Bundesland

bayern

Bayern is Germany's largest and southern-most Bundesland.  Its capital and largest city is München, famous for its annual Oktoberfest.  Other important cities in Bayern include Nürnberg, Augsburg, and the site of Davidson's Junior Year Abroad program, Würzburg. 

Before World War II, Bayern was not nearly the economic power it is today.  Due to its mountainous terrain and lack of sea access, the region was difficult to reach and therefore an unlikely candidate industrial growth.  After World War II, however, Bayern developed into a major high-tech sector.  Many companies fled Berlin and relocated to Bayern.  Perhaps the most notable of these companies is the technology giant Siemens.  Additionally, a great deal of medical research, computer technology, and electronic engineering occurs in Bayern at companies such as the semiconductor maker Infineon.  Also of importance to Bayern is the automaker BMW and the insurance powerhouse Allianz.  Both are based in München, making the city one of Germany's most important centers of corporate power. 

The geographic problems of the region have also ended.  Nürnberg is now a major transportation hub.  The continental highway from Naples to Stockholm crosses the highway stretching from Lisbon to Prague.

Bayern is Germany's largest producer of agricultural products.  The Bundesland is known for its natural setting, and because of its abundance of beautiful lakes, the Bayerische Wald, and the Alps, Bayern is one of Germany's top tourist destinations.