Germany declares love for Heidi Klum and Bratwurst

BERLIN, May 26 (Reuters) As Germany prepares to welcome millions of visitors for the soccer World Cup, the nation is being encouraged to stop complaining and learn to love itself.

A new book, ''The Best of Germany'', singles out the 250 things which Germans should be proud of -- including supermodel Heidi Klum, the Volkswagen Golf and, of course, Bratwurst sausage.

''Whenever they are abroad, Germans are always talking about the lack of innovation, high taxes and the ageing population,'' the book's publisher, Florian Langenscheidt, said.

''Then the people you talk to say, 'for us Germany is still paradise' and this contrast made me think of producing the book. It doesn't say what we should be doing but rather celebrates a little bit what is good in Germany.'' The list was selected by a panel of German personalities, including football legend Franz Beckenbauer and talkshow doyenne Sabine Christiansen.

At 528 pages, it gives plenty of reasons for Germans to love themselves -- if you can count the Rawlplug and the Birkenstock sandal as contributing to a country's self-image.

However, critics say the book just goes to show how much trouble Germany has in finding a coherent national identity.

''Just a few weeks before the World Cup, Germany wants finally to be proud of itself, but for all the will in world, has no idea how to,'' said the left-wing daily Tageszeitung.

CAUTIOUS OPTIMISM? Since reunification in 1990, Germany has struggled to project a clear image of itself and has become increasingly glum in the face of towering unemployment and slowing growth.

But, says Langenscheidt, the tide is turning.

''Germany is finding a way to have a normal relation with its flag and its national symbols and that is what I would really appreciate if that were a consequence of this book,'' he said.

A recent bounce in public optimism is often credited to conservative Chancellor Angela Merkel, who features on page 52 of the book and who took over last year from flash and media-savvy Gerhard Schroeder. He is not mentioned.

''In terms of her personality, Merkel is less optimistic or charming than Schroeder but paradoxically she does a lot to create a more optimistic and a more constructive view of the world and of ourselves,'' Langenscheidt said.

Merkel has twice visited US President George W Bush since her appointment six months ago and has played a key role in Europe's negotiations with Iran over its nuclear programme.

Some say the election of a German pope (page 310) also helped beef up Germany's image at home and abroad.

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