Berlin is the capital of Germany and is a major metropolitan city the second largest in Europe with upwards of 3.6 million documented residents. Germany's history has greatly influenced its religious landscape, and Berlin is located within what was once separated as East Germany, which is still one of the least religious regions in the world. Thus, Berlin is often referred to as "the atheist capital of Europe." and it is estimated that approximately 1% of the city's population have a personal faith in Jesus. Over one million people living in the area have foreign backgrounds originating from over 180 different countries. With the high rates of refugees arriving from the Middle East and parts of Africa, as well as people from around the world immigrating for other reasons, the multicultural landscape of Berlin continues to diversify. This, and Germany's prominent standing in world affairs, makes Berlin a strategic place of global influence.