The Goethe-Institut is the Federal Republic of Germany’s cultural institution operational worldwide. It promotes the study of German abroad and encourage international cultural exchange. It also fosters knowledge about Germany by providing information on its culture, society and politics. With their network of Goethe-Instituts, Goethe Centres, cultural societies, reading rooms and exam and language learning centres they have played a central role in the cultural and educational policies of Germany for over 50 years.