Germany （6do encyclopedia）

[brief (簡報編譯)]

Germany is a country located in the heart of Europe. It is the most populous country in the European Union, with a population of over 83 million people. The country borders Denmark to the north, Poland and the Czech Republic to the east, Austria and Switzerland to the south, and France, Luxembourg, Belgium, and the Netherlands to the west.

Germany has a rich history that dates back to the Holy Roman Empire in the Middle Ages. Over the centuries, the country has experienced periods of great economic prosperity and devastating wars. Today, Germany is a thriving country known for its technological achievements, economic strength, and cultural treasures.

Geography and Climate

Germany is situated in the central part of Europe and covers an area of 357,376 square kilometers. The landscape of Germany is varied, ranging from the high peaks of the Alps in the south to the low-lying plains of the north. The country is also home to dense forests, rolling hills, and beautiful lakes.

The climate of Germany is temperate, with mild winters and cool summers. The average temperature in January is around 0 degrees Celsius, while the average temperature in July is around 18 degrees Celsius. The country is known for its frequent rainfall, which keeps the landscape lush and green.

Population and Language

Germany has a population of over 83 million people, making it the most populous country in the European Union. The majority of the population is of German ethnicity, but the country is also home to a significant number of immigrants from other countries. The largest immigrant groups in Germany are from Turkey, Poland, and Syria.

The official language of Germany is German, which is spoken by the majority of the population. There are also several regional dialects spoken throughout the country. English is widely spoken and understood, especially in urban areas and among younger generations.

Culture and Traditions

Germany has a rich cultural heritage that encompasses art, music, literature, and cuisine. The country is known for its classical music tradition, with famous composers such as Beethoven, Bach, and Mozart having lived and worked in Germany.

The country is also famous for its beer culture, with over 1,500 breweries and a wide variety of beer styles to choose from. German cuisine is known for its hearty, filling dishes, such as sausages, Schnitzel, and sauerkraut.

One of the most famous cultural traditions in Germany is Oktoberfest, a 16-day festival held annually in Munich. The festival attracts millions of visitors from around the world and features beer tents, traditional clothing, and live music.

Politics and Government

Germany is a federal parliamentary republic, with the Chancellor serving as the head of government. The President serves as the head of state but has limited powers. The country has a multi-party system, with the Christian Democratic Union and the Social Democratic Party being the largest political parties.

The German parliament is composed of two houses: the Bundestag and the Bundesrat. The Bundestag is the lower house and is responsible for passing legislation, while the Bundesrat is the upper house and represents the interests of the 16 federal states of Germany.

Economy

Germany has the largest economy in Europe and the fourth-largest economy in the world. The country is known for its strong manufacturing sector, with companies such as Volkswagen, BMW, and Siemens being world leaders in their respective industries.

Germany is also a major exporter, with the country exporting goods such as cars, machinery, and chemicals to countries around the world. The country has a highly skilled workforce and invests heavily in research and development, which has helped to drive its economic success.

Conclusion

Germany is a fascinating country with a rich history, vibrant culture, and strong economy. Its position in the heart of Europe has allowed it to play a significant role in the region’s political and economic development. Today, Germany remains a global leader in technology and innovation, and its cultural treasures continue to draw millions of visitors from around the world.

---

Disclaimer
6do Encyclopedia represents the inaugural AI-driven knowledge repository, and we cordially invite all community users to collaborate and contribute to the enhancement of its accuracy and completeness.
Should you identify any inaccuracies or discrepancies, we respectfully request that you promptly bring these to our attention. Furthermore, you are encouraged to engage in dialogue with the 6do AI chatbot for clarifications.
Please be advised that when utilizing the resources provided by 6do Encyclopedia, users must exercise due care and diligence with respect to the information contained therein. We expressly disclaim any and all legal liabilities arising from the use of such content.

