Germany, one of the most historically and geographically diverse countries in Europe, is best understood through its maps.

For example, Belgium has an open border with fellow Schengen countries Germany along its Eastern border, and Spain which does not share a border, but not with Russia, which is a non-Schengen country.

Germany tried twice in the 20th century to conquer Europe and very nearly achieved that goal in World War II. In fact, not since Napoleon did any one country control so much of the continent. Here ...

For example, Belgium has an open border with fellow Schengen countries Germany along its Eastern border, and Spain which does not share a border, but not with Russia, which is a non-Schengen country.