Germany has a lot of economic power in Europe, with the largest national economy, and is a leader in world trade. Berlin, its capital, has been a center for political and cultural activity since the early 12th century. It was the capital of Brandenburg during the Holy Roman Empire, as well as the kingdom of Prussia and now Germany. It was also home to the first German academy for art, and it's been a center for art and culture throughout history. As with any city, the environment has played a role in making Germany and Berlin what they are today.
The climate in Germany is generally temperate, it doesn't get too hot or too cold throughout the year. It also rains a lot, making the environment good for crops. The earliest settlements in the Berlin area took advantage of the favorable climate and the Spree River, which was a natural east-west trade route. Coming into the modern area, farming is less prominent in Berlin, but the central loaction still has a significant impact on the success of the city.
