Berlin is the capital city of Germany and one of the sixteen states of Germany. It is Germany's largest city with a population of 3.4 million people. Located in northeastern Germany, it is the center of the Berlin/Brandenburg Metropolitan Region.Berlin is a world city of culture, politics, media, and science. Its economy is primarily based on the service sector. Significant industries include IT, pharmaceuticals, biomedical engineering, biotechnology, optoelectronics, traffic engineering, and renewable energy.

With a history dating back to the 13th century, Berlin was successively the capital of the Kingdom of Prussia (1701–1918), the German Empire (1871–1918), the Weimar Republic (1919–1933) and the Third Reich (1933–1945). After World War II, the city was divided; East Berlin became the capital of East Germany while West Berlin became a de facto West German exclave, surrounded by the Berlin Wall (1961–1989). Following German reunification in 1990, the city regained its status as the capital of all Germany.

Berlin is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the EU. The city is recognized for its festivals, diverse architecture, nightlife, contemporary arts, public transportation networks and a high quality of living.