Brandenburg

The German state of Brandenburg is the remaining core of the historic European region of Brandenburg. It was created in 1990 when East and West Germany were united, and occupies the east-central and eastern areas of the former East Germany. Its capital is Potsdam. The state and city of Berlin lie in the center of Brandenburg but is a separate administrative entity. Geographically, most of the state consists of a sandy plain with occasional fertile areas and fir and pine woodlands. It measures some 11,219 square miles, and is watered by the Elbe and Oder Rivers, their tributaries, and about 600 lakes. Agriculture is a major economic activity, with cereals, potatoes, wheat, dairying, beef, and fruits and vegetables being important crops. Potsdam, Cottbus, the city of Brandenburg, and Frankfurt an der Oder are its principal cities. Its primary industries are steelmaking, the manufacture of textiles, and engineering. Its population is of relatively low density, the 2004 estimation being 257,100.