Where to Go - Europe (exc UK)

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Germany

Population : 82,797,408

Literacy rate : 99%

Life expectancy at birth : male –74.3 yrs, female –80.75 yrs

Infant mortality rate : 4.77 deaths/1,000 live births

Population growth rate : 0.29%

GDP growth rate : 1.5%

GDP per capita : £15,200

Unemployment : 10.5%

Inflation : 0.8%

TI index: 7.6

Climate : temperate and marine; cool, cloudy, wet winters and summers; occasional warm, tropical foehn wind; high relative humidity.

Time : GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October).

Electricity : 220 volts AC, 50Hz. European-style round 2-pin plugs are in use. Lamp fittings are screw type.

Websites : The German National Tourist Office is at the imaginatively named http://www.germany-tourism.co.uk/

A good site for general info is http://www.germany-info.org/

Having discovered that frowning uses more energy than smiling, the ever-correct Germans now permit themselves a sense of humour. There are still large differences between (old) East and (old) West Germany, unemployment in the east is much more than in the west. Berlin is a point of growth now with the move of the seat of government, but eight ministries remain in Bonn, the old capital. Germans are not all alike; the Bavarian will give his nationality as Bavarian first and only then will admit to also being German; they are also more good-time and easy going. Northern Germans tend to be more the rather harsh and serious ones. People from the old East are rapidly making up for lost time and this part of the country is starting to grow again more on the commercial side. There have been disturbing reports of xenophobic groups (neonazis) in the East, but most Germans are tolerant of foreigners and sympathetic to their misfortune in not being German.

This is an expensive place to live, but it is still the richest country in the EU and the third biggest global economy. EMU will make it richer still. The level of technology and the access to information are awesome.

Food and drink excellent, and many historical places to visit. You will also be well placed for the rest of Europe.

Entry requirements

EU nationals have no problems. Non-EU nationals should apply for work permits before travelling. The process is easier than in other EU countries. Everybody must register with the local authorities.

Vaccinations

Nothing special here.

Tax and Insurance

30% on earnings over £4,800. British nationals can work for two years tax-free. Freelancers must pay 13% for social security and should also get health insurance.

Getting Around

Click here for further information on great value bus travel with Busabout

Gap Year Programmes

Click here to find gap year programmes and placements in Germany

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