Germany Bundesrepublik Deutschland

BERLIN

During the history, Berlin was often the capital of Germany. Now it s again the capital since 1990. But earlier, after the defeat of the II world war the allies divided Berlin (like the whole Germany) into two parts; East and West. The western part was formed by France, the US and UK, the eastern part the Soviet Union. First, a barbed wire line was set through whole city. So families and friends were separated at one night. After some escapes from the East to the West side and the Cold War the eastern sector (GDR) built the Berlin Wall in 1961. Crossing was then no more possible, not only because of the wall, but also the soldiers (having shoot order) and mine field on the eastern side. After two years, during a visit of West Berlin US President John F. Kennedy said Ich bin ein Berliner to mention the support of West Berlin. Meanwhile, the German Democratic Republic (GDR) declared that East Berlin is the capital of East Germany (1949). According to this event Bonn (in West Germany) was made the capital. The wall of shame fell finally down in 1990, so that East and West Berlin (and in the same time actually the whole Germany) was reunified.

Together with the region Brandenburg Berlin is also a federal state (Bundesland) and is the biggest city of Germany. It has 3.4 million inhabitants and is the second big city of the EU. By means of cultural, political, scientific and historical aspects Berlin is among the most visited places in the old continent.

The symbol of Berlin is the Berliner Bear, which takes place on Berlin s coat of arms and the Berlin Film Festival (Berlinale). Besides Cannes and Venice the Berlinale is among the most important three festivals of the world. Other peculiarities of the city are the world renowned universities, institutes, theatres, symphonic orchestras, architectural buildings, monuments, meetings and events. So it is an attractive city and a metropolis.

In Berlin You can encounter many different citizens of the world. The percentage of the foreigners, which are continual residents, is according to the data of 2007 14% of the population of Berlin. Among them are mostly Turks. Many of them are living in the district Kreuzberg. Kreuzberg is also called the little Istanbul and is one of the 12 districts of Berlin.