SchleswigHolstein

Schleswig-Holstein is the northernmost state of Germany. It is located on the Jutland Peninsula, bordered by the North Sea to the west, the Baltic Sea to the east, Denmark to the north, and the German states of Lower Saxony and Hamburg to the south. The capital and largest city is Kiel, with Lübeck among the other major urban centers.

Geography and population: Schleswig-Holstein covers about 15,800 square kilometers and has a population of around 2.9 million. The landscape includes coastal dunes, marshes, and the Eider River plain, combining agricultural areas with coastal towns along both the Baltic and North Sea coasts. The Kiel Canal, linking the seas, is a significant maritime artery.

History and administration: Historically, the region comprised the duchies of Schleswig (near the border with Denmark) and Holstein (on the Baltic coast). After 19th-century conflicts with Denmark, Schleswig-Holstein became part of Prussia in 1866 and joined the German Empire in 1871. In 1920, plebiscites split the Danish-speaking southern area; Northern Schleswig joined Denmark while Schleswig remained in Germany. The modern state of Schleswig-Holstein was established in 1946 in postwar Germany, consolidating the former Prussian territories.

Economy, culture, and institutions: The economy emphasizes shipbuilding, mechanical engineering, agriculture, and renewable energy, with wind power playing a growing role along the coasts. Tourism is important in Baltic and North Sea seaside towns. The Kiel Canal provides a major shortcut for international shipping. The state recognizes Danish and North Frisian as minority languages in designated areas near the border. Higher education institutions include the University of Kiel (Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel) and the University of Lübeck.