Social Custom

Why Germans Rarely Sing Their National Anthem in Its Entirety

Germany's national anthem, "Das Lied der Deutschen" (The Song of the Germans), has a complex and troubled past. Historically, the first stanza of the anthem has a strong connection with the Nazi regime. During the Nazi era, the anthem was misused to promote extreme nationalism and the heinous crimes committed by the regime. As a result, singing the first stanza is now considered a taboo in modern German society.

Andorra: A Country Without an Army or Its Own President

Andorra, a small country nestled in the Pyrenees Mountains between France and Spain, has a unique status when it comes to its military and leadership structure. In terms of defense, Andorra does not possess a standing army or any armed forces. Instead, its military defense is based on treaties it has signed with its neighboring countries, Spain and France. One such treaty is the 1993 Treaty of Good Neighborliness, Friendship, and Cooperation. There is only a minuscule volunteer army in Andorra, but its role is strictly ceremonial.