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The skyline of Frankfurt, Germany's financial district is a bustling center of growth. As the world's fourth largest economy and with the second lowest unemployment rate in the EU, Germany is undoubtedly holding its own. Courtesy of Thomas Lohnes/Getty Images
If you're after great cheese, Germany has it sorted. With over 400 varieties, Germany currently produces more cheese than any other country in Europe. An Emmentaler cheese stand is pictured at the Gruene Woche international agricultural trade fair at Messe Berlin. Courtesy of Sean Gallup/Getty Images
Who doesn't love chocolate? As the mastermind behind Kinder, Milka, Alpia and Ritter Sport, Germany is spoilt for choice. Chocolate truffles made from organic products, pictured, are displayed at the 2013 Gruene Woche agricultural trade fair in Berlin. Courtesy of Sean Gallup/Getty Images
It's safe to say that Germany has perfected the art of discount shopping. Global discount supermarket chain Aldi has 9,000 stores across 18 countries while Lidl has 10,000 stores across Europe. Courtesy of PETER PARKS/AFP/Getty Images
112 oxen, 48 calves and 6.4 million liters of beer were devoured at Oktoberfest this year. As the world's largest annual fair in Europe, a massive 6.3 million visitors traveled from across the world to attend the festival. Courtesy of Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images
Germany is known for its global presence in the realm of business. Companies such as Siemens, Bosch, BMW and Mercedes have grown into powerful corporations with a stronghold on the electronic and automobile industries. Courtesy of Sean Gallup/Getty Images
Siemens, the German engineering and electronics company, has its headquarters in Berlin and also happens to be Europe's largest engineering company. A worker, pictured, stands among rotor assemblies at the Siemens gas turbine factory in Berlin. Courtesy of Sean Gallup/Getty Images
Based in Wolfsburg, Volkswagen is Germany's leading automaker and the world's second largest car maker, producing 5 million cars worldwide in 2011 alone.
Courtesy of Sean Gallup/Getty Image
Courtesy of Sean Gallup/Getty Image
The country's unique apprenticeship scheme has played a key role in nurturing Germany's manufacturing success, with school leavers spending around 2-3 years training with companies. A trainee, pictured, files a piece of metal at a Siemens training center in Berlin. Courtesy of Adam Berry/Getty Images
World famous sports brands such as Puma, Reebok and Adidas also have their origins in Germany. Courtesy of Ian Walton/Getty Images
Classical composer Beethoven (1770 - 1827), generally considered to be one of the greatest composers in the Western tradition, was born in Germany. Courtesy of Henry Guttmann/Getty Images
