Hanover

Hanover (German: Hannover) is the capital of the German state of Lower Saxony and has a population of over 530,000, making it the 13th largest city in Germany. Founded on the banks of the River Leine, Hanover has a rich history dating back to medieval times. The city flourished as the capital of the Kingdom of Hanover and has strong historical ties to the British monarchy through the House of Hanover. Today, Hanover is known as a major trade fair and commercial center, hosting some of the world's largest exhibitions including CeBIT (technology) and the Hannover Messe (industrial technology). The city was heavily damaged during World War II but has been rebuilt with a mix of restored historic buildings and modern architecture. Key attractions include the Herrenhausen Gardens, one of Europe's most beautiful baroque gardens, the New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus) with its distinctive dome, and the historic Old Town with its traditional half-timbered houses. Hanover is home to several universities and research institