Gera, Germany
Our relationship with Gera began in 1992 and stemmed from the large population of citizens of German heritage.
There have been numerous exchanges between Gera and Fort Wayne as artists, musicians, government officials, and students have participated in special events in both communities, most prominently Germanfest in Fort Wayne and Hohlerfest in Gera. Several students from Gera have been awarded a Chapman Scholarship for study at high schools in the Fort Wayne area.
About Gera
LEADERSHIP:
Committee Chair: Lorrie Freiburger
RESOURCES:
www.germany-info.org/relaunch/index.html
www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/gm.html
FORT WAYNE GERMAN ORGANIZATIONS:
www.germanfest.org
www.germanheritagesociety.com
www.fortwaynemaennerchor.us
www.fortwayneturners.org
www.fortwaynesportclub.com
HISTORY
Although Germany has been populated for thousands of years, the country achieved nationhood approximately 120 years ago. In the mid-twentieth century, following World War II, Germany was partitioned among the victors of that war, France, Great Britain, the United States and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. The partition caused a division of the country; the western portion became the Federal Republic of Germany, and the eastern sector became the German Democratic Republic. In the fall of 1990 the Russian Premier, Mikhail Gorbachev, altered his position and allowed the two sectors of Germany to re-unite.
TERRAIN & CLIMATE
Germany is centrally located on the European continent. It is densely populated, with over ninety percent of its citizens of native birth. In the most recent census there were over 91,000,000 residents. The climate in Germany has cool, cloudy, and wet winters along with wet summers with occasional warm winds.
EDUCATION
Germans highly value education and vocational training, research and the sciences. The education system is encouraging to individuals because they know that most likely a job will be waiting for them when they are done with school.
LANGUAGE
The official language is German. About 99% of the population speaks German, although there are several dialects. Germany is nominally a Christian nation with approximately one third of its citizens being Catholic and another third being Protestant.
