Germany

Abstract

Germany, which supports the largest economy in Europe, is made up of three physiographic regions, comprising central uplands, including the Harz Mountains, which separate extensive plains in the north from hilly country in the south, bordering the Vosges and Alpine mountain chains. The mighty Rhine River drains the southern part of the country, while the Elbe and Weser rivers flow into the North Sea. The south-eastern part of the country is drained by the headwaters of the Danube, flowing eastward eventually to the Black Sea. The country, which enjoys a temperate climate, supports extensive forests, leaving about one-third of it under agriculture. With almost 82 million inhabitants, it is the most populous country in Europe.