Organisation
The Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg
Hamburg is often described as the “gateway to the world”. A cosmopolitan flair and a strong sense of civic freedom are the hallmarks of this Hanseatic city with a prime location on the Elbe near the coast, just one of its many attractions.
Germany’s largest sea port
Hamburg is a city and a federal state rolled into one. It is the second largest city in Germany, whilst ranking among the smaller federal states. Hamburg boasts a long history as a city-state. Its full name, “The Free and Hanseatic City”, reflects both its tradition of independence and the influence of its mercantile past as a member of the Hanseatic League. The parliament of Hamburg goes by the name of “Bürgerschaft”. The government of this city-state, headed by the First Mayor, is called the Senate.
New departures
Hamburg is Germany’s largest sea port and the country’s most important foreign trade centre – even today, sailors still add flair to the city’s streets. At the interface between European and global markets, Hamburg has however also developed into an important manufacturing and service hub.
Hamburg is the top player in the German media business: the regional television channel, Norddeutsche Rundfunk, is based in the city, producing the main news programmes for the ARD, Germany’s consortium of regional public service broadcasters. Numerous commercial broadcasters also have their headquarters here, along with the largest newspaper and magazine publishers. The city also enjoys an excellent international reputation for hosting congresses and trade fairs. It is the third largest consular centre in the world too, with 100 consulates.
HafenCity
HafenCity, currently the largest city-centre urban development project in Europe, creates a link between maritime tradition and the knowledge society of the future. A modern urban area with a mix of different utilisations is coming into being here. Groundbreaking architecture is being developed just a stone’s throw from the historical warehouse district, the Speicherstadt, which is now home to trading companies, publishing houses and museums. There is even a university here: HafenCity University Hamburg, which was founded in 2006 and focuses on the built environment and metropolitan development – the only institution of its kind in Europe.
With 17 public or officially accredited universities, Hamburg is a vital hub for education and research in northern Germany.
Currents of change
Hamburg is famous for its musicals and its highly respected museums and exhibition venues. Audiences from northern Germany and far beyond flock to more than 60 theatres throughout Hamburg.
Vibrant scenes in St. Pauli
Hamburg’s cultural development has traditionally been closely linked to vigorous support from the people of the city, for as a free city Hamburg could not rely on court patronage to support the arts. The Elbe Philharmonic Hall, partly funded by a foundation, is Hamburg’s latest flagship project.
Vibrant alternative culture is also alive and kicking, particularly in the St. Pauli district. In the world of pop, the “Hamburg School” is a real trendsetter for the German independent music scene. Hamburg is a green metropolis offering a host of leisure and recreational activities, thanks to the Alster lakes right in the heart of the city, not to mention the many parks and open spaces.
| Surface area | 755 km2 |
| Population | 1.79 million | |
| Number of votes in the Bundesrat | 3 | |
| Governing party | SPD | |
| First Mayor | Olaf Scholz |
