Munich

Munich (München in German) is the capital city of the Free State of Bavaria, located in the southern part of Germany. It is the third largest city in Germany, after Berlin and Hamburg. Munich is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and significant contributions to art, science, and technology.

History[edit | edit source]

Munich was founded by Henry the Lion, Duke of Saxony and Bavaria, in 1158. The city's name derives from the Old/Middle High German term Munichen, meaning "by the monks", as the city was initially a monk settlement. Munich was granted city status in 1175 and was transferred to the Wittelsbach family in 1180, who ruled until 1918, marking the end of the Bavarian monarchy.

Geography[edit | edit source]

Munich is located on the River Isar, north of the Bavarian Alps. The city's area is approximately 310.43 square kilometers, with an elevation of about 519 meters above sea level.

Culture[edit | edit source]

Munich is renowned for its numerous cultural institutions, including the Alte Pinakothek, one of the oldest art galleries in the world, and the Deutsches Museum, the world's largest museum of science and technology. The city is also famous for its annual Oktoberfest celebration and its beer halls, including the Hofbräuhaus am Platzl, which dates back to the 16th century.

Economy[edit | edit source]

Munich is a major international center of business, engineering, research, and medicine. It is home to many multinational companies such as BMW and Siemens. The city also hosts several universities and higher education institutions, including the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich and the Technical University of Munich.

Transport[edit | edit source]

Munich has a highly developed public transportation system, which includes the Munich U-Bahn, one of the most extensive underground networks in Germany, and the Munich S-Bahn, a suburban commuter rail network.