Since reunification, Berlin has transformed from a divided, subsidized outpost into one of Europe's most dynamic capitals.
In 1991, the Bundestag voted to move the capital back to Berlin. The 1990s saw an unprecedented construction boom, creating new government districts like the "Federal Ribbon" and commercial centers like Potsdamer Platz. The 1999 opening of the renovated Reichstag, with its transparent glass dome, symbolized the new Germany.
Berlin has emerged as a global magnet for artists, musicians, and entrepreneurs. Known for its world-class museums, vibrant club scene, and "Silicon Allee" tech hub, the city has reinvented its economy around services, technology, and creativity.
Modern Berlin is a city of memorials. Sites like the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe and the preserved sections of the Berlin Wall ensure that the city's history remains a central part of its modern identity. For more on the city's changing face, see Berlin Architectural History and Berlin Tech Scene.