Hanover

Hanover, officially Hannover in German, is the capital and largest city of the German state of Lower Saxony. It sits in northwestern Germany along the River Leine and is a major urban and economic center in the region.

The city has about 540,000 residents, with a metropolitan area that extends beyond the city limits. Hanover is a center for technology, logistics, and services, and hosts several international trade events that attract participants from around the world.

Hanover’s history reaches back to the medieval period. It grew under the Welf dynasty and became the capital of the Kingdom of Hanover from 1814 to 1866. After its incorporation into Prussia, it remained an important regional capital, and after World War II it became the capital of the modern state of Lower Saxony.

The city is known internationally for trade fairs, notably Hannover Messe, one of the world's largest industrial technology trade shows. It also hosted Expo 2000. Cultural institutions include the Herrenhausen Gardens, the New Town Hall, and several museums and theaters.

Notable landmarks include the Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall) with its viewing gallery, the Maschsee lake, Herrenhausen Gardens, and the Leine Palace. The local higher education sector is anchored by Leibniz University Hannover, along with other universities and research institutes.

Transportation in Hanover centers on Hannover Hauptbahnhof, a major rail hub with connections across Germany, and on motorways such as the A2 and A7. The city is served by an extensive public transit network and regional connections.