BasseSaxe

Basse-Saxe is a term that can refer to two distinct geographical and political entities, both located in Northern Germany. The more common and current usage refers to Niedersachsen, one of the sixteen federal states (Bundesländer) of Germany. This state, established in 1946 by the British occupation authorities, encompasses a significant portion of the historical region of Lower Saxony. Its capital is Hanover, and it is known for its diverse landscapes, including coastal areas along the North Sea, the Lüneburg Heath, and parts of the Harz Mountains. Niedersachsen is a densely populated region with a strong industrial and agricultural base.

Historically, the term "Basse-Saxe" (or similar variations like Nieder-Sachsen, Lower Saxony) also designated a larger historical duchy and later a kingdom within the Holy Roman Empire and subsequent German confederations. This historical entity was more extensive than the present-day state of Niedersachsen, often including territories that are now part of other German states, such as Westphalia and parts of Schleswig-Holstein. The historical Duchy of Saxony was a powerful force in early medieval Germany, and its fragmentation led to the emergence of various smaller Saxon duchies and principalities. The present-day state of Niedersachsen can be seen as a successor to the western parts of this historical realm, embodying a continuation of its cultural and geographical heritage.