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Baden-Württemberg

People here are proud of being good at everything - except speaking High German. One thing’s for sure: Baden-Württemberg is not just top of the class in wine-making but also excels in the automobile and high-tech sector.

Enlarge image in new window: Foto: Proud traditions in the Black ForestProud traditions in the Black Forest

Baden-Württemberg only came into being as a single federal state relatively recently: it was formed in 1952 by combining the states of Württemberg-Hohenzollern, Württemberg-Baden and Baden. Today Baden-Württemberg is the third largest federal state in Germany and also has the third largest population. It borders on France and Switzerland and also shares a border with Austria at Lake Constance.

Between viticulture and high-tech

In the European arena, Baden-Württemberg ranks as a particularly innovative region: industrial high-tech, research and development are closely linked here. Baden-Württemberg is also one of Germany’s top exporting states. Mechanical engineering, the automobile industry and metal-working are among its most significant industries. Renowned German carmakers and automobile industry suppliers are based inter alia in Stuttgart and Sindelfingen.

Baden-Württemberg is also famous all over the world for its wines: the favourable climate makes this state Germany’s second largest wine producer, whilst Baden is the third largest wine-growing area in Germany.

Nine universities and a host of other higher education institutions offer students a highly nuanced range of opportunities. Degrees relating to the media, information and communication are flourishing. One example is the Pop Academy in Mannheim, where the emphasis is on the creative and commercial aspects of working in the music industry.

Cultural gems

Baden-Württemberg has a great deal to offer in the cultural realm: countless state, city-run and independent theatres, orchestras and choirs, along with music, theatre and film festivals.

Enlarge image in new window: Foto: Harbour in KonstanzHarbour in Konstanz, the largest city on Lake Constance

With over 1,000 museums, Baden-Württemberg has the highest density of museums in Germany. Karlsruhe’s Center for Art and Media (ZKM) is one of the world’s pioneering media art museums.

Stuttgart, the state capital, is renowned for ballet. The roots of this tradition date back to the Württemberg court in the 17th century. Sumptuous palaces, such as those in Karlsruhe and Ludwigsburg, bear witness to the feudal past.

Baden-Württemberg is also an appealing holiday destination. Historic baths and spas, fascinating cities and stunning landscapes, for example in the Black Forest, the Swabian Alps and Lake Constance, make Baden-Württemberg one of Germany’s most popular holiday destinations.


Baden-Württemberg


Coat of arms of Baden-Württemberg

State capitalStuttgart
Surface area35,751 km2
Population10.84 million
Number of votes in the Bundesrat6
Governing partyBÜNDNIS90/DIE GRÜNEN / SPD
Minister PresidentWinfried Kretschmann




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