Berlin is the capital of Germany and one of the 16 states of Germany. With a population of approximately 3.5 million people, it is the second most populous city prope rand the seventh most populous urban areain the European Union . Located in northeastern Germany on the banks of Rivers Spree and Havel, it is the centre of the Berlin-Brandenburg Metropolitan Region, which has about six million residents from over 180 nations.Due to its location in the European Plain, Berlin is influenced by a temperature seasonal climate. Around one-third of the city's area is composed of forests, parks, gardens, rivers and lakes.

First documented in the 13th century and situated at the crossing of two important historic tradre routes,Berlin became the capital of the Margraviate of Brandenburg(1417–1701), the Kingdom of Prussia(1701–1918), the German Empire(1871–1918), the Weimar Republic(1919–1933) and the Third Reich(1933–1945). Berlin in the 1920swas the third largest municipality in the world. After World War II, the city was divided; East Berlinbecame the capital of East Germanywhile West Berlinbecame ade facto West Germanexclave, surrounded by the Berlin Wall(1961–1989) and East Germany territory.Following German reunificationin 1990, Berlin was once again designated as the capital of united Germany.

Berlin is a world cityof culture, politics, media and science.Its economy is based on high-techfirms and the service sector, encompassing a diverse range of creative industries, research facilities, media corporations and convention venues.Berlin serves as a continental hub for air and rail traffic and has a highly complex public transportation network. The metropolis is a popular tourist  destination.Significant industries also include IT, pharmaceuticals, biomedical engineering, clean tech, biotechnology, construction and electronics.

Modern Berlin is home to world renowned universities, orchestras, museums, entertainment venues and is host to many sporting events.Its urban setting has made it a sought-after location for international film productions. The city is well known for its festivals, diverse architecture, nightlife, contemporary arts and a high quality of living. Over the last decade Berlin has seen the emergence of a cosmopolitan entrepreneurialcene.