Germany and the Alpine Countries

1. With the death of Adolf Hitler and the defeat of Germany, the allies divided Germany into four zones. Then the United States, France, and Great Britain merged their zones into democratic West Germany. The Soviet Union’s zone became East Germany, a communist country. Germany and the Alpine Countries

2. Berlin, Germany was at the center of the two countries, and was divided into East and West sides. • In 1961, East Germany government built the Berlin wall to divide the two countries. • East Germany’s government collapsed in 1989 and the Berlin Wall came down. • In 1990 Germany reunified East and West Germany and became one country again. Germany and the Alpine Countries

3. Germany has the largest population in Western Europe and German is the official language of Germany. • Roman Catholics and Protestants make up 1/3 of Germany’s population and about 4% are Muslims. • Part of Germany's culture includes classical music with such classical composers as Bach, Beethoven, and Johannes Brahms. Germany and the Alpine Countries

4. Germany is a federal republic, with a president who is the formal chief of state, mainly performing ceremonial duties. With the chancellor who heads the government. Germany and the Alpine Countries

5. The President is voted for by the people with the chancellor being selected by the government. • With the unification of Germany, East Germany is adjusting and becoming stronger with a unified market economy. Germany and the Alpine Countries German Chancellor (Prime Minister ) Angel Merkel with President Barack Obama

6. The Alpine countries are Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. All three have similarities as they were all once part of the Holy Roman Empire, have a common border with Germany, and German is one of their official languages. Germany and the Alpine Countries The Alpine Countries: Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein

7. After the defeat in World war I, Austria-Hungary became Austria. After World War II, Austria adopted a policy of neutrality and does not participate in military conflicts. • Most Austrians are Roman Catholic and most speak German. Germany and the Alpine Countries Capital of Austria, Vienna

8. Austria is about ¾ covered in mountains therefore the majority of sports they enjoy are skiing, ski jumping, snowboarding, hiking, backpacking, and other winter sports. Germany and the Alpine Countries Skiing in a very popular tourist spot Innsbruck, Austria

9. Austria belongs to the European Union and its major industries are iron and steel production. Along with the Alps attracting a lot of visitors worldwide. Germany and the Alpine Countries Austrian Alps

10. Switzerland and Liechtenstein are both small countries that share a border. They both became independent in 1648 (Switzerland) and(Liechtenstein) in 1866. Germany and the Alpine Countries The Capital of Liechtenstein Vaduz.

11. Switzerland’s official languages are German, French, and Italian, while Liechtenstein's official language is German. Switzerland has a mix of Roman Catholic and Protestant, while most citizens of Liechtenstein are Roman Catholic. Germany and the Alpine Countries The Capital of Switzerland Bern

12. Switzerland is famous for it’s high quality watches and chocolate it produces, while Liechtenstein is known for its postage stamps. • Both countries are tourist destinations because of the Alps and they are financial centers of international finance with both using Swiss money. Germany and the Alpine Countries

13. Switzerland is a federal Republic (Constitutional Democracy) and Liechtenstein is a Constitutional Monarchy ruled by a prince with a prime minister and a parliament. Germany and the Alpine Countries Flag of Switzerland Hans Adam II Prince of Liechtenstein