Interesting Facts About Germany

Germany is one of Europe's most fascinating countries. Here are some facts about the country that are among the most interesting:

Interesting facts about life in Germany:

In East Germany, more than half of all children are born to unwed mothers.

Schools end and begin at alternating dates to help reduce summer traffic.

Only about 2 percent of Germans do not own cell phones.

You might know there is a wide selection of beer in Germany, around 5,000 brands; but did you know there are over 500 kinds of mineral water to choose from as well?

Interesting facts about people of Germany:

The Adidas brand began in Germany. The word "Adidas" is derived from the first six letters of its creator's name, Adi Dassler.

The actress who plays Matt Damon's girlfriend "Marie" in The Bourne Identity and The Bourne Supremacy is German actress Franka Potente. Franka Potente first gained attention in the United States as "Lola" in the 1998 film Run Lola Run (Lola Rennt). In 2003, the actress made the top 10 Most Important Young Germans list of Neon Magazine.

Gummy Bears were invented by a German, Hans Riegel.

Interesting facts about cities of Germany:

Its oldest city, Trier, was established in 16 BC. Trier was also known as "the second Rome" after it was home to several Roman emperors such as Constantine the Great.

The European country is home to the world's oldest brewery, Weihenstephaner Brewery, which was established over 1,000 years ago.

The city of Frankfurt is also known as "Bankfurt" because of the high number of banks located there.

Germany's Zoo Berlin has the largest number of species in the world.

Munich is home to English Garden (Englischer Garten), a huge city park where nudity is allowed in certain areas of the park.

Those who dream of a future in the music industry can apply to study at the Pop Academy in Mannheim.

Interesting facts about events in Germany:

In 2002, Pop star Michael Jackson created an international stir after dangling his infant son Prince over the balcony at the Hotel Adlon in Berlin.

John F. Kennedy mistakenly said (speaking in German) "I am a jelly donut" when giving a speech at the Berlin Wall.

Sources:

Facts About Germany, "Families"

Sacred Destinations, "Trier, Germany"

Justin Cleary. "Fast Facts About Germany", AOL.

Fat Tire Bike Tours, "Fun Facts and Figures About Berlin"

OAG, "Frankfurt Fun Facts"

Zoo Berlin, "Zoo Berlin"

Weihenstephan, "A Discovery Trip to the Origins of Beer"

Germany for Kids, "Celebrities"

Internet Movie Database, "Franka Potente"

Young Germany, "Pop Academy: A Career in the Music Industry"