The Free Hanseatic City of Bremen is the capital of the federal state of Bremen, the smallest state in Germany, with a population of 684,000 and an area covering 404 square kilometres, located in north-west Germany close to the North Sea coast. As a unique city in which history comes alive and the future is being planned, Bremen is a place of sensual pleasures, including not only things that melt in your mouth, but also countless delights to see and hear.
It is a city of art and culture, parks and gardens, romantic quarters, and elegant shopping malls. Indeed, Bremen has even more to offer: tradition and cosmopolitanism. The people of Bremen are by no means as stiff as they are often said to be. On the contrary, they enjoy celebrating frequently, preferably with guests from abroad who look forward to returning to Bremen as good friends. A city that can look back on a thousand-year history: nowhere is this more evident than on the famous market square, a favourite meeting place for the citizens of Bremen. The statue of Roland is the symbol of civic liberty and freedom in Bremen. In the town hall, the pulse of political life of the Free Hanseatic City still beats. The magnificent renaissance façade and the Bremen Town Musicians just around the corner are world famous.
Trade and shipping have determined the character of the city for centuries and play an essential role in the business life of Bremen and the Federal Republic of Germany. Bremen is a significant site for the automotive industry, electronics, and nautical science as well as the aviation and aerospace industry, and at the same time a centre of food, drink, and tobacco production. These industries are represented by companies such as Mercedes AG, STN ATLAS Elektronik, Lürssen Werft, Airbus, OHB, Beck's Beer, and Kraft Foods.
Cultural life is characterised by numerous museums and art collections, theatre, ballet, opera, and music. Bremen is a stronghold of sports such as football (SV Werder), horseback riding, handball, dancing, and cycling, with much-acclaimed international tournaments.