[brief (簡報編譯)]

Ukraine updates: Russia hits hometown of Eurovision duo

Deutsche Welle

23-05-14 10:54

Russia launched cruise missiles and Iranian-made kamikaze drones at Ukrainian targets overnight, with drones and missiles launched from aircraft and Black Sea warships, according to the Ukrainian Air Force. Most of the 25 drones launched were of the Iranian Shahed-136/131 type, and three cruise missiles were fired. Ukrainian defences shot down all the drones and missiles, apart from two rockets that hit the city of Ternopil. Russian has increased the number of missile and drone attacks this month, with Ukraine attributing the spike to Moscow's fear of an expected Ukrainian counteroffensive.

https://www.dw.com/en/ukraine-updates-russia-hits-hometown-of-eurovision-duo/a-65617949

[brief (簡報編譯)]

‘The Diplomat’ vs. Reality

NY Times

23-05-14 10:52

The U.S. State Department's top diplomat for Europe, Wess Mitchell, resigned in January after just 16 months in the post, citing personal reasons, according to a statement released by the department. Mitchell was a key figure in imposing US sanctions on Russia for interfering in the 2016 presidential election, although his role in President Donald Trump’s efforts to improve relations with Russia was limited. Mitchell's departure follows a series of other exits of senior officials from the State Department and White House over the last year, including secretaries of state, national security advisers and the ambassador to the UN.

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/14/briefing/the-diplomat-netflix-reality.html?searchResultPosition=2

[brief (簡報編譯)]

Syria invited to Arab League meeting, despite war crimes

Deutsche Welle

23-05-14 10:50

Syria will attend the upcoming meeting of the Arab League, hosted by Saudi Arabia on May 19, following a decision made in Cairo earlier this month to allow the country back into the 22-member group. Syria was suspended from the body in 2011 after its peaceful revolution turned into war. The decision comes as Arab League members start to rebuild connections with the authoritarian Assad regime, in the hope of diminishing Iran’s influence. But human rights groups and Syrian civil society organizations have accused the organization of welcoming back a government that has committed numerous human rights abuses and war crimes, including the use of chemical weapons. The Syrian Network for Human Rights claims that between December 2012 and November 2022, the Syrian government carried out 217 chemical weapons attacks on its opponents, killing at least 1,500 people, among them 205 children and 250 women, and injuring a further 12,000 people. The country’s drug trade, including the production of the highly addictive Captagon, is thought to be worth between $3bn and $5bn.

https://www.dw.com/en/syria-invited-to-arab-league-meeting-despite-war-crimes/a-65604266

[brief (簡報編譯)]

LIVE — Ukraine's Zelenskyy thanks Germany for support

Deutsche Welle

23-05-14 10:47

The German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, has pledged ongoing support to Ukraine as it seeks to repel Russian attacks, following a meeting with Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in Berlin. A new aid package worth €2.7bn included 30 of Germany’s Leopard tanks, fighting vehicles, reconnaissance drones and air defence systems, along with a commitment for over €15bn in humanitarian and military aid to Ukraine over the last five years. Ukraine continues to push for longer term goals, including joining European structures and transatlantic alliances such as NATO. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy will be awarded the prestigious Charlemagne Prize on 13 February.

https://www.dw.com/en/ukraines-zelenskyy-thanks-germany-for-support-in-berlin-live-updates/a-65613383

[brief (簡報編譯)]

NATO not likely to intervene in an Indo-Pacific conflict, says MSC chief

Japan Times

23-05-14 10:31

The chairman of the Munich Security Conference, Christoph Heusgen, has said that despite NATO’s plans to open an office in Japan, the alliance is unlikely to get involved in any potential conflict in Asia. Heusgen said opening a liaison office in Tokyo demonstrates the interest of NATO countries in regional stability and underlines the close partnership between NATO and Japan, but an active involvement by NATO in any potential conflict in Asia is "by definition excluded in the treaty".

