Westphalia

Westphalia is a historical region in northwestern Germany. It roughly corresponds to the western part of the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia and to adjacent parts of Lower Saxony. It is not an administrative unit in the present day but a cultural and historical area that has shaped regional identity.

Geography: The core lies west of the Weser river, with the Teutoburg Forest in its eastern reaches. The region encompasses areas traditionally grouped as Münsterland in the west and East Westphalia-Lippe in the east. It includes the cities of Münster, Bielefeld, and Paderborn, among others. The landscape ranges from plains to forests and gentle hills.

History and significance: Westphalia is best known for the Peace of Westphalia, negotiated and signed in 1648 in the cities of Münster and Osnabrück, which ended the Thirty Years' War and reshaped European state relations. The term has since become associated with ideas of state sovereignty and international law, embodied in the so-called Westphalian system.

Culture and economy: Westphalia has a distinct cultural identity within Germany, including dialects, cuisine, and historical towns. Its economy is diverse, with higher education institutions such as the University of Münster and other research centers, combined with industries in manufacturing, services, and agriculture.