Germany goes for an e-makeover

The German government has opened a portal which aims to promote a new image for the country overseas.

German president Johannes Rau launched the site yesterday, while musician and actor Blixa Bargeld has been appointed to monitor its content.

Deutschland.de contains more than 1,000 links to institutions and databanks in areas from tourism to scientific research.

The site is available in five languages, including English, and has webcams which show different aspects of the country.

The Deutschland-Portal proudly declares itself as independent of government control, free of advertising and non-commercial.