Economy

World War II and the three-month Soviet occupation in 1945 left Berlin's economy in shambles. With the aid of the United States and West Germany, West Berlin's industrial production was restored by the mid-1950's. The rebuilding of East Berlin's economy was slower, with the greatest development coming in the 1960's. Today, Berlin is Germany's largest single manufacturing center. Products include electrical and electronic equipment, automobiles, machinery, leather goods, textiles, processed foods, rubber, chemicals, and paper. Banking and insurance are also important.

Facts about Berlin
Name—May derive from a Wendish word meaning “dam,” because of a dam built on the Havel River in or near the settlement during its early history.
Location—52° 32' N., 13° 25' E.; about the same latitude as London. Berlin time is six hours later than Eastern Standard Time (6 P. M. in Berlin is 12 noon in New York City).
Area—341 square miles (883 km 2 ).
Altitude—about 100 feet (30 m) above sea level.
Climate—Average temperatures vary from 33° F. (1° C.) in January to 65° F. (18° C.) in (585 mm), including some snow.
Government—Berling is governed by a popularly elected House of Representatives, which elects a mayor and a Senate. The Senate acts as the mayor's cabinet.