Berlin

Wappen Mark Brandenburg

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Brandenburg-Prussia

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ZLB-Berliner Ansichten-Januar

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Dom und Stadtschloss, Berlin 1900

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Berlin Unter den Linden Victoria Hotel um 1900

Berlin is the capital city and a federal state of Germany. With a population of approximately 3.6 million inhabitants, it is the most populous city in Germany and the European Union's second most populous city after London. Berlin is a world city of culture, politics, media, and science. Its economy is based on high-tech firms and the service sector, encompassing a diverse range of creative industries, research facilities, media corporations, and convention venues. Berlin serves as a continental hub for air and rail traffic and has a highly complex public transportation network.

History

The history of Berlin dates back to its founding in the 13th century, making it one of the younger European cities. It became the capital of the Margraviate of Brandenburg, the Kingdom of Prussia, the German Empire, the Weimar Republic, and the Third Reich. After World War II, the city was divided; East Berlin became the capital of East Germany while West Berlin remained a West German exclave, surrounded by the Berlin Wall from 1961 to 1989. Following German reunification in 1990, Berlin was once again designated as the capital of a united Germany.

Geography

Berlin is located in northeastern Germany, on the banks of the Rivers Spree and Havel. It is completely surrounded by the state of Brandenburg. The city's terrain is flat, with a low-lying area of lakes and rivers. Berlin's climate is a temperate seasonal climate. Summers are warm and sometimes humid, winters are cold and snowy.

Government and Politics

Berlin is both a city and one of Germany's federal states. It has its own constitution, parliament, and government. The governing body is the Berlin Senate, which selects the Governing Mayor of Berlin. The city is also the seat of the President of Germany, the German Federal Chancellery, and all the federal ministries.

Culture

Berlin is renowned for its highly developed cultural scene. It is home to the world-famous Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, the Berlin State Opera, and numerous theaters, museums, and galleries. The city hosts the Berlin International Film Festival, one of the leading film festivals in the world. Berlin's nightlife is one of the most diverse and vibrant of its kind. The city is also a leading center for contemporary art and music.

Education

The city boasts several universities, including the Humboldt University of Berlin, the Free University of Berlin, and the Technical University of Berlin, making it an important location for higher education and research in Germany.

Economy

Berlin's economy is mainly based on the service sector, ranging from IT, media, and advertising to healthcare and biomedical engineering. Despite its vibrant culture and education sector, Berlin's economy has struggled with higher unemployment rates compared to the rest of Germany. However, it has become a significant startup hub, attracting entrepreneurs from across the globe.

Transportation

Berlin has an extensive public transportation system, which includes the U-Bahn (subway), S-Bahn (suburban trains), buses, and trams. The city is also served by two commercial airports: Berlin Tegel Airport and Berlin Schönefeld Airport. Berlin Hauptbahnhof is the main railway station and a major European rail hub.

Demographics

Berlin is a multicultural city, with a large number of immigrants from Turkey, Poland, Russia, and other parts of the world. This diversity is reflected in the city's vibrant cultural life and numerous ethnic communities.

See Also

• History of Berlin
• Geography of Germany
• Politics of Germany
• Culture of Germany
• Economy of Germany