Open-minded, modern and tolerant these are the hallmarks of German society at the beginning of the 21st century. For the vast majority of people, the family still forms the nucleus of their lives, yet the forms people choose for living together have become far more numerous. Supported by consistent measures by the state to ensure equality, there has been a change in the interpretation of the roles men and women play. An increasing number of couples are now sharing domestic chores and the task of bringing up children, who are regarded as the parents partners. Violence as part of bringing up children is despised, whereas peaceful co-existence with people from other countries and cultures has become part and parcel of everyday life. Around nine percent of the population is foreign. In every sixth marriage one of the partners has a foreign passport. Most Germans also go abroad on holiday, and in 2002 spent 56 billion in the process. They do, however, also place great value on their own homes and are active as volunteers in clubs and charitable organizations.
Economy
The countryside
The federal states
Structure of the state
The people
Society
The Basic Law
Social security
Education
Climate |
