The bear is a fitting  symbol  of  Berlin - gruff,  endlessly adaptable,  forceful,  fiercely protective  of its young, able to endure times that would spell doom to a lesser species and, at once, loveable and frightening in some of its aspects.

With a history that has disproportionately shaped Europe's destiny - for both good and ill - Berlin today is a galvanic force in German, European and world affairs, wielding great influence in the realms of science, technology, commerce, architecture and the arts. The 'new world order' - however you may wish to define it - has a well-tuned, roaring outpost here.