Since the fall of the Berlin Wall on Nov. 9, 1989, Germany has undergone many changes leading to the reunification of East and West Germany in 1990.
 
1990 In March, free elections are held in East Germany and non-communists gain control of the government.
In July, West Germany's currency the deutschemark becomes the official money of both East and West Germany.
In October, East and West Germany reunite into a single nation. Berlin is declared the country's capital.

1993 New government buildings are built in Berlin where the eastern and western parts of the city meet.
 
The two Germanys reunited quickly after the fall of the Berlin Wall. But the country still had a lot of obstacles ahead. The first challenge: raise money to help East Germany's standard of living. Funds were needed for education, housing and health care. Gradually, East Berlin recovered. Germany is now a member of the European Economic Community, whose members share a common currency, the Euro.
 

At the Newseum be sure to visit the "Beyond the Fall" exhibit, based on a book by Anthony Suau. The exhibit explores post-communist Eastern Europe.