GERMANY

Frankfurt

Wilhelm-Leuschner-Str. 40
64342 Seeheim
Germany

Email:
frankfurt@ibng.com

Contact person: Claude Francois

 

General Information

Country (name in full):	Federal Republic of Germany
Capital:	Berlin
Surface Area:	357,021 sq km
Official Languages:	German
Population:	82,422,299 (July 2006 est.)
Exchange Rates:	Real Time Converter
Real GDP Growth:	0.9% (2005 est.)
GDP per capita:	purchasing power parity - $30,100 (2005 est.)
Head of State:	President Horst KOEHLER (since 1 July 2004)
Head of Government:	Chancellor Angela MERKEL (since 22 November 2005)

 

Principal Trading Partners

Export Destinations
France 10.2%, US 8.8%, UK 7.9%, Italy 6.9%, Netherlands 6.1%, Belgium 5.6%, Austria 5.4%, Spain 5.1% (2005)

Import Destinations
France 8.7%, Netherlands 8.5%, US 6.6%, China 6.4%, UK 6.3%, Italy 5.7%, Belgium 5%, Austria 4% (2005)

 

German Overview

Geography & Population
Germany has a population of over 82 million across 356,700 square kilometres of land, making it the most populous nation in the European Union (EU). With one of the lowest birth rates in the world (average 0.2 per cent), and just under nine per cent of residents foreign-born, Germany has an ageing population.

The capital of Germany is Berlin. Following German Reunification in 1990 the decision was made to move the capital from Bonn (former West German capital) back to Berlin.

Language
The official language is German, although regional variations and dialects exist and English is widely spoken.

Government and Law
Germany is a parliamentary democracy with a directly elected lower House (Bundestag) and an upper house (Bundesrat) made up of state government representatives.

The country is a federation of 16 states (Länder). The states all have their own constitution, government and independent courts, while the federal parliament retains the responsibility for major legislation change.

The legal system is based on the civil law system with indigenous concepts; judicial review of legislative acts in the Federal Constitutional Court; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction.

Climate
The German climate is variable so it's best to be prepared for all types of weather throughout the year. The most reliable weather is from May to October, with temperatures reaching 30ºC. There is no specific rainy season.

Winter temperatures from December to February are generally around 0ºC and colder in the east and south where snow is common. Summer is generally around 20ºC, although hotter days are not uncommon. Rainfall is scattered through the year.

Religion
Protestant 34%, Roman Catholic 34%, Muslim 3.7%, unaffiliated or other 28.3%

German Calendar

Business travellers to Germany should note that Germany enjoys a wide range of public holidays due to religious, national and other festive events. 

IBN clients are recommended to consult with their regional Business Centres to obtain more specific regional travel advice in relation to public holidays as they may impact upon visit schedules.

Exhibitions and Conferences

There are a number of trade events held each year in Germany. The following link is a useful guide to the events that are available in Germany for the next 18 months.

Fair Guide - www.fairguide.com

IBN clients should consult their regional Business Centre for more detailed information on each exhibition and conference and visitors to this site are also invited to contact the IBN's Head Office for more specific detail.

To contact us, click here.

Travel Information

The main arrival/departure points for flights in Germany are Frankfurt, Munich and Berlin. Frankfurt is Europe's busiest airport after Heathrow. Taxis are available outside the airport or can be booked. Costs from the airport to the city centre are approx. €30,00.

Taxi Zentrale
Tel: (069) 25 00 01

Taxirufzentrale
Tel: (069) 23 00 33

From the airport’s regional train station below Terminal 1, the S8 and S9 commuter trains (direction Frankfurt/Offenbach/Hanau) depart every 15 minutes to the Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof (Hbf) central station and Hauptwache (city centre Frankfurt).

The following information is provided to assist travellers when planning to visit Australia:

IDD:                                                      +49
Time:                                                    GMT +1 (+2 Hrs MAR-SEP)
Voltage:                                                 220V
Cell Phone System:                                 Dual Band system (GSM and CDMA)
Dress:                                                    Business Suit
Taxi Fare to city from airport (average):     €30,00
Departure tax:                                        Yes 

Foreign Visa Requirements

Most visitors to Germany do not need a visa if the stay is only up to 90 days, whether the visit is for business or as a tourist. However after 90 days, re-entry will not be allowed again within six months, so for a longer stay you will need to have a business visa.

For more information on foreign visas to Germany, contact your local Foreign Embassy or Immigration Department.

Health Considerations

Health services in Germany are good, tap water is safe and sanitation standards high. No immunisation is required.

English speaking doctors are usually easy to find, although medical costs are high and insurance cover is necessary. You can obtain non-prescription drugs used in your country and prescription drugs are also available. In an emergency, dial 110 anywhere in Germany and from any public phone without charge.

Local Currency

Germany’s currency is the Euro (€). One hundred euro cents make up one Euro.

To use our Real-Time Converter, click here. 

Useful Links

The German Tourism Board (DTZ) - www.germany-tourism.de
CNN (Frankfurt) - www.cnn.com/TRAVEL/atevo/city/Frankfurt/intro.html

Disclaimer

Whilst IBN Group Pty Ltd (IBN) has taken due care to obtain and provide the country information detailed on this site, it cannot accept any responsibility for the accuracy of the same information and data. As this country information and data has been received from various sources, accepted by IBN as being reliable, IBN itself makes no representation concerning its completeness, truth or accuracy or its suitability for any particular purposes.