Saarland

The Saar Loop - symbol of Saarland

It was only in 1920 that various former Prussian and Bavarian territories were combined to form Saarland. After World War II, Saarland was part of the French occupation zone. From 1947 the “Saar Protectorate” was an autonomous region with its citizens holding Sarrois nationality, and was under the aegis of France in the economic realm. In the wake of a plebiscite, Saarland joined the Federal Republic of Germany in 1957 and the Deutschmark was introduced in 1959.

At the heart of Europe, Europe in its heart

Saarland has long shifted from a peripheral national position to assume a role at the centre of Europe. It sees itself in a pioneering role as Europe becomes increasingly united. In conjunction with its partners, Lorraine (France) and Luxemburg, it is part of a European model region in which cultural exchanges and cross-border cooperation are part-and-parcel of everyday life. This process starts off in the classroom: Saarland is the only federal state to have made it compulsory to study both English and French in secondary school. At the University of the Saarland, German and French undergraduates enjoy the opportunity to study German and French law in parallel, obtaining a “Licence en droit” at the end of their course.

Important centre for the iron and steel industry

This European focus also benefits Saarland as a business location. In addition to mining, which shaped local industry for over a century, new growth sectors such as information technology and biotechnology have emerged alongside the more traditional ceramics, steel and automobile industries.

A business-oriented research network with four specialised state-run technical colleges, as well as universities and research institutions outside the university context, coupled with solid technological infrastructure, form the basis for success in the markets of the future.

Living life to the full

Although Saarland is fairly small, it offers a wide spectrum of different landscapes. Further hallmarks are its relaxed social ambience and strong commitment to the environment. On a per capita basis, Saarland is near the top of the German league table in terms of the number of crèche places and the extent to which solar energy is used.

Saarbrücken’s Ludwigskirche

A strong sense of one’s roots and a cosmopolitan attitude go hand-in-hand in Saarland. The broad spectrum of cultural activities on offer in the state capital, Saarbrücken, make this a particularly attractive state, as does the charming countryside, with hills and low mountains, thick forests and industrial heritage architecture.

The Saarländische Staatstheater, which presents opera, music and theatre, the German Radio Philharmonic Orchestra Saarbrücken Kaiserslautern, the Max Ophüls Prize for up-and-coming young filmmakers, the Saar Music Festival or the Modern Gallery in the Saarland Museum offer top-notch cultural events. Gastronomic good taste is in evidence too: the Saarland has Germany’s highest density of Michelin-starred chefs.

Service

• Address, contact information
• Contact