| Region |
Central Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea and the North Sea, between the Netherlands and Poland, south of Denmark |
| Capital |
Berlin |
| Government |
Federal republic |
| US Embassy |
Chief of mission: Ambassador Daniel R. COATS
embassy: Neustaedtische Kirchstrasse 4-5, 10117 Berlin; note - a new embassy will be built near the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin
mailing address: PSC 120, Box 1000, APO AE 09265
telephone: [49] (030) 8305-0
FAX: [49] (030) 238-6290
consulate(s) general: Duesseldorf, Frankfurt am Main, Hamburg, Leipzig, Munich |
| Legal System |
Civil
law system with indigenous concepts; judicial review of legislative
acts in the Federal Constitutional Court; has not accepted compulsory
ICJ jurisdiction |
| Languages |
German |
| Currency |
Euro |
| Currency Code |
Eur |
| Exchange Rate |
|
| Holidays |
Unity Day, 3 October (1990) |
| Climate |
Temperate and marine; cool, cloudy, wet winters and summers; occasional warm foehn wind |
| Terrain |
Lowlands in north, uplands in center, Bavarian Alps in south |
| Driving Information |
Seat
belts are compulsory(being caught can result in a 30 EUR fine), and
children under 13 years of age cannot sit in the front seat if there is
a back seat.
If you see a blinking yellow light at an intersection it means stop,
then proceed if the intersection is clear. |
| Road Conditions |
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Excellent
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Excellent
Availability of Roadside Assistance: Excellent |
| Speed Limits |
Urban areas: 50km/h
Residential Areas: 30km/h
2-Lane Highways: 100km/h
Autobahm: 130km/h |
| Driving Tips |
A
particular hazard of driving in Europe in the winter time is the danger
of "black ice" or "glatteis". The best way to recognize black ice is by
surface reflection, but that dull patch just ahead might be ice also.
Be especially wary in the early morning or late evening and near or on
bridges. |
| Road Side Assistance |
German Auto Club (ADAC-Allgemeine Deutsche Automobil-Club
Head office:
ADAC, Am Westpark 8, 81360 Munich
Telephone: (089) 76760
|
| Comments |
Emergency Contact Telephone Numbers:
Police/Ambulance: 110
Fire: 112
Useful Translations
Maut = Toll
Fahrschule = Driving school (new German drivers will have an "N" on their cars |