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2024-04-22T07:04:49Z

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[[File:Lower-Saxony-map.png|Lower-Saxony-map|thumb]] [[File:Luftaufnahmen_Nordseekueste_2012-05-by-RaBoe-D50_105.jpg|Luftaufnahmen Nordseekueste 2012-05-by-RaBoe-D50 105|thumb|left]] [[File:Lower_Saxony,_administrative_divisions_-_de_-_colored.svg|Lower Saxony, administrative divisions - de - colored|thumb|left]] [[File:Hannover_City.jpg|Hannover City|thumb]] [[File:Braunschweig_Luftaufnahme_Innenstadt_(2011).JPG|Braunschweig Luftaufnahme Innenstadt (2011)|thumb]] [[File:Hildesheim_-_Blick_vom_Berghözchen.jpg|Hildesheim - Blick vom Berghözchen|thumb]] '''Lower Saxony''' (''Niedersachsen'' in German) is a [[federal state]] in northwestern [[Germany]]. It is the second-largest state by land area, following [[Bavaria]], and fourth-largest by population. Lower Saxony borders more states than any other federal state in Germany, sharing its borders with [[North Rhine-Westphalia]], [[Hesse]], [[Thuringia]], [[Saxony-Anhalt]], [[Brandenburg]], [[Mecklenburg-Vorpommern]], and the [[Free Hanseatic City of Bremen]]. It also shares international borders with the [[Netherlands]] to the west and is bounded by the [[North Sea]] to the north. The state capital is [[Hanover]], which is also the largest city in the state.

== Geography ==
Lower Saxony is characterized by a wide range of landscapes, including the [[Harz Mountains]] in the southeast, which is the highest mountain range in northern Germany, and the [[North German Plain]] which is part of the larger [[European Plain]]. The state's geography is also marked by several rivers, including the [[Weser]] and the [[Elbe]], as well as the [[Ems]] estuary along the North Sea coast. The [[Wadden Sea]], off the North Sea coast, is a [[UNESCO World Heritage Site]] due to its unique tidal ecosystem.

== History ==
The region that is now Lower Saxony has been inhabited since prehistoric times, but it became historically significant during the [[Saxon Wars]] in the 8th century, when it was a key region of the [[Saxons]]. It later became part of the [[Holy Roman Empire]] and underwent various territorial changes over the centuries, including periods of control by the [[Hanoverians]], who would later become the British royal family. After [[World War II]], the state of Lower Saxony was established by the British military government, merging several former states and provinces.

== Economy ==
Lower Saxony has a diverse economy, with significant contributions from the automotive industry, agriculture, and energy production, particularly wind energy. [[Volkswagen]], one of the world's largest car manufacturers, is headquartered in [[Wolfsburg]], a major city in the state. The state is also a leader in the production of wind turbines and is home to some of the largest wind farms in Europe.

== Culture ==
The state boasts a rich cultural heritage, with numerous historic towns, castles, and museums. The [[Hanover State Opera]] and the [[Lower Saxony State Museum]], with its extensive collection of European art and archaeology, are notable cultural institutions. Lower Saxony is also known for its festivals and fairs, including the [[Hanover Schützenfest]], the largest marksmen's funfair in the world.

== Education ==
Lower Saxony is home to several renowned universities and research institutions, including the [[University of Göttingen]], known for its historic contributions to the sciences and humanities. The [[Leibniz University Hannover]] and the [[University of Oldenburg]] are also important academic centers in the state.

== Politics ==
The political landscape of Lower Saxony is similar to that of the federal level in Germany, with the [[Christian Democratic Union]] (CDU) and the [[Social Democratic Party of Germany]] (SPD) being the major parties. The state has its own parliament, the Lower Saxon Landtag, which is responsible for state legislation.

== Transportation ==
Lower Saxony has a well-developed transportation network, including major highways, railways, and waterways. The [[Autobahn]] network facilitates efficient road travel across the state and beyond, while the [[Hanover Airport]] serves as a major hub for both domestic and international flights. The state's ports along the North Sea coast are crucial for maritime trade.

== Environmental Initiatives ==
Lower Saxony is committed to environmental protection and sustainability, with extensive investments in renewable energy sources, particularly wind and solar power. The state also has several national parks and nature reserves, including the [[Harz National Park]] and the [[Lower Saxony Wadden Sea National Park]], which protect its diverse ecosystems.

[[Category:States of Germany]]
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Lower Saxony - Revision history

Prab: CSV import