Germany is a country located in Central Europe with 137,326 square miles, which is approximately the size of Montana. The population of this country is 82 million. Berlin has been the national capital since October 1990. Germany's government is a democratic, federal, multi-party republic with representatives chosen directly by the people. The Federal President is elected for a five-year term, and may be re-elected for only one-second consecutive term. The Federal Chancellor is elected for a four-year term and has no limitations on re-elections. There is also an Upper and Lower House Parliament.
             Over half of Germany's land is used for farming. One quarter of the land is forests; therefore, timber is one of Germany's great national resources (Figure 1). Other natural resources are iron ore, coal, copper, natural gas, and salt.
             Built-up Areas, Roads and Railways 11.8%
             Source: Germany Embassy, Washington, D.C. Statistics
             Since the European Union's (EU) founding in 1949, the Federal Republic of Germany has been one of the main advocates of European unification. Its founders recognized this European unification would strengthen Europe's position in the world and serve to promote peace, freedom, and prosperity on the Continent. Through the process of European integration, a transparent system of close mutual consultation and cooperation has been created which aims to peacefully reconcile the interests of all (German Information Center, 2003).
             The unification of Europe has been highly successful but this did not appear overnight. The joint efforts of Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands, the Federal Republic of Germany formed the European Coal and Steel community (ECSC) in 1952. This effort lead to the establishment of the European Economic Community (EEC) and the European Atomic Energy Community (EURATOM) in 1957. Through the Treaty establishing a Single Council and a S...