Germany is a federation of 16 states, similar to the US, each with a distinct and unique culture and contrary to the general foreigner's conception not a very homogenous nation. Being the largest Central European country both in population and size, Germany is the largest economy in Europe and is also the world's biggest exporter nation. Even so, its size is tiny compared with most of the other powerful nations in the world. Berlin has been touted as one of the world's most fashionable big cities since the early 90s. Germany has a number of large cities, the most populous are Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Cologne, Frankfurt and Stuttgart. Germany offers a huge choice of regions most of which could provide an enjoyable and fascinating holiday. Germany is also famous for its forests, mountains and lakes. Bavaria is probably one of the most representatives German regions, from a foreign point of view. To visit this part of the country, you can go to Munich by air, train or bus and then visit other Bavarian cities, and you can also rent a car at Munich airport and explore the cities by yourself. Germany has world class opera houses and the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra is known as one of the Top three orchestras in the world. Several theatres in bigger cities play outstanding classical and contemporary plays. Germanys prides itself in the wide variety of cultural events and every city works out a cultural agenda. Germany is an excellent destination all the year although its climate can be unpredictable. Most people prefer to visit it between May and September when the sunny days are most likely. A lot of activities are popular in this season, especially outdoor events and festivals. The other seasons, from March to May and from October to early November, bring fewer tourists. In this season, travel to Germany is becoming more and more popular, especially to the ski areas in the Bavarian Alps.