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/05/14/national/nato-asia-partnership/

[brief (簡報編譯)]

G7 host Japan seeks unity on threat from China

Financial Times

23-05-16 01:23

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s key aim during the annual G7 summit this weekend is to establish a united G7 response to China's military ambitions and "economic coercion," as the country continues to seek closer ties with NATO and imposes sanctions against Moscow as a result of the ongoing war in Ukraine. China’s interventionism has driven Japan to adopt a very cautious approach, revamping its military organisation and increasing security cooperation with nations in Southeast Asia and Europe. However, it is anticipated that the G7 will not agree on any specific new economic tools of security, and crucially, China will not be named in the statement. This widespread caucus approach aims to support countries being bullied by China rather than being completely focused on an offensive strategy. The EU, as well as other G7 members, remain very reluctant to adopt a more antagonistic stance, preferring to improve relations with emerging economies, particularly from Asia, Africa and South America.

https://www.ft.com/content/0998ac9a-58eb-44e2-b362-42cf5a0d468b

[brief (簡報編譯)]

Death penalty: Amnesty reports major increase in executions

Deutsche Welle

23-05-16 00:01

Iran and Saudi Arabia recorded a combined 80% of registered executions worldwide last year, according to Amnesty International. Iran killed 576 people, almost double the previous year’s figure, and six people were executed per day in Saudi Arabia, which saw 196 killed. At least 883 people were executed in total in 2022, an increase of over 50% on the previous year, and the highest number in five years. Amnesty did not include the estimated thousands of executions carried out in China or, among others, North Korea and Vietnam. At the end of the year, 112 countries had abolished the death penalty, with 125 countries voting for a moratorium on its use.

https://www.dw.com/en/death-penalty-amnesty-reports-major-increase-in-executions/a-65630256

[brief (簡報編譯)]

In European Tour, Zelensky Reaps Billions More in Promised Military Aid

NY Times

23-05-15 23:00

Germany has pledged to give Ukraine a nearly $3 billion package of weapons, as well as making less concrete promises of additional weapons from France and Italy. The United States remains by far the largest supplier of weapons to Ukraine but support for Ukraine in the US is likely to come under pressure. US white house officials have said privately that they remain confident they have bipartisan support in Congress to continue helping Ukraine in the near term. The European Union package of aid includes long-range missiles, attack drones and tanks, and other armoured vehicles, which will fulfill many but not all the demands for weapons that Ukraine has said it needs for a counteroffensive. Military analysts have said the European reinforcements make it highly likely that Ukrainian troops forces will soon strike back at Russian forces that control the country’s south. The European Union's show of support for Ukraine underscores that the war is in a pivotal phase, with Ukrainian forces massing for a counteroffensive that could set the terms for any future negotiation with Russia.

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/15/world/europe/ukraine-war-zelensky-foreign-aid.html?searchResultPosition=1

[brief (簡報編譯)]

Summit a ‘major diplomatic event’ to boost China’s ties with Central Asia

South China Morning Post

23-05-15 22:00

China is expected to boost its diplomatic and economic ties with is neighbouring region of Central Asia, providing security guarantees and promoting trade as tensions with Russia and the West mount. President Xi Jinping will host the two-day summit in Xian in Shaanxi with his counterparts from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. The leaders will sign "important political documents" while discussing key issues such as Ukraine and Afghanistan, and strengthening coordination on internationals matters. China has long viewed Central Asia as critical for its trade expansion and energy security, and in the decade since President Xi launched the Belt and Road Initiative, trade between the six nations has grown rapidly, reaching $70.2bn last year, an increase of 40% year on year. The leaders' meeting will be a "milestone in the history" of China and Central Asia and will "open a new era of cooperation," according to the Chinese foreign ministry.

https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3213710/summit-major-diplomatic-event-boost-chinas-ties-central-asian-nations-amid-ukraine-afghanistan

[brief (簡報編譯)]

