Organisation
The Free State of Bavaria
Laptops and Lederhosen: it’s hard to think of any other highly industrialised region in the world that makes such a convincing job of building a bridge between the past and the future. In Bavaria cultural traditions recognised worldwide are part and parcel of everyday life.
Idyllic landscapes
This state in the south-east of the country, sharing borders with Austria and the Czech Republic, boasts over a thousand years of history. Since 1918 Bavaria has described itself as a Free State. The term refers to the notion of a “republic”. Bavaria has existed in its current form since 1946. It is the most extensive federal state and has the second-largest population in Germany.
Three regions, a rich cultural spectrum
The Munich region: business base for global players
Bavaria encompasses the regions of Old Bavaria, Franconia and Bavarian Swabia, each proud of its own linguistic traditions, specific customs and outlook on life. This diversity underpins the state’s rich cultural life.
Bavaria boasts four state and 17 city-run theatres with their own ensembles, as well as a host of privately run theatres and independent drama groups. Its art museums, such as the Pinakothek der Moderne and the Brandhorst Museum, present world-class collections and exhibitions. The Bayreuth Wagner Festival and Munich’s Opera Festival attract classical music aficionados.
Regional folk music is also alive and kicking in many corners of Bavaria. Munich and Nuremberg are renowned for their vibrant clubbing scene.
High-tech in idyllic surroundings
Once primarily agricultural, Bavaria has evolved into a modern industrial state. Its hallmarks are a productive network of “global players” combined with a solid stratum of small and medium-sized enterprises.
Bavarian hospitality
The key business centres are Munich, together with the area around the city, and the Nuremberg-Erlangen-Fürth region. High-tech automobile, electrical and engineering firms engaged in global business have their headquarters here, along with ICT and aerospace companies.
Munich is also an important centre for the media and publishing, as well as being a key player in the German football world, thanks to FC Bayern München, Germany’s most successful football club.
Tourism plays a major role in the economy, for Bavaria is the most popular holiday destination in Germany. In addition to the sights in the cities and Munich’s Oktoberfest, visitors are drawn to the idyllic landscapes in the Bavarian Forest, the Allgäu or the Alps.
Bavaria has a sound reputation as one of the foremost research locations in the world. Nine state universities, 17 specialised state-run technical colleges, six state art colleges, as well as a host of other higher education institutions offer a broad range of educational opportunities. Courses on offer range from brewing to nuclear technology or software engineering.
| State Capital | Munich |
| Surface area | 70,553 km2 | |
| Population | 12.66 million | |
| Number of votes in the Bundesrat | 6 | |
| Governing party | CSU / FDP | |
| Minister President | Horst Seehofer |
