•With the death of Adolf Hitler and the defeat of Germany, the allies divided Germany into four zones.•Then the United States, France, and Great Britain merged their zones into democratic West Germany.•The Soviet Union’s zone became East Germany, a communist country.

Berlin, Germany was at the center of the two countries, and was divided into East and West sides.

In 1961, East Germany government built the Berlin wall to divide the two countries.

East Germany’s government collapsed in 1989 and the Berlin Wall came down.

In 1990 Germany reunified East and West Germany and became one country again.

Germany has the largest population in Western Europe and German is the official language of Germany.

Roman Catholics and Protestants make up 1/3 of Germany’s population and about 4% are Muslims.

Part of Germany's culture includes classical music with such classical composers as Bach, Beethoven, and Johannes Brahms.

Germany is a federal republic, with a president who is the formal chief of state, mainly performing ceremonial duties. With the chancellor who heads the government.

The President is voted for by the people with the chancellor being selected by the government.

With the unification of Germany, East Germany is adjusting and becoming stronger with a unified market economy.

German Chancellor (Prime Minister ) Angel Merkel with President Barack Obama

The Alpine countries are Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.

All three have similarities as they were all once part of the Holy Roman Empire, have a common border with Germany, and German is one of their official languages.

The Alpine Countries: Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein

After the defeat in World war I, Austria-Hungary became Austria. After World War II, Austria adopted a policy of neutrality and does not participate in military conflicts.

Most Austrians are Roman Catholic and most speak German.

Capital of Austria, Vienna

Austria is about ¾ covered in mountains therefore the majority of sports they enjoy are skiing, ski jumping, snowboarding, hiking, backpacking, and other winter sports. Skiing in a very popular tourist spot

Innsbruck, Austria

Austria belongs to the European Union and its major industries are iron and steel production. Along with the Alps attracting a lot of visitors worldwide. Austrian Alps

Switzerland and Liechtenstein are both small countries that share a border. They both became independent in 1648 (Switzerland) and(Liechtenstein) in 1866.

The Capital of Liechtenstein Vaduz.

Switzerland’s official languages are German, French, and Italian, while Liechtenstein's official language is German.

Switzerland has a mix of Roman Catholic and Protestant, while most citizens of Liechtenstein are Roman Catholic. The Capital of Switzerland Bern

Switzerland is famous for it’s high quality watches and chocolate it produces, while Liechtenstein is known for its postage stamps.

Both countries are tourist destinations because of the Alps and they are financial centers of international finance with both using Swiss money.

Switzerland is a federal Republic (Constitutional Democracy) and Liechtenstein is a Constitutional Monarchy ruled by a prince with a prime minister and a parliament.

Flag of Switzerland

Hans Adam II Prince of Liechtenstein