
The wonders of Germany —
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.

Cheese capital? —
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.

World famous chocolate —
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.

Looking for a discount? —
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.

Beer heaven —
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.

Global presence —
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.

Renowned engineering —
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.

Car utopia —
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. 
Training professionals —
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.

Infamous sportswear —
World famous sports brands such as Puma, Reebok and Adidas also have their origins in Germany.

Legendary music —
Classical composer Beethoven (1770 - 1827), generally considered to be one of the greatest composers in the Western tradition, was born in Germany.