Saksen

Saksen, known in German as Sachsen and in English as Saxony, is one of Germany’s 16 federal states. It lies in the eastern part of the country and borders Poland to the east, the Czech Republic to the south, and the German states of Brandenburg to the north, and Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia to the west. The capital is Dresden, and the largest city by population is Leipzig.

Geography: The Elbe River flows through Dresden and Leipzig. The southern border runs along the Ore Mountains (Erzgebirge) with the Czech Republic. The region also includes Saxon Switzerland, a popular hiking area.

History: The area formed the Electorate and later Kingdom of Saxony. After World War I it became the Free State of Saxony within the Weimar Republic. In 1953 it was dissolved into districts in East Germany and reestablished as a state in 1990 after German reunification.

Population and economy: Saxony covers about 18,400 square kilometers and has roughly 4 million residents. The economy is diverse, with automotive, mechanical engineering, microelectronics, and chemical industries. Cities like Leipzig, Dresden, and Zwickau host manufacturing and research facilities.

Culture and sites: Saxony has a rich cultural legacy with music, art, and architecture. Notable sights include Dresden’s Zwinger and Frauenkirche, the Semperoper in Dresden, and the town of Görlitz. The region is also known for Saxon Switzerland and Erzgebirge crafts, including traditional Christmas artistry.