The Federal Republic of Germany shares frontiers with Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Poland and Switzerland. Population: 83,251,851 (official estimate 2002). Language: German. English is widely spoken and French is also spoken, particularly in the Saarland. In the north of Schleswig-Holstein, Danish is spoken by the Danish minority and taught in schools.
 International transport
Internal services are operated by Lufthansa and several regional airlines. Frankfurt on Main is the focal point of internal air services and all airports in the Federal Republic of Germany can be reached in an average of 50 minutes flying time. There are several airports in the country apart from those listed above which offer internal air services. Helgoland, Sylt and some other Friesian Islands are served by seasonal services operated by regional airlines or air taxi services. Connections by air are run daily from Berlin, Bremen, Cologne/Bonn, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt/M, Hamburg, Hannover, Munich, Nuremberg, Stuttgart and Westerland/Sylt (summer only). The majority of western airports offer daily flights to Leipzig and several flights a week to Dresden.
Climate
The climate in Germany is moderately humid. This means that it rains all year round. The weather is hottest in July with many sunny days. Warm clothing is needed in January, when the weather is coldest and temperatures sometimes fall to well below zero degrees.
Living in Germany
Germany is not cheap. Since standards of living are high, the living costs are correspondingly on the steep side too. But for a student life isn't too bad - there are usually some kind of discounts in almost every aspect of student life. YOUTH HOSTELS: There are 640 youth hostels throughout both eastern and western Germany. They are open to members of any Youth Hostel Association affiliated to the International Youth Hostel Association. Membership can be obtained from the YHA or Deutsches Jugendherbergswerk (German Youth Hostel Organisation), Bismarckstrasse 8, 32756 Detmold (tel: (5231) 74010; fax: (5231) 740 149; e-mail: service@djh.de; website: www.djh.de). Reservation is advised during the high season (and throughout the year in major cities). More information about accommodation for students can be found on www.student-affairs.de
Security
There are areas in every city that women or men should avoid--in Germany as well. Caution is well advised, but fear isn’t called for. Germany is a relatively safe country, even though a country without crime has yet to be discovered. But if you follow a few rules, it’s relatively safe—for a woman or a man—to go about daily life in Germany.
Depending on the neighbourhood, it can be wise to avoid dark and deserted areas. Parking garages often have parking spaces near the entrance designated for women.
A woman should only meet a man she doesn’t know well in a place where other people are present.
When looking at a new apartment, always be sure a companion is there with you.
In an emergency you can call the Police from any telephone booth free of charge by dialling 110.
Banks
Since January 1, 2002, the Euro is the official currency in Germany. To open bank account you’ll need your passport. The opening hours of banks and savings associations vary. Generally they’re open on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., on Thursday until 6:30 p.m. Some banks are closed from 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Public Holidays
 Jan 1 2004 – New Year’s Day
Jan 6 – Epiphany
Apr 9-12 – Easter
May 1 – Labour Day
May 20 – Ascension
May 31 – Whit Monday
Oct 3 – Day of Unity
Dec 25-26 – Christmas
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