Germany

Germany, located in the heart of Europe, is one of the continent’s largest and most influential nations. Officially called the Federal Republic of Germany, it is known for its strong economy, rich cultural history, and pivotal role in global politics. The country is a federal parliamentary republic, with Berlin as its capital and largest city. As a founding member of the European Union (EU) and the Eurozone, Germany plays a leading role in shaping Europe’s economic and political landscape. Its diverse economy is driven by industries like automobiles, engineering, chemicals, renewable energy, and the service sector.

Germany’s political framework is characterized by a multi-party system, with the Bundestag (Federal Diet) being the primary legislative body. In 2021, Olaf Scholz of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) succeeded Angela Merkel, who had led Germany for 16 years, marking a new era in German politics. Scholz's coalition government, formed with the Greens and the Free Democratic Party (FDP), emphasizes policies on climate change, digitalization, and social equity. Merkel's tenure was known for its focus on economic stability, refugee crisis management, and EU unity, while Scholz’s administration is concentrating on energy transition, economic recovery post-COVID-19, and a proactive stance on European security amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Germany has faced significant challenges, including the energy crisis following the Russia-Ukraine war, which disrupted energy supplies and highlighted the need for accelerated renewable energy adoption. As Europe’s largest economy, Germany has been central to the EU’s response to the crisis, providing military, economic, and humanitarian support to Ukraine. Domestically, it is addressing rising inflation, a transition away from Russian gas, and increased defense spending. On the global stage, Germany continues to advocate for multilateralism, climate action, and human rights, maintaining its reputation as a key player in international diplomacy.