Geography of Germany

In all of Europe, Germany is known to have the second largest population, trailing only Russia. Germany is also known for having the seventh largest area, with its territory spanning approximately 357,021 square kilometers. Of all that land area, 349,223 square kilometers consist of land as opposed to 7,798 square kilometers of water. This makes the geography of Germany ideal for those who enjoy treks and trips that allow for amazing views of the landscapes and mountainsides. The elevated mountain regions of Germany, namely the Alps are contrasted by the shores of the North Sea (found north-west) and the Baltic Sea (found north-east) that are below sea level. Germany's central areas are also divided between the uplands of central Germany and the low lands of northern Germany, the lowest of which is Wilstermarsch at 11.6 feet below sea level. These areas also have major rivers cut across them like the Rhine, Danube and Elbe. Germany shares its borders with Denmark, Poland, Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, France, Luxembourg, Belgium, and the Netherlands and is considered to be the country in Europe that shares the most borders with other countries.

Germany's climate is regulated by the North Atlantic Drift, an extension of the Gulf Stream, and causes the climate to become temperate. This leads to the considerable humid westerly winds that loom over the entire area. Around the north—west area, rainfall occurs often. Winters also tend to be fairly favorable and mild, while the summer months tend to be cool although temperatures occassionally exceed 30°C or 86°F. The scenario is the exact opposite on the opposing eastern end, where the climate is considered more continental than oceanic. Winters tend to be very cold, while the summers end up being really warm. The central and southern areas seem to range and vary between both oceanic and continental weather conditions.

The entire map of Germany is divided into sixteen states, with the states further subdivided into districts and cities that total to 439. The largest state is Bavaria (or Bayern) with 70,549 square kilometers, although it only has the second largest population with 12,444,000. The distiction of having the largest population goes to the state of North-Rhine Westphalia, with 18,075,000. Berlin, Hamburg, and Bremen are the smallest of Germany's states and are 892, 755, and 404 square kilometers respectively.