SHOPPING IN GERMANY:  The Federal Republic of Germany, with a population of app. 84,000,000, is centrally located in Europe and borders the Baltic Sea to the Northeast.   The capital and largest city is Berlin.  Although the unification of East and West Germany has put some strains on the economy, primarily in upgrading the former East German manufacturing standards, the German economy as a whole is stable and shopping in Germany is well diversified and rewarding.  Germany provides a great combination of urban sightseeing with the natural beauty of the countryside.  Shopping in Germany should include both big-city stores, malls such as the Alstertal in Hamburg, as well as charming rural shops.  As a highly industrialized nation, virtually every type of merchandise is readily available from a full array of specialty shops and department stores, making shopping in Germany convenient. Travelers and anyone shopping in Germany will find an exceptional variety of clothing and designer fashion stores, home furnishing outlets, electronics shops and more.  When shopping in Germany, don’t miss the well-crafted shoes and other leather goods.  Antique lovers will find shopping in Germany equally rewarding.  Top off a day of shopping in Germany with some of the typically German favorites, such as fabulous sausage, world famous beer and delicious chocolate products.