New states of Germany

Overview of the new states of Germany

The new states of Germany ( ) refer to the five federal states that were re-established in 1990 during the reunification of Germany. These states are Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia. They were part of the former German Democratic Republic (GDR) before reunification.

History

The new states were formed from the administrative regions of the GDR, which were known as "Bezirke". After the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, the process of reunification began, leading to the formal accession of these states to the Federal Republic of Germany on October 3, 1990, a day now celebrated as German Unity Day.

Geography

The new states cover an area of approximately 108,000 square kilometers, making up about 30% of Germany's total land area. They are located in the northeastern part of the country, with borders to Poland and the Czech Republic.

Population density of Germany

Demographics

The population of the new states is approximately 12.5 million people, which is about 15% of Germany's total population. The region has experienced significant demographic changes since reunification, including population decline and aging.

Germans without a migrant background (2016)

Economy

The economy of the new states has undergone significant transformation since reunification. Initially, the region faced economic challenges, including high unemployment and the collapse of many industries. However, there has been substantial investment in infrastructure and development, leading to economic growth and modernization.

Tesla factory in Brandenburg

Culture

The new states have a rich cultural heritage, with influences from both German and Slavic traditions. The region is known for its historical architecture, music, and festivals. The "Ampelmännchen," a pedestrian traffic light symbol, is a cultural icon originating from the GDR era.

Ampelmännchen

Politics

Politically, the new states have seen a diverse range of party support. The Left Party (Die Linke) has traditionally had strong support in the region, reflecting its roots in the former GDR's ruling party.

Support for Die Linke in 2009

In recent years, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) has gained significant support in the new states, reflecting broader political trends in Europe.

AfD support in 2013

AfD support in 2017

European Union

The new states are part of the European Union, and their citizens participate in European elections. The region's integration into the EU has brought economic benefits and opportunities for development.

European Parliament election results in Germany 2024

Future Developments

The new states continue to face challenges such as economic disparities and demographic changes. However, ongoing investments and policy initiatives aim to address these issues and promote sustainable development.

German federal election 2025

Related pages

• German reunification
• History of Germany
• Politics of Germany