‘Think Germany – now think again’ ran the slogan on the German National Tourist Office’s UK promotional campaign posters launched late in 2006 to encourage more British visitors to consider the country as a holiday destination.

It was appropriate, and topical. After 60 years of trying, Germany finally managed to shake off the guilty shadows of its past during the immensely successful football World Cup staged in the country during the summer of 2006.

Once again, it became ‘OK’ to wave the national flag with pride and without fear of being accused of inappropriate nationalism, and the whole country seemed to breathe a sigh of relief at its new-found ability to express its distinctive national character again.

Modern Germany has come of age, and while it is still suffering the economic consequences of reunification in October 1990, it is clearly a nation coming to terms with itself.

The country is the product of a long history of division, first as a loose collection of independent (and often warring) states before original unification during the 19th century, and latterly as West and communist East Germany following WWII.

For this reason alone, it is a country of remarkable diversity, with cultural differences clearly evident as one travels around the various states that make up the modern Federal Republic.

Germany is a heady mix of history and nature, fine arts and youthful rebellion. Its capital, Berlin, has a reputation gained from its decades as a divided city, as a hedonistic, ‘on the edge’ community where almost anything goes. In contrast, the quiet academic surroundings of historic university cities like Heidelberg, convey a quiet gentility quite at odds with the atmosphere of the capital.

One thing is certain: wherever one ventures in Germany, there is something interesting to see or do. It is a goldmine for the adventurous tourist in search of something different to the norm.

Sylvia Huber

357,045 sq km (137,819 sq miles).

82.5 million (UN estimate 2005).

231 per sq km.

Berlin. Population: 3.4 million (2005 estimate).

Federal Republic.

German. Some English is widely spoken and French is also spoken, particularly in the Saarland. In the north of Schleswig-Holstein, Danish is spoken by the Danish minority and taught in schools. In eastern Brandenburg and Saxony, Sorbic is spoken by the Slavic minority called the Sorbs and is also taught in about 50 schools. Regional dialects often differ markedly from standard German.

Approximately 34% Protestant, 34% Roman Catholic, 4% Muslim, with Jewish and other non-Christian minorities.

GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).

Handshaking is customary, and it is considered rude to address people by their first name unless invited to do so. Normal courtesies should be observed and it is common to be offered food and refreshments when visiting someone’s home. Before eating, it is normal to say Guten Appetit to the other people at the table to which the correct reply is Gleichfalls. It is customary to present the hostess with unwrapped flowers (according to tradition, one should always give an uneven number and it is worth noting that red roses are exclusively a lover’s gift).

Courtesy dictates that when entering a shop, restaurant or similar venue, visitors should utter a greeting such as Guten Tag (or Grüss Gott in Bavaria) before saying what it is that they want; to leave without saying Auf Wiedersehen or Tschüss can also cause offence. Similarly, when making a telephone call, asking for the person you want to speak to without stating first who you are is impolite.

Casual wear is widely acceptable, but more formal dress is required for some restaurants, the opera, theatre, casinos and important social functions. Evening wear is worn when requested. Smoking is prohibited where notified and on public transport and in most public buildings, with the exception of restaurants and bars. Visitors should be prepared for an early start to the day with businesses, schools, etc opening at 0800 or earlier. It is common practice to take a mid-afternoon stroll on Sunday.

230 volts AC, 50Hz. European-style round two-pin plugs are in use.

Chancellor Angela Merkel since 2005.

President Horst Köhler since 2004.