Leipzig

Leipzig is a city in eastern Germany, in the state of Saxony. It lies in a historic trade corridor and has long served as a hub for commerce, publishing, and culture. With a population around six hundred thousand, it is one of the largest cities in Saxony.

Leipzig's importance grew in the Middle Ages as a center of trade, aided by its fairs and river connections. The Leipzig Trade Fair has existed since the medieval period and helped establish the city as a key trading link between northern and southern Europe. The city also became a center of printing and publishing, and its universities and libraries contributed to a broad intellectual culture.

The city is associated with music and art. Johann Sebastian Bach served as cantor at the St. Thomas Church, and the Gewandhaus Orchestra has a long history in the city. The University of Leipzig, founded in 1409, is one of the oldest in Europe and remains a leading research institution. The St. Nicholas Church became a focal point of the peaceful demonstrations that led to German reunification in 1989.

Today Leipzig is a major transport and logistics hub. Leipzig Hauptbahnhof is a large railway station serving national and international routes, and the Leipzig/Halle Airport provides air connections. The economy combines services, media, and manufacturing, including a BMW car production plant in the city, and a growing technology sector.