Stuttgart

Stuttgart is the capital and largest city of the German state of Baden-Württemberg. It is located in the southwest of the country, in the Neckar River valley and the foothills of the Swabian Jura. The city serves as the seat of state government and is a major economic and cultural center.

The city proper has about 635,000 residents, with the Stuttgart metropolitan area home to roughly 2.7 million people. Stuttgart is known for its engineering and high-technology industries, particularly in the automotive sector. It hosts the headquarters of Mercedes-Benz Group and Porsche, along with a broad network of suppliers, research institutions, and technology firms. The region also includes activities in electronics, information technology, and chemicals, contributing to its significance as an innovation hub.

Cultural and educational life in Stuttgart features prominent institutions such as the Staatsgalerie Stuttgart, the Old and New Castles, and the Stuttgart Opera (Staatsoper) and State Theatre. The Wilhelma Zoo and Botanical Garden is a notable attraction. The city is home to the University of Stuttgart and the University of Hohenheim, both renowned for engineering, sciences, and agriculture.

Transportation is centered on a dense rail and road network. Stuttgart Airport provides international and domestic flights, and the city is connected by the Stuttgart S-Bahn and U-Bahn networks. The Stuttgart 21 project aims to modernize the central railway hub with underground through-stations to improve capacity and urban integration.

Historically, the area has roots in ancient settlements and developed into the seat of the Württemberg duchy and later kingdom. It became the capital of the state of Württemberg and, since 1952, the capital of Baden-Württemberg. The surrounding region is part of the Württemberg wine area, with vineyards contributing to local production and tourism.