Bremen (state)

Bremen, officially called the Free Hanseatic City of Bremen, is the smallest state in Germany. It is made up of the city of Bremen and its seaport, Bremerhaven. Even though it is tiny, Bremen has a rich history as a important trading city.

Bremen is surrounded by the state of Lower Saxony, which is much larger. Because of its location near the sea, Bremen has always been a key place for trade and business. The people of Bremen take pride in their city's unique culture and history.

Geography

The state of Bremen has four separate areas. The two main areas are the city of Bremen, which is the capital, and the city of Bremerhaven, which is a seaport. Both cities are along the Weser River, with Bremerhaven closer to the North Sea. These main areas, as well as two smaller areas, are all surrounded by the state of Lower Saxony. The highest point in Bremen is in Friedehorst Park, reaching about 32.5 metres above sea level.

History

Main article: History of Bremen (city)

For a chronological guide, see Timeline of Bremen.

Bremen has a long and interesting history. Once a Free Imperial City within the Holy Roman Empire, it kept its independence even after the empire ended in 1806. Later, during the time of Napoleon, it was briefly taken over by France but regained its freedom in 1815. In the 1800s, Bremen grew as an important port, especially after it bought land to build Bremerhaven.

During the 20th century, Bremen experienced big changes. In the time between the two World Wars, it had strong support for left-wing parties. During World War II, much of the city was damaged by bombings. After the war, Bremen became part of West Germany and was reestablished as a state in its own right.

Politics

See also: State Office for the Protection of the Constitution of Bremen

Political system

See also: Bremen state elections in the Weimar Republic

Bremen has a special way of running its government. The main group that makes laws is called the Bürgerschaft, with 87 members chosen by people in Bremen and Bremerhaven. They pick a group called the Senate to run the city, led by a president who is also one of the mayors. This group works together to decide what to do.

Each part of Bremen has its own leaders. The city of Bremen has two mayors, while Bremerhaven has its own mayor and team.

Political majorities

After World War II, many people in Bremen worked in ports and shipyards, and they usually voted for the Social Democratic Party (SPD). But in the 1980s, changes in these jobs made people less sure about the SPD. By 2019, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) became the biggest group in the Bürgerschaft, and the SPD became second. After that election, the SPD, Greens, and Left worked together to run the state. The new mayor became Andreas Bovenschulte.

Coat of arms

The coat of arms and flag of Bremen have different designs that represent the state.

Economy

Bremen's economy grew strongly after World War II during a period known as the "economic miracle" in West Germany. Many workers from Turkey and Southern Europe came to live and work in the city.

Later, some heavy industries struggled, especially after an oil-price shock in 1973. Today, Bremen focuses on advanced technology industries like aerospace, automobile production, and maritime services. The city also supports new science-based and digital businesses.

Unemployment

In the early 2000s, unemployment in Bremen was very high, higher than in most other German states. By 2022, it had improved but was still the highest among all German states.

Industries

Bremen still has many important industries, including:

• Automotive with the Mercedes-Benz factory, which makes C-Class cars (12,500 employees). Other companies like Hella and Lear also make car parts.
• Aerospace with Airbus making airplane parts (4,100 employees), rocket parts for Ariane, and spacecraft for OHB (1,200 employees).
• Iron & Steel with a large ArcelorMittal factory (3,000 employees).
• Electronic manufacturers like Atlas Elektronik (1,400 employees) and Rheinmetall Defence Electronics (1,200 employees).
• Shipbuilding with Lürssen building large yachts (1,200 employees).
• Food manufacturing including coffee, chocolate (Hachez), beer (Beck's Brewery), cereal (Kellogg's), fish (Frosta), dairy, and pet food.

Education

The University of Bremen is the largest university in Bremen and teaches students from around the world. There is also a University of the Arts Bremen, a University of Applied Sciences with campuses in Bremen and Bremerhaven, and Jacobs University Bremen, an international research university in Vegesack.

Transport

Bremen Airport is the main airport, offering flights to other parts of Germany and Europe.