PHYSICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY

1. Germany is known for its delicious bread, foaming steins of beer, yearly Oktoberfest celebrations, cars (such as Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, and Porsche), and breathtaking castles.



Grain including wheat, barley, and rye are extensively cultivated throughout Germany.
Cattle, including dairy cows, are raised in great numbers.
The forests in Germany are extensive.
Schools, universities, academies, and public libraries are numerous throughout Germany.
Parents pay great attention to the discipline and amusement of their children and the love of home is a national characteristic.
The Rhine is one of the most important rivers in Europe for navigation and trade. It is celebrated for the beauty of its scenery, and for its history and legends. Its banks are covered with vineyards, many of its mountains and crags are crowned with ancient castles, and close to the river nestle picturesque towns and villages.

As of 2020, the population of Germany is nearing 84 million.
Germany is slightly larger in area than New Mexico and slightly smaller than Montana.
Berlin, the capital and largest city, has a population of over 3.7 million as of 2020.

The official language of Germany is German.

HISTORICAL GEOGRAPHY

1. Germany formed a part of the Empire of the West under Charlemagne, who was the first of a line of emperors extending through a thousand years ending in 1800.
2. The early inhabitants were of a warlike nature; hence their name, German, which means war-man.
3. The Germanic Confederation of 1815 consisted of the several kingdoms, duchies, and free cities in Germany.
4. By the war between Prussia and Austria (in 1866), Austria was compelled to withdraw from the confederation. Prussia also annexed the Danish provinces of Schleswig. Holstein, and the German States Hanover, Nassau, Hesse Cassel. and the free city of Frankfort. The North German Confederation was then formed, consisting of all (he States north of Frankfort.
5. War between Prussia and France was declared by Napoleon III (in 1870), who was defeated and taken prisoner. All the German States were then united to form the German Empire, with Prussia as the leading power.
6. Poland (meaning Flat Land) was first a flourishing kingdom, next became part of Prussia, Russia, and Austria, and finally became an independent country.
7. After World War II and the surrender of Germany, Germany was divided into West Germany and East Germany. Germany was later reunified in 1990.

MAPWORK

1. Which seas and country border Germany to the north?
2. What countries border Germany to the west?
3. What countries border Germany to the east?
4. What countries border Germany to the south?
5. What is the capital city of Germany? Find it on the map.
6. Name three rivers that flow through Germany.