The Federal Republic of Germany, commonly known as Germany, is a country located in Central Europe. It is bordered by nine countries, including France, Poland, and Austria. Germany has a rich history and is known for its contributions to art, science, and philosophy. The capital city is Berlin, which is also the largest city in the country. Germany is a federal parliamentary republic, meaning it has a system of government where power is divided between the national and state governments. The country is made up of 16 states, known as Bundesländer. Germany has a strong economy and is one of the leading nations in the European Union, known for its engineering, automotive industry, and cultural heritage.