The City of Berlin
 
Berlin is the national capital of Germany and its largest city, with 3,387,404 inhabitants (as of September 2004).
On the day of the German reunification, October 3, 1990, Berlin became an independent state as one of the three city states, together with Hamburg and Bremen that form 16 federal states (Länder). Berlin is subdivided into 12 boroughs called Bezirke, which have been combined from the earlier 23 boroughs with effect from January 1, 2001.
Capital of Germany
 
Berlin the capital of Germany is dynamic, cosmopolitan and creative, allowing for every kind of lifestyle. East meets West in the metropolis at the heart of a changing Europe. Germany's largest city is a city of opportunities just waiting to be seized in all areas, like entertainment, recreation, economy, science and academic life.

Berlin in Brief
Since the fall of the Wall on 9 November 1989, the city has undergone rapid and dramatic change. And as Germany’s capital, it is the seat of the German parliament and government.

Life in Berlin
Some call it wild, colorful, and full of surprises, while others find it a little too hectic and gruff. Berlin is intriguing because it is so versatile and so multi-faceted. Differences are more extreme, conflicts more tangible, and problems larger than they are elsewhere. Yet even Berlin’s contradictions are part of its appeal.
 

Politics and the constitution
Berlin is both Germany’s capital and one of the country’s 16 federal states (Länder). The city is committed to its role as host and partner to the federal government’s institutions and the other Länder, as well as to diplomatic missions, the media, and organizations and associations. The Governing Mayor of Berlin holds the city’s highest office and is also the federal state’s premier.
 

Business and finance
Even in times of declining economic activity, Berlin has been able to hold its ground as a competitive business location. The city’s outstanding infrastructure, its large and highly qualified workforce, and its excellent colleges, universities, and research institutions are major reasons motivating companies to locate here. Once an industrial city, Berlin is on the way to becoming a modern center of service providers. One important business sector is tourism. Berlin chalked up yet another record in 2006: with 15.91 million overnight stays and around 7.08 million hotel guests from Germany and abroad, the numbers for 2006 have outstripped those for 2005, itself a record year for tourism. The increase in overnight stays to 15.91 million represents growth of 8.8 percent.
 

Culture, education, and science
Berlin has regarded itself as a city of knowledge and culture since the days of Friedrich the Great in the 18th century. The political and cultural developments of the 19th and 20th century are visible throughout Berlin’s cityscape, reflecting both the history of architecture and various approaches to dealing with the consequences of war and destruction.