Our State

3x1=1. Questionable arithmetic perhaps, but an equation that adds up for Baden-Württemberg: In 1952 the States of Baden, Württemberg-Baden and Württemberg-Hohenzollern merged. The new Federal State that emerged was Baden-Württemberg, marking the start of a success story.

Blick über die Alb in der Nähe des Schloss Lichtesteins bei Reutlingen.
Workers on an engine component production line.
Business location

Home to commerce and industry

Baden-Württemberg is one of the leading economic regions not only in Germany but also Europe: Home to internationally renowned corporations and thousands of successful small and medium-sized enterprises, known for its innovative drive and inventive spirit, with a high level of productivity and low unemployment.

Wanderer auf einer Blumenwiese.
Travel and experience

Holiday destination and centre of culture

Whether you come to enjoy our landscapes, our culture, art, nature or for pure personal indulgence and relaxation: In Baden-Württemberg you will find just what you have been looking for. Our State offers a variety which is second to none.

People on the Schlossplatz in Stuttgart.
Tradition and progress

The State and its people

Baden-Württemberg is poor in natural resources, but its population is overflowing with ingenuity, inventive spirit and an appetite for hard work. The people have made Germany’s Southwest one of the world‘s most successful regions. Characteristic of Baden-Württemberg are its diverse and varied landscapes and its outstanding quality of life.

Der Deutsche Bund 1815 (Ausschnitt) - Die Punkte bezeichnen Orte mit Verfassungen im Vormärz. (Bild: Landesmedienzentrum Baden-Württemberg)
Where we come from

State history

Baden-Württemberg is the only Federal State created as the result of a referendum. In 1952, the States of Württemberg-Baden, Baden and Württemberg-Hohenzollern merged to form a single cohesive State in Germany’s southwest. But the eventful history of the individual states in the Southwest stretches back much further.

Das Große Landeswappen
Symbol

State coat of arms

Baden-Württemberg’s unity and diversity are expressed in the State coat of arms, which revisits the historic origins of Baden-Württemberg and symbolically unites them in one cohesive emblem.

Woman in an office talking to an admin official.
Serving the community

Administration

The administration in Baden-Württemberg operates on a three-tier system with the ministries at the top. The next tier down comprises the four regional commissioners. Beyond this, Baden-Württemberg is broken down into 35 rural districts and 9 urban districts, and 1,101 local authorities, which form the lower administrative tier.

Die Landesfahne von Baden-Württemberg
New policy

Shaping Baden-Württemberg

Together with the population, the State Government aims to create a Baden-Württemberg which is fit for the future, successful, astute, fair and in touch with the people. The policy of the State Government is founded on the twin precepts of renewal and preservation.