Germany is one of the most economically and culturally significant European nations. It is inhabited by almost 80 million people.

The nation spreads from the Alps in the south to the coasts of the North Sea and the Baltic Sea in the north. From north to south, the nation is approximately 800 kilometers long. This makes Germany a relatively large nation. The two largest German rivers, Elbe and Rhine, flow towards the North Sea .

The northern parts of Germany consist of flat lowland regions. These areas are well suited for agriculture. The southern parts of the nation are characterized by highland, whereas the southernmost parts of Germany are located in the mountain range of the Alps. 

Germany shares its borders with many other European nations. Moving counterclockwise from the north, these nations are Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxemburg, France, Switzerland, Austria, the Czech Republic and Poland. 


A map of Germany.