Germany

Germany - Capital - Berlin. Germany is at the centre of Europe. It borders on nine states: with Denmark in the north, with Holland, Belgium, Luxembourg and France in the West, with Sweden and Austria in the south and with the Czech Republic and Poland in the east.

Area - Germany - 357 000 sq. kms. The distance from north to the south makes 876 kms, and from west on east = 640 kms. The length of the border of the Republic - 3 767 kms.

Climate - Moderate in the North Sea; in other territory - it makes a transition from maritime to continental. Average temperature of the most cold month (January) from +1.5 C to up to +3 C. Average temperatures of the month of July is from +16 C up to +20 C.

Flora and fauna - The nature of Germany is rich and various - old woods, deep rivers and rolling meadows. The largest rivers of Germany are the Rhine, Elba, and Danube. Many rivers are navigable with other networks of canals insuring navigation of commerce. . In the mountains for several months in one year snow accumulates and that creates a good opportunity for tourism and employment by mountain winter kinds of sports like skiing.

Population - Population of Germany is about 80 millions inhabitants. Germany after Russia is the most heavily occupied country of Europe. It is more than Italy on 58, Great Britain - 57 and France on 56 millions inhabitants. 

Religion - Protestant in the north and Catholic in the south.

Tourism - the South of the country has perfect lakes and mountains (Bavarian Alps). For tourists and lovers we recommend excursions and walking on numerous trails in the a Black Forest; an exceptional way to get acquainted with the local inhabitants and their customs. Germany is known for fine and flavorfull winemaking, which basic centres are located in the south and southwest of the country. Unique feautres are the rich historical past, unique monuments of architecture, manufactures of the best products and events in Europe including porcelain, beer festivals, amber and the seasonal resorts which annually attract to the country more than 8.5 millions of tourists.

Transport - Germany has a very large and very much advanced network of trains. By trains it is possible to move both within the limits of Germany and to its borders; from Germany 60 railway crossings allow traffic to rapidly move through borders. Instructions in detail about how to connect between trains and schedules of trains are readily provided by rail ticket agents for passengers. Deutsche Bahn - the Railway of Germany, will look the time-table of all trains, to make a route and to order the tickets.

Customs Rules - Most goods can be imported without the customs duties because Germany is within the EC. The following goods have specific restrictions by the following persons. By the visitors living in the countries of the European Community or within other European countries with the goods, acquired without payment of the tax: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 grammes of tobacco; 1 litre of spirits drinks with the contents of alcohol up to 22 %, or 2 litres of spirits drinks or liquors with the contents of alcohol up to 22 %, or 2 litres of liquors; 2 litres anyone another wine; 500 grammes of coffee or 200 grammes of soluble coffee; Notes: Tobacco and alcohol are authorized to be imported only to persons who have reached(achieved) 17 age; wine, not intended for personal use, is taxed with the duty.

Souvenirs - Shops in Germany work as a rule from Monday until Friday from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m., on Saturday from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. except for Sunday, national, religious and local holidays; Cost of the acquired goods includes the VAT, which part (up to 10 % of cost of purchase). Important for tourists it is possible to have these taxes refunded, as long as certain documents are presented such as having issued in shop the checks TAX-FREE and having showed at departure at customs house these checks together with the taken out goods. The cash departmentforof payment of VAT cash refunds are as a rule near customs houses.