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Munich

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Munich is the capital city of Bavaria, a state in Germany.

Munich by Sentinel-2, 2020-06-12
Munich by Sentinel-2, 2020-06-12

It is the most populous city in Bavaria. As of November 30, 2024, the population was 1,604,384 people. This makes it the third-largest city in Germany, following Berlin and Hamburg. Munich is also the largest German city that is not its own state. Within the European Union, it is the 11th-largest city. The metropolitan area holds around 3 million inhabitants. The wider Munich Metropolitan Region is even larger, with about 6.2 million people.

Stadtbezirke Lage in München
Stadtbezirke Lage in München

The city sits on the Isar River. It is located just north of the Alps.

Vista panorámica desde Olympiapark, Múnich, Alemania 2012-04-28, DD 03
Vista panorámica desde Olympiapark, Múnich, Alemania 2012-04-28, DD 03

Munich is very crowded compared to other places. It has 4,500 people per square kilometer. This makes it the most densely populated municipality in Germany. The city serves as the seat for the Upper Bavarian administrative region. It is also the second-largest city in the Bavarian dialect area, after Vienna.

The history of the area began long before the city was officially founded. During the Bronze Age, the Isar River was a major trade route. Munich was among the largest raft ports in Europe at that time. Archaeologists have found Bronze Age settlements that are 4,000 years old. Later, the Romans built the Via Julia road nearby. This road connected Augsburg and Salzburg and crossed the Isar south of the city.

Muenchen merian
Muenchen merian

Evidence of Celtic settlements from the Iron Age also exists near Ramersdorf-Perlach.

Modern Munich was founded by Henry the Lion, the Duke of Saxony and Bavaria. He wanted to control the salt trade. To do this, he built a toll bridge and a market. This happened around 1158, which is the city's official founding date.

Marcktzumuenchen
Marcktzumuenchen

The name Munich likely comes from the Old High German word "Munche," meaning monks. This suggests it began as a small monastic settlement. In 1175, the town received city status and fortifications. Later, the House of Wittelsbach ruled the region until 1918. In 1806, Munich became the capital of the Kingdom of Bavaria.

Stadtansicht 1572
Stadtansicht 1572

The city has faced many challenges through the centuries. In 1327, a massive fire destroyed one-third of the town. In 1349, the Black Death ravaged the area. During the 1600s, the Thirty Years' War brought many troops through the city. Munich also suffered during the 1700s when it was occupied by the Habsburgs. In the 1920s, the city became a center for political movements. This included the rise of the Nazi Party. During World War II, Munich was heavily bombed.

Bundesarchiv Bild 119-1486, Hitler-Putsch, München, Marienplatz
Bundesarchiv Bild 119-1486, Hitler-Putsch, München, Marienplatz

However, much of the historic architecture has since been restored to its former look.

Today, Munich is a global center for science, technology, and finance. Its economy relies on high-tech industries and engineering. It is also known for automobiles, biotechnology, and electronics. Many large multinational companies are headquartered there. These include BMW, Siemens, Allianz SE, and Munich Re.

Justizpalast Munich
Justizpalast Munich

The city has two research universities and many scientific institutions. This focus on innovation contributes to a very high standard of living. In 2018, a Mercer survey ranked Munich first in Germany for living standards. Monocle's Quality of Life Survey also named it the world's most liveable city that year.

The Maximilianeum Building 2012
The Maximilianeum Building 2012

Munich is also a very wealthy city. It has the highest GDP per capita in the EU among cities with over one million people. This wealth makes real estate and rents quite expensive. The city is very international. In 2023, 30.1% of residents were foreigners. Additionally, 19.4% of residents were German citizens with a migration background.

Www.gerhard-blank.de münchen ansicht von oben
Www.gerhard-blank.de münchen ansicht von oben

This diversity helps make the city a major hub for tourism and culture. People visit for the architecture, exhibitions, and famous events like Oktoberfest.

Nockherberg München Paulaner Biergarten
Nockherberg München Paulaner Biergarten

The city also hosts major sports, such as the 1972 Summer Olympics.

Villa Olímpica, Múnich, Alemania 2012-04-28, DD 01
Villa Olímpica, Múnich, Alemania 2012-04-28, DD 01
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🖼️ Images & Media (70)
File:Flag of Munich (striped).svg
Flag of Munich (striped).svg
File:Flag of Munich (lozengy).svg
Flag of Munich (lozengy).svg
File:MariensaeuleMuenchen.jpg
MariensaeuleMuenchen.jpg
File:Www.gerhard-blank.de münchen ansicht von oben.jpg
Www.gerhard-blank.de münchen ansicht von oben.jpg
File:Lions at the Feldherrnhalle in Munich.JPG
Lions at the Feldherrnhalle in Munich.JPG
File:Vista panorámica desde Olympiapark, Múnich, Alemania 2012-04-28, DD 03.JPG
Vista panorámica desde Olympiapark,...
Solang der alte Peter - Volksweise -...
File:Stadtansicht 1572.jpg
Stadtansicht 1572.jpg
File:Muenchen merian.jpg
Muenchen merian.jpg
File:Antiquarium, Münchner Residenz.jpg
Antiquarium, Münchner Residenz.jpg
File:Marcktzumuenchen.png
Marcktzumuenchen.png
File:Mun flags frauenkirche.jpg
Mun flags frauenkirche.jpg

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