3. The country we know as Germany today was throughout history mostly an association of states Following the French revolution, the German states fought against Napoleon’s army After the revolutions of 1848, the first German Parliament was created
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5. In 1914, when World War broke out, the fall of the Hohenzollern dynasty started as Germany was defeated. The winning nations impose the Versailles Treaty and the German territory splits in two once more. After the defeat, the Weimar Republic was initiated. There was an economic crisis and the German National Socialist Workers’ Party (Nazi) obtains the power doing away with democracy.
6. Nazi Germany lasted 12 years (1933-1945). Hitler got the full control succeeding also the head of state. At first Germany had great military successes gaining control over countries in Europe Belgium, France, Denmark, The Netherlands, Luxemburg, Greece, The Balkans and Norway, Tunes and Libya in North Africa. But its attack on Russia in 1941 failed.
7. In spite of being one of the defeated countries, its economic recovery was quick after 1950 and it becomes the third economic world power. Built in 1961, the Berlin Wall became known as a symbol of communism.It physically divided the Communist West Germany and Democratic East Germany.
8. In 1990 the four allied powers and the 2 federal states signed an agreement in Moscow to end the rights of the allied powers in Germany. As a founding country, Germany had a main role in the constructions of the European Union.
10. Germany has the largest population in the European Union with 81.8 inhabitants in January, 2010 3rd largest country in terms of immigrants from around the world Has a land area of around 357,021 square kilometers and has maintained a high standard of living.
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12. It ranks 4th in terms of nominal GDP and 5th in terms of purchasing power in the world.
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14. Even in the recession marred years, the German economy managed to stay stable as the world sixth largest country in terms of GDP (2009.) However as is the case with recession, the economy did constrict and stood at -5% in 2009. The graph below shows how the real growth rate has performed since 2007 till 2009. (in percentage)
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16. G7, G8, G20Germany is part of the G-7, Group of Seven, G-8, Group of Eight, and G-20, Group of Twenty.
18. At the core of Germany's success and influence lies its currency. The deutsche mark gave concrete expression to West Germany's international financial and economic success and also contributed to it. Since unification, it has become even more important as a symbol as well as an instrument of Germany's new central role in Europe.
19. The success of the deutsche mark has been anchored in the success of West German exports. The deutsche mark is not used as widely for transactions as it is to supply central-bank reserves. Global commodity prices are still largely denominated in United States dollars. Whatever the deutsche mark's strengths may be, it does not offer the kind of liquidity that the dollar does.
20. Invoicing in deutsche marks is concentrated on Germany's own commerce, but almost 15 percent of world trade is conducted on a deutsche mark basis.
22. Germany has been one of the most active trading countries in the world. Its trading relationship spans almost all the major trading countries in Europe and around the world. For these reasons, Germany trade remains the largest in European Union and in the top 5 countries in the world for its trade volumes.
23. Germany’s trade is further helped by its innovation in solar power research and development. In fact, Germany is the largest producer of wind turbines and solar power technology. In 2009, Germany exports were $1.187 trillion. The amount was lower than the previous year’s figures of $1.498 trillion.
24. The country ranked 3rd in the world in exports and continues to prove its strength as the world top economy. Germany imports amounted to $1.022 trillion in 2009 and ranked 3rd in the world. The figures, understandably, were low due to recession. In 2008, the figures amounted to $1.232 trillion.
25. Germany’s main exported and imported commodities are: Machinery Vehicles Chemicals Metals and manufactures Foodstuffs Textiles
26. The main export and import partners of Germany are: France US Netherlands UK Italy Spain etc. Russia
27. The real strength of Germany trade has been its productive workforce which according to 2009 figures amounted to 43.51 million. The manufacturing industries employed almost 29.7% of the work force and the growth helped Germany trade in terms of automobiles and machinery.
41. The German industry is well spread in the country as well. It helps to create employment opportunities and benefits due to the proximity of raw materials. Several factors contributed so that Germany could prosper and dominate in the manufacturing segment. Indisputably, Germany produces some of the finest automobiles in the world besides ships and tools.
42. Some of the most popular German industries include: Bayer BMW Daimler Chrysler Deutsche Bank Deutsche Telekom Henkel Lufthansa Group Metro
43. The German industry sectors are well developed and poised to offer greater value around the world, thereby fortifying the country’s economy even in financially turbulent times.
45. Economic stimulus package... An Economic Stimulus package is an attempt by the government to boost economic growth and lead the economy out of a recession or economic slowdown.
46. This economic stimulus package to Germany very broadly includes infrastructural investments, social benefits, tax concessions and soft loans. A substantial portion of this German economic stimulus package, of about 17 – 18 billion, is in form of investments to be made in highway construction, educational spending, and tax cuts for individuals and businesses.
47. To increase disposable income among consumers health insurance rates have been cut thereby releasing an additional sum of €9 billion in their hands. A further amount of €9 billion would be realized by process of reducing corporate and personal income tax from 15 percent to 14 percent.
48. German government has allocated 100 billion towards loan for sick and recovering industries. This credit and guarantee fund would inspire upgrading of old manufacturing processes with updated technologies. A one time bonus of €100 per child is being provided to families.
51. Last year, Germany’s unemployment rate plunged to 7.7% from 8.2% in 2009 as a result of the Government initiative.
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53. Economic problems The Weimar Republic had some of the most serious economic problems ever experienced by any Western democracy in history. Rampant hyperinflation, massive unemployment and a large drop in living standards were primary factors. In 1923-29 there was a short period of economic recovery, but the Great Depression of the 1930s led to a worldwide recession. Germany was particularly affected because it depended heavily on American loans. In 1932, about 5 million Germans were unemployed. Many blamed the Weimar Republic. This was made apparent when political parties on both right and left wanting to disband the Republic altogether made any democratic majority in Parliament impossible