Hanover, the city of trade fairs, has been the capital city of the federal state Lower Saxony since 1946 and is situated in the northern part of Germany.

The town of Hannover was founded sometime in the early Middle Ages as a small rural settlement on the high banks of the River Leine. Its charter as a city was confirmed in 1241, and in the 19th century, after the Napoleonic Age was over, Hanover became a kingdom and was ruled by its own king, Ernst August. The city expanded under the king and Hanover's industry boomed. But during World War II, almost two thirds of Hanover was destroyed or burnt out.

City of CeBit

Today the city is one of the major venues for international trade fairs and conferences. Two of the most important trade fairs, the Hanover fair and CeBit, the world's largest information and telecommunication trade show, are held every year. More than 500,000 visitors from all over the world show up for CeBit every year. In addition, it recently played host to the nations of the world at the EXPO 2000 World Exposition.

How green is your garden?

The city of Hanover is packed with beautiful historical buildings and other sights. Destinations like Maschsee (Lake Masch), highest Garden Fountain, Garden Theatre, New Town Hall and the Rain Forest House give the city a lively and green atmosphere. Moreover almost half the city is made of parks and forests.

Europe’s only surviving intact Baroque gardens, Herrenhausen Royal Gardens, established in 1666, is one of the top attractions in the city. They are the setting for numerous summer festivals, including Maschseefest, "a giant festival by the water." The festival attracts over two million people a year and is one of the biggest summer festivals in the North of Germany.

For the young ones, one of the recreational destinations is Hanover Zoo. The zoo was recently renovated and made more animal-friendly. The animals live in authentic surroundings that are just like their natural environments. Apart from the Old and a New Town, historical Castles and Churches are major tourist's attractions in the city.

Within reach of the city are the still preserved towns of Celle and Hameln, the legendary home of the Pied Piper. They contain many old half-timbered houses and cobbled streets.

Sport in abundance

Hanover is also known for its unique Sports Park, which has indoor as well as outdoor stadiums for all kinds of sports. One of the local soccer teams, Hanover 96 is also one of the oldest in Germany, founded in 1896 and is a solid member of Bundesliga. After playing host to matches in both the 1974 World Cup and Euro 88, Hanover will also host matches during World Cup 2006.