Munich

Munich is the colourful, cosmopolitan capital city of Bavaria, the largest federal state (by area) in Germany. It is Germany’s third largest city after Berlin and Hamburg and is home to 1.5 million people. While it is world famous for its beer gardens, white sausages and its annual Oktoberfest, Munich is also renowned for its fine architecture and culture.

Munich is considered Germany's most livable city. Hardly surprising considering that the Alps, Italy and the Mediterranean, the Czech Republic, Austria and some of Europe’s most beautiful scenery is just a short drive away! Throw in some additional benefits like beautiful Baroque and Roccoco architecture, green countryside, the second largest university in Germany, and an almost reverent understanding of beer and it’s easy to see why this city is a favourite among Germans and non-Germans alike. This comes at a price of course – Munich is often considered the most expensive city in Germany. A price well worth paying for the privilege of living in it.

Munich boasts of a rich cultural scene and its museums are even considered to outrank Berlin in quality. Unlike Berlin, Munich has been brilliantly rebuilt after the war and many find it hard to believe that it was even bombed in WWII. Till today, Munich remains Germany's number-one place for art and has been the home or birthplace of many famous writers, artists, architects, and musicians.

Germany

As Europe's largest economy and with a population of 82 million inhabitants, Germany plays a key role in European politics and economy. Germany is a founding member of the European Union and has been part of the Eurozone 1999. Berlin is Germany’s capital and largest city.

Located deep in the heart of Europe, Germany is bordered to the north by the North Sea, Denmark, and the Baltic Sea; to the east by Poland and the Czech Republic; to the south by Austria and Switzerland; and to the west by France, Luxembourg, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Germany spans across 357,021 km² and is influenced by a temperate seasonal climate.

Germany plays an active role in politics. It is a member of the United Nations, NATO, the G8, the G4 nations, and signed the Kyoto protocol. It is the world's third largest economy by nominal GDP, the largest exporter of goods, ranked sixth in military expenditure, and is home to the third-highest number of international migrants. Germany boasts of a high standard of living and a comprehensive system of social security. It holds a key position in European affairs and is recognised as a scientific and technological leader in several fields.

Sources

1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Germany
2. http://wikitravel.org/en/Munich
3. Pg 552 of Europe on a shoestring