Details Location within Germany and EU

Coordinates 52°31'00?N 13°25'00?E? / ?52.516667, 13.416667Coordinates: 52°31'00?N 13°25'00?E? / ?52.516667, 13.416667 Time zone CET/CEST (UTC+1/+2) Administration Country Germany NUTS Region DE3 City subdivisions 12 boroughs Governing Mayor Klaus Wowereit (SPD) Governing parties SPD / Left Votes in Bundesrat 4 (of 69) Basic statistics Area  892 km² (344 sq mi) Elevation 34 - 115m Population 3,415,742 (11/2007)[1]  - Density 3,830 /km² (9,920 /sq mi)  - Urban 3,700,000  - Metro 4,940,000  Other information GDP/ Nominal € 81.7 billion (2007) Postal codes 10001–14199 Area codes 030 Licence plate code B Website berlin.de / 3D Berlin Berlin is the capital city and one of sixteen states of Germany. With a population of 3.4 million in its city limits, Berlin is the country's largest city.[2] It is the second most populous city and the ninth most populous urban area in the European Union.[3] Located in northeastern Germany, it is the center of the Berlin-Brandenburg metropolitan area, comprising 5 million people from over 180 nations.[4] First documented in 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).[5] After the Second World War, the city was divided; East Berlin became the capital of East Germany while West Berlin became a Western enclave, surrounded by the Berlin Wall from 1961-1989.[6] Following the reunification of Germany in 1990, the city regained its status as the capital of all Germany.[7] Berlin is a major center in European politics, culture, media, and science.[8][9][10] It serves as a continental hub for air and rail transport. The city's economy is primarily based on the service sector, encompassing a diverse range of creative industries, media corporations, environmental services, congress and convention venues.[11][12] Berlin is the third most-visited tourist destination in the EU.[13] Other industries include traffic engineering, optoelectronics, IT, vehicle manufacturing, health care, biomedical engineering, and biotechnology. The metropolis is home to world-renowned universities, research institutes, sporting events, orchestras, museums and personalities.[14] Berlin's urban landscape and historical legacy has made it a popular setting for international film productions.[15] Recognized for its festivals, contemporary architecture, nightlife and avant-garde arts,[16] Berlin has evolved into a focal point for individuals attracted by liberal lifestyle, modern zeitgeist and low cost of living.[17][18]