Berlin

Berlin is the capital and largest city of Germany. It lies in the northeastern part of the country, on the Spree River, and is surrounded by the state of Brandenburg. The city covers about 892 square kilometres and is relatively flat, with numerous lakes, canals and areas of woodland. Berlin has a temperate seasonal climate, with cool winters and generally mild to warm summers.

As Germany’s political center, it is home to the federal government, parliament and many national institutions. German is the official language, while the city’s diverse population gives it a strongly international character. Berlin is also an important center for education, research, culture and creative industries. Berlin was founded in the Middle Ages and grew into an important city of the Kingdom of Prussia.

In the nineteenth century, industrialization and rapid population growth transformed it into a major European metropolis. After becoming the capital of the German Empire in 1871, Berlin continued to expand. The twentieth century brought major changes: the city was heavily damaged during the Second World War and was later divided between East and West Germany by the Berlin Wall, built in 1961.

The Wall fell in 1989, and Berlin became the capital of reunified Germany in 1990. Today, landmarks such as the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag and Museum Island reflect different periods of the city’s history. Berlin remains an important European political and cultural center.