munich service facts about germany
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GERMANY BASIC FACTS


Population: 82,057,000 Size: 357,021 km² Adjacent countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Switzerland Highest point: Zugspitze (2,962 m) - 31% of the country is covered with forests Coastal line: 2,389 km Life expectancy: 77 years (Men - 73 years; Women - 80 years) System of government: The Federal Republic of Germany is a democracy with a liberal free-market economy, freedom of religion and freedom of the press. Germany is a member of the European Union (EU). Capital: Berlin (3.47 million inhabitants) States in the Federal Republic: 16 - Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Berlin, Brandenburg, Bremen, Hamburg, Hesse, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland Palatinate, Saarland, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Schleswig-Holstein, Thuringia Railway system: 43,966 km Freeways and roads: 633,000 km Cycle tracks: 40,000 km Federal and national water ways: 10,000 km Sea water routes: 23,000 km²

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT GERMANY


You can still enter Germany with a passport that has been expired for up to 5 years...
To enter Germany, foreigners need a valid passport or a back-up pass (passport is still valid after expiration for up to 5 years). For members of most Western European countries, a valid ID card is sufficient. Children must accompany their parents and either enter under their parents passports or using their own identification document. For citizens of certain countries, a visa is necessary for entry. For detailed information, please refer to the German Embassy in your country.

You can bring you domestic animal toGermany...
In order for domestic animals to be brought in, a veterinary health certificate that has been translated into German is needed. A rabies inoculation must be done at least 30 days prior to entering and may not be older than 12 months to be considered valid.

You can now pay with both the Euro and the DM in Germany
Germany's currency is the Deutsch Mark (DM). 1 Deutsch Mark is equivalent to 100 Pfennig. Deutsch Marks and foreign currencies, as well as other currencies, can be exchanged and used in unlimited amounts. You can get cash around-the-clock at cash machines with an EC card and with international credit cards (American Express, Visa, Diners Club, Euro Card and MasterCard), which can be used for payment practically everywhere. There is a 16% value-added tax on goods and services which is included in all prices [link Money Conversion]. Since January 1, 1999, travelers from the 11 participating countries of the European monetary union (Belgium, Germany, Finland, France, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Austria, Portugal and Spain) can wire funds or pay by check using the Euro. The official exchange rate is 1.95583 DM to 1 Euro. Your bank is happy to provide additional information on the participating countries. Beginning in the year 2002, the Euro will become legal tender in Europe. Starting March 2002 at the latest, routine services in the participating countries of the European monetary union will only accept the Euro as currency. Thus, currency exchanges for travelers within and coming to Europe will no longer be done after this period. More information http://www.euro.ecb.int