Ukraine cannot win on promises alone

Telegraph

23-05-15 22:00

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been meeting with heads of government in Germany, France, and the UK to seek out increased assistance for his war effort. As the conflict enters a critical phase, Kyiv is preparing for a counter-offensive, but Zelensky has played down expectations of an imminent mass advance, stating that it is likely to be a sequence of manoeuvres. It is essential that Ukraine launches the counter-offensive from a position of strength with as much of the promised weaponry from NATO delivered as possible. However, the greatest unknown is Russia's air power. The Kremlin has thus far failed to use its air power effectively above Ukrainian-held territory, but without more fighters and bombers, Ukraine may struggle to hold their positions. The biggest immediate issue is whether to expedite Ukraine's membership of NATO, to which Germany in particular remains opposed.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/2023/05/15/ukraine-cannot-win-on-promises-alone/

[brief (簡報編譯)]

EU top diplomat calls on bloc to court developing countries

Financial Times

23-05-16 05:18

The EU's chief diplomat, Josep Borrell, has called for a tailored approach to reaching out to countries in the developing world, and has urged the EU to accept that these countries will not take sides in disputes such as that between Russia and Ukraine. Borrell's comments come ahead of a G7 summit in Japan, a meeting that will aim to persuade developing countries to align themselves with the G7 in condemning Russia's actions. Borrell added that Europe would need to work hard to gain the trust and respect of developing nations.

Research suggests that Europe’s desire to plough billions of dollars into gas infrastructure banks on a future that may not materialise. Even if energy becomes cheaper, gas consumption is set to fall in Europe, with the fossil fuel infrastructure being seen as unnecessary by 2030 by some. The push towards renewables due to environmental concerns will coincide with a reduction in gas consumption, which could decrease by almost a third in a low price scenario. Politicians have argued that much of the gas infrastructure can be converted for use in the production of green hydrogen produced by renewable power, however, engineers have warned this may not be a cost-effective investment.

https://www.ft.com/content/c87a3208-8816-4144-860a-4a27d6f5baeb

[brief (簡報編譯)]

Putin launches fresh wave of deadly strikes on Kyiv – live

The Independent

23-05-16 04:23

Russian forces have launched another volley of missile attacks on Kyiv, killing three people and injuring others, according to official sources. The wave of rocket and missile assaults targeted the Ukrainian capital as well as the regions surrounding it and came a week after similar attacks garnered worldwide condemnation. The Putin-led regime's actions have triggered air raid alarms, with city-dwellers across the country bracing themselves as Ukraine declares advanced weapon sales across European nations. Meanwhile, China's envoy is preparing to visit both Ukraine and Russia despite slim hopes of brokering a peace agreement between the two countries.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/russia-ukraine-putin-uk-long-range-attack-drones-b2339516.html

[brief (簡報編譯)]

How a publicity-shy chair is revamping Deutsche Bank

Financial Times

23-05-16 04:23

Alexander Wynaendts, Deutsche Bank's chairman, has gained respect among insiders and investors by taking a "low public profile" and keeping his focus on issues such as control flaws and costs. Wynaendts has so far stayed out of public spats, unlike his predecessor Paul Achleitner, who attempted to compromise behind the scenes, and he has won praise for cutting the bonuses of top Deutsche executives. However, some investors remain wary of Wynaendts' outsider status.

https://www.ft.com/content/566a0cee-2c69-4d39-af47-7939bbb3e6a9

[brief (簡報編譯)]

FirstFT: High Court judges invested in tax avoidance schemes

Financial Times

23-05-16 04:19

Three high court judges in the UK invested in controversial tax avoidance schemes, including one judge who has ruled on tax avoidance cases. The investments date back about a decade, but records show the judges retained their interests in the schemes after taking their positions. The issue has raised questions about the country's lax approach to disclosure of judicial interests. There are no formal rules requiring UK judges to make public disclosures about their finances.

https://www.ft.com/content/ecea0612-e64c-4ca6-93dc-b1af6cc6e231

[brief (簡報編譯)]

Singapore orders recall of baby food for containing too much arsenic

South China Morning Post

23-05-16 04:02

Singapore's food standards watchdog has issued a recall on three infant products, after discovering levels of arsenic above the maximum amount allowed under regulations. The items affected are Wen’s Baby Cereal Purée Whitebait and Pumpkin, Wen’s Baby Cereal Purée Whitebait and Purple Sweet Potato and Holle Organic Wholegrain Cereal Rice. The Singapore Food Agency found levels of arsenic in the products, which have expiry dates ranging from September 15, 2021, to January 20, 2022. The agency recommends seeking medical advice if concerns arise regarding products children have already consumed.

https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3220676/singapore-orders-recall-baby-food-containing-too-much-arsenic

[brief (簡報編譯)]

European stocks stumble as rate concerns return

Financial Times

23-05-16 09:20

European stocks fell at the start of trading on 18 May after the European Commission raised its EU-wide consumer price inflation forecast to 6.7% for this year, higher than previous estimates of 6.4%, adding to fears that interest rates will remain high. The eurozone economy is also expected to have stagnated at 1.3% year on year in first quarter 2023, according to Reuters. A host of investor caution will be exacerbated by the release of US retail sales data for April, as emerging markets continue to struggle amid a paradigm shift in global markets.

https://www.ft.com/content/e0702827-c666-454e-95d4-56ba01001166

[brief (簡報編譯)]

Chelsea swoop for Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Nusken

The Independent

23-05-16 09:12

Chelsea Women have completed the signing of Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Sjoeke Nusken on a three-year deal. The 22-year-old has played close to 100 times for Frankfurt and has won 15 caps for Germany, scoring twice. Nusken will make the move to Chelsea after the end of the current campaign. The Women’s Super League (WSL) club are still in the running for their fourth consecutive WSL title, and could go two points clear of current leaders Manchester United by winning their game in hand against West Ham on Wednesday.

https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/eintracht-frankfurt-germany-super-league-blue-emma-hayes-b2339651.html

[brief (簡報編譯)]

Germany: 5 sentenced to prison for 100-million-euro jewelry heist

The Toronto Star

23-05-16 08:56

Five men have been convicted and sentenced to prison over the theft of 21 18th-century jewels from the Green Vault Museum in Dresden in 2019. They were given sentences of between four years and four months to six years and three months and were convicted of various crimes, including particularly aggravated arson in combination with dangerous bodily injury and theft with weapons. The five men set fire to a car in a nearby garage to cut off power to the street lamps outside the museum.

https://www.thestar.com/news/world/europe/2023/05/16/germany-5-sentenced-to-prison-for-100-million-euro-jewelry-heist.html

[brief (簡報編譯)]

Deutsche Bahn battles crisis amid €49 ticket launch

Deutsche Welle

23-05-16 08:38

Deutsche Bahn (DB), Germany's state-owned rail company, has been criticised for delays, losses and debt. DB trains were late one-third of the time last year and the company has also struggled in its freight and cargo business. Passengers have been affected by the poor service, including overcrowded trains and expensive tickets. DB is €30bn ($32.6bn) in debt and has battled industrial disputes. Its network is old and has needed investment in infrastructure for some time. The company has reduced its railway network by around 20% since 1994 and reduced the number of railroad switches. Network capacity is now a problem with trains running at nearly full capacity. While criticism of DB has increased, the German government has pledged to invest €45bn in DB by 2027. The hope is to revitalise and retrofit the network and achieve climate neutrality by 2045. A recently launched €49 monthly ticket covering all transport networks across Germany's regions also aims to persuade people to use public transport.

https://www.dw.com/en/deutsche-bahn-battles-existential-crisis-amid-49-ticket-launch-industrial-strife/a-65628256