Eastern Germany, nearly 19 years after the Berlin (24.09.2008)

Unemployment is slowly falling in some regions of eastern Germany, nearly 19 years after the Berlin Wall came down. But a new report comparing development in regions that were once part of the communist east with those in the west presents a mixed picture. Long term joblessness remains a problem in much of the East. Young people may find it difficult to understand the historical reasons why the German east still lags so far behind the west of the country. That's why it's important for school children to visit places like the Marienfelde former refugee camp in Berlin.