Berlin
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Berlin
Berlin is the capital city of Germany as well as one of Germany’s states and its largest city (both with the number of inhabitants and the area). It lies in the eastern part of the country, approximately 70 kilometres from Poland borders, on the banks of river Spree. It is one of the most influential centers in European politics, culture and science and it is home to some of the world's most prominent universities, research faculties, and museums.
The area of Berlin is 891,82 square kilometers large. It can be defined as many cities put together, it covers an area the size of Munich, Stuttgart and Frankfurt am Main. It is an exciting conglomeration, a cosmopolitan city. There are different districts, suburbs and centres, each with its own character. While visiting Berlin, one can experience pulsating life on the boulevards, in the art galleries and at the flea markets, and in the city's 300 clubs and 7,000 bars and restaurants. It is the city of festivals, night life, contemporary architecture and avant-garde arts.
The number of inhabitants was 3 396 990 in November 2005. It is the second most populous city in the European Union. The population density of the region amounts to 3,812 inhabitants per square kilometer. It is the city, where people from more than 185 nations live. The largest groups by nationality are citizens from Turkey, Poland, Serbia & Montenegro, Russia, Italy, United States and some others.
From Berlin history, the most famous as well as the most influential part is the destiny of Berlin after World War II, during the Cold War. Berlin became its centre. The victorious forces at the end of the war divided Germany into four zones. Berlin was divided in the same way. Each of the victorious nations (United States, United Kingdom, France and Soviet Union) controlled one zone and one sector of Berlin. Western Allies formed West Berlin, Soviet Union East Berlin. Growing political differences led to Berlin Blockade (an economic blockade of West Berlin, from 24 June 1948 to 11 May 1949, when food and other supplies were airlifting to the city because Soviet Union cut Allies the way to their parts). The tensions between east and west culminated in the construction of Berlin Wall between East and West Berlin and other barriers around West Berlin by the East Germany on 13 August 1961 and were exacerbated by a tank standoff at Checkpoint Charlie on 27 October 1961. Berlin was unified on 3 October 1990 and the wall was knocked down by people. There are still remaining parts of the Berlin Wall in the city.
Then Berlin became an independent state as one of the three city states (together with Hamburg and Bremen). Berlin is subdivided into 12 boroughs called Bezirke, which have been combined from the earlier 23 boroughs with effect from January 1, 2001. The city is governed by a Regierender Bürgermeister ("Governing Mayor") who is Mayor of the city and head of the Bundesland at the same time. As the capital of the country, Berlin is the seat of Federal Government and the crossroad of German national, regional and local politics.
The most famous monuments in Berlin are the Brandenburg Gate topped by its triumphal chariot, the Victory Column, Charlottenburg Palace, German Parliament or Holocaust Monument.
The area of Berlin is 891,82 square kilometers large. It can be defined as many cities put together, it covers an area the size of Munich, Stuttgart and Frankfurt am Main. It is an exciting conglomeration, a cosmopolitan city. There are different districts, suburbs and centres, each with its own character. While visiting Berlin, one can experience pulsating life on the boulevards, in the art galleries and at the flea markets, and in the city's 300 clubs and 7,000 bars and restaurants. It is the city of festivals, night life, contemporary architecture and avant-garde arts.
The number of inhabitants was 3 396 990 in November 2005. It is the second most populous city in the European Union. The population density of the region amounts to 3,812 inhabitants per square kilometer. It is the city, where people from more than 185 nations live. The largest groups by nationality are citizens from Turkey, Poland, Serbia & Montenegro, Russia, Italy, United States and some others.
From Berlin history, the most famous as well as the most influential part is the destiny of Berlin after World War II, during the Cold War. Berlin became its centre. The victorious forces at the end of the war divided Germany into four zones. Berlin was divided in the same way. Each of the victorious nations (United States, United Kingdom, France and Soviet Union) controlled one zone and one sector of Berlin. Western Allies formed West Berlin, Soviet Union East Berlin. Growing political differences led to Berlin Blockade (an economic blockade of West Berlin, from 24 June 1948 to 11 May 1949, when food and other supplies were airlifting to the city because Soviet Union cut Allies the way to their parts). The tensions between east and west culminated in the construction of Berlin Wall between East and West Berlin and other barriers around West Berlin by the East Germany on 13 August 1961 and were exacerbated by a tank standoff at Checkpoint Charlie on 27 October 1961. Berlin was unified on 3 October 1990 and the wall was knocked down by people. There are still remaining parts of the Berlin Wall in the city.
Then Berlin became an independent state as one of the three city states (together with Hamburg and Bremen). Berlin is subdivided into 12 boroughs called Bezirke, which have been combined from the earlier 23 boroughs with effect from January 1, 2001. The city is governed by a Regierender Bürgermeister ("Governing Mayor") who is Mayor of the city and head of the Bundesland at the same time. As the capital of the country, Berlin is the seat of Federal Government and the crossroad of German national, regional and local politics.
The most famous monuments in Berlin are the Brandenburg Gate topped by its triumphal chariot, the Victory Column, Charlottenburg Palace, German Parliament or Holocaust Monument.