Baden-Württemberg

Baden-Württemberg is a state in Southwest Germany, east of the Rhine River. It is the third-largest state in Germany by both area and population, with over 11 million people living there. The capital city is Stuttgart, and other important cities include Mannheim, Karlsruhe, Freiburg im Breisgau, Heidelberg, and Ulm.

The state was formed in April 1952 from the merger of three areas: South Baden, Württemberg-Baden, and Württemberg-Hohenzollern. These areas were created after World War II when the Allies divided Germany into occupation zones.

Baden-Württemberg has a strong economy and is known for industries such as car manufacturing, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering. Some of the largest German companies, like Mercedes-Benz Group, Porsche, Bosch, and SAP, have their headquarters there. The state is often called “Ländle,” a friendly nickname from local dialects.

History

Main article: History of Baden-Württemberg

Baden-Württemberg was formed from the lands of Württemberg, Baden, and Prussian Hohenzollern. Baden is along the right side of the Rhine river, reaching down to Lake Constance. Württemberg and Hohenzollern are more inland and hilly, including the Swabian Jura mountains. The Black Forest was the border between Baden and Württemberg.

Long ago, the Roman Empire entered Württemberg and built a wall called a limes along its northern edge. Later, the Alemanni pushed the Romans back. In 496 AD, the Alemanni were defeated by the Franks led by Clovis I.

Most people in this area stayed Roman Catholic, even after the Protestant Reformation changed religion in northern Germany.

After World War I, the rulers of Baden, Württemberg, and Prussia were removed, and these areas became democratic republics. Later, during Adolf Hitler's rule, these democratic systems were abolished.

After World War II, the Allies created three new states in this area: (South) Baden, Württemberg-Baden, and Württemberg-Hohenzollern. Baden and Württemberg-Hohenzollern were controlled by France, while Württemberg-Baden was controlled by the United States.

In 1952, these three states joined together to form Baden-Württemberg. There was a vote where most people agreed to this merger. Later votes also supported joining Baden and Württemberg together.

Geography

Baden-Württemberg is a state in southwest Germany. It borders Rhineland-Palatinate, Hesse, and Bavaria. It also touches France, specifically the area called Alsace in the region of Grand Est, and Switzerland, including areas like Basel-Landschaft, Basel-Stadt, Aargau, Zürich, Schaffhausen, and Thurgau.

Many important cities in Baden-Württemberg are along the Neckar River. This river starts in Villingen-Schwenningen and flows through places like Tübingen, Stuttgart, Heilbronn, Heidelberg, and Mannheim. The Rhine River forms the western and part of the southern border of the state. The Black Forest is a big mountain area east of the Rhine. Another important area is the Swabian Alb, a high plateau between the Neckar River, the Black Forest, and the Danube River. Baden-Württemberg also shares Lake Constance with Switzerland, Austria, and Bavaria. The Danube River begins near Donaueschingen where two small streams, the Brigach and Breg, meet.

Climate

Baden-Württemberg is one of the southernmost parts of Germany, along with Bavaria. The state's climate changes a lot because of its many mountains and highlands. In western areas like Baden, which are lower than 500–800 metres, the weather stays mild almost all year. Eastern areas, such as the city of Ulm, have colder winters than some places farther north like Berlin.

While some warm places rarely see snow in winter, areas like the Black Forest, Swabian Alb, and the Alps often have snow, especially at higher elevations. Summer rain is more common in these mountain areas, while the valleys get more sunny days in winter. Temperatures can range from about 5 °C in cooler spots like the Black Forest and Allgäu to around 13 °C in warmer valleys such as the Upper Rhine Valley.

Government

See also: List of cities in Baden-Württemberg by population

Baden-Württemberg is divided into thirty-five districts (Landkreise) and nine independent cities (Stadtkreise), grouped into four Administrative Districts (Regierungsbezirke/): Freiburg, Karlsruhe, Stuttgart, and Tübingen.

Baden-Württemberg has nine additional independent cities that are not part of any district.

Other state institutions

The Baden-Württemberg General Auditing Office watches over public offices to make sure money is spent correctly.

Politics

Main article: Politics of Baden-Württemberg

The state parliament of Baden-Württemberg is called the Landtag, and it is located in Stuttgart. The current government is made up of a team from the Greens and CDU, led by Winfried Kretschmann as the Minister-President.

Politics in Baden-Württemberg have often been led by the Christian Democratic Union of Germany (CDU). In 2011, voters chose a new team of Greens and Social Democrats (SPD) for the Landtag. In 2016, the Greens did very well and became the top party for the first time. They then worked with the CDU again. In 2021, they continued this teamwork.

Most recent election results

Main article: 2021 Baden-Württemberg state election

Economy

Baden-Württemberg is one of the richest parts of Europe. It has many good roads and trains, making it easy for people to travel. Even though it doesn’t have many natural resources like other places, it is very strong in business and jobs.

The state makes a lot of things that people buy in other countries. It also has many smart people who come up with new ideas. Some famous companies start here, like cars and computer programs. Many smaller businesses are very important too, and they help make the economy strong.

Tourism

Many people visit Baden-Württemberg for fun. The capital city, Stuttgart, has parks, museums, and special buildings to see. Other towns like Karlsruhe and Baden-Baden also have beautiful old buildings and places to relax.

You can find old castles, pretty forests, and lakes to enjoy outdoor activities. In the winter, people like to go skiing, and in the summer, they hike or ride bikes. There are also big festivals with music and food, and Christmas markets where you can find gifts and enjoy the holiday spirit.

Baden-Württemberg is also home to Europa-Park, the largest theme park in Germany.

Companies owned by Baden-Württemberg

Education

Baden-Württemberg is home to some of the oldest and most famous universities in Germany, including Heidelberg (founded in 1386), Freiburg (founded in 1457), and Tübingen (founded in 1477). The state also has three excellence universities: Heidelberg, Tübingen, Konstanz, and Karlsruhe, with Freiburg formerly holding this status.

Other important university towns are Mannheim and Ulm. In the state capital, Stuttgart, you can find the University of Hohenheim and the University of Stuttgart. Ludwigsburg hosts the national film school, the Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg. There are also many other schools for higher education, including special colleges for training teachers. Pforzheim University is known for its strong programs in engineering and business studies.

Baden-Württemberg has more universities than any other state in Germany.

Transport

Railway

Railways are very important for travel in Baden-Württemberg. As of 2017, the main railway network has about 3,350 kilometres (2,080 miles) of tracks connecting all big towns in the state, with about 6,500 trains running each day. There are special fast rail lines between Mannheim and Stuttgart, and between Stuttgart and Ulm. A new fast line between Karlsruhe and Basel is being built now.

Local train lines add more connections. Trains in the state are run by many different companies, including the country’s main train company and some smaller ones.

Urban public transport

See also: List of Baden-Württemberg transport associations

Baden-Württemberg has 19 groups that help organize buses and trains in the area. These groups make sure tickets work the same for all buses and trains.

As of 2023, there are tram and light rail systems in several cities including Freiburg, Heidelberg, Heilbronn, Karlsruhe, Mannheim, Stuttgart and Ulm.

Airports

Baden-Württemberg has several airports. The biggest is Stuttgart Airport, which is the main place for international flights. Other airports include Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden Airport and Friedrichshafen Airport. People also often use airports in nearby Basel, Frankfurt and Zurich.

Demographics

Baden-Württemberg had a population of over 10 million in 2014. About half the people were women and half were men. Many people in the state live long lives, with men living around 80 years and women around 84 years on average. The state is also home to many people from other countries, with about 28% having roots outside of Germany.

Vital statistics

• Births from January–March 2017 = 25,454
• Births from January–March 2018 = 25,161
• Deaths from January–March 2017 = 31,767
• Deaths from January–March 2018 = 31,725
• Natural growth from January–March 2017 = -6,313
• Natural growth from January–March 2018 = -6,564

Religion

People in Baden-Württemberg follow different religions. Many areas have been Protestant since the Reformation. Other areas are mainly Roman Catholic. Some people follow other religions or none at all.

Sports

Football

Football is very popular in Baden-Württemberg. Top teams include SC Freiburg, TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, and VfB Stuttgart.

Handball

Strong handball teams in the state include Frisch Auf Göppingen and Rhein-Neckar Löwen.

Basketball

The state has many professional basketball teams, such as Riesen Ludwigsburg and ratiopharm Ulm.

Ice hockey

Adler Mannheim is a well-known ice hockey team in the city of Mannheim.

Volleyball

VfB Friedrichshafen is the most successful volleyball club in German history.

Motorsport

Hockenheimring is a famous Formula One racing circuit.

Dialects

People in Baden-Württemberg speak different German dialects. In the south, they speak Alemannic dialects, while in the north, Franconian dialects are common.

Foreigners