After more than 60 years of self-loathing and shame because of the Nazis, the Germans have fallen in love with themselves.

A study has shown that increasing numbers of Germans think they should be proud about their country.

Germany is preparing to celebrate 20 years of the downfall of the Berlin Wall and the 60 years since the founding of the post-war Republic that replaced the Third Reich.

A study, carried out by the Identity Foundation in Duesseldorf, showed twice as many Germans were 'very proud' to be German as eight years ago.