This part of Germany features stepped topography and extensive forests, showcasing a blend of hills and scenic landscapes.
At the southernmost part of Germany are the Bavarian Alps, part of the larger European Alps. The highest peak in Germany, Zugspitze, rises to 2,962 meters (9,718 feet), known for its breathtaking snow-capped summits and glacial valleys.
Germany is also endowed with vital waterways. The North Sea and the Baltic Sea, linked by the Kiel Canal, are crucial for international shipping. Lake Constance is the largest freshwater lake, adjacent to Austria and Switzerland, while Lake Müritz is the largest entirely within Germany.
Germany’s major rivers include the Rhine, Elbe, and Danube. The Rhine, the longest, originates in Switzerland, flowing through western Germany to the North Sea. Conversely, the Elbe flows from the Czech Republic through eastern Germany, also reaching the North Sea, while the Danube traverses several countries before ending at the Black Sea.
Regarding islands, Germany has several located chiefly in the North and Baltic Seas. Prominent islands include Sylt, known for sandy beaches, along with Rügen and Usedom, which are famous for beach resorts and natural parks.
The country, officially the Federal Republic of Germany, is divided into 16 federal states (Bundesländer), including Bavaria and Brandenburg. These states are further subdivided into 401 administrative districts, comprising both rural and urban areas.
As Europe’s seventh-largest country, Germany ranks as the second-most populous nation, with approximately 83 million residents. Its capital, Berlin, positioned in northeastern Germany, serves as the greatest city in terms of population in the EU. Additionally, Frankfurt is known as Germany’s financial hub, and the Ruhr area is noted as its largest urban region.
Original Source: www.worldatlas.com
