Germany's affluent and technologically powerful economy - the fifth largest in the world - has become one of the slowest growing economies in the euro zone. A quick turnaround is not in the offing in the foreseeable future. Growth in 2001-03 fell short of 1%, rising to 1.7% in 2004.
The democratic FRG embedded itself in key Western economic and security organizations, the EC, which became the EU, and NATO, while the Communist GDR was on the front line of the Soviet-led Warsaw Pact.
As Europe's largest economy and most populous nation, Germany remains a key member of the continent's economic, political, and defense organizations.
Germans, both men and women, are surprisingly flirtatious and more Frech (cheeky) than they will admit. Eye contact is important, and you need to be confident but not arrogant. Younger people tend to meet at bars and clubs while older adults move between their circles of friends.
If you find yourself in one of Germany’s major cities, plonk yourself down at an outdoor cafe, pretend to read a newspaper and spy all the people walking past. Germans are well-dressed, athletic, stylish and beautiful.
Language is no problem, with most of the German population able to speak English and quite often a third language as well. If anything, this will prevent you from ever learning German.
Germany and the German people have been dealt a savage blow by stereotypes. Play word association with anybody around the globe and when given the word Germany, people will respond with such imaginative stereotypes as war, Nazi, boring, humourless, beer, sauerkraut, bratwurst.
Germany is the most populous country in the European Union. However, its fertility rate of 1.39 children per mother is one of the lowest in the world, and the federal statistics office estimates the population will shrink to between 69 and 74 million by 2050.
In case you don't know what Oktoberfest is, it's the World's Biggest Festival. Why is it the World's Biggest Festival? Because where most festivals celebrate a nationality or faith, Oktoberfest celebrates something that everyone can agree on... beer! People from all over planet Earth pilgrimage to Germany to throw down adult beverages, sing in good cheer, and ridicule the French.
German women at Oktoberfest in Munich.
German Women in Television, Film, Fashion and History: This is a Tribute to German Women, their Beauty, their Style and their Way of Living...and because they are simply gorgeous! Enjoy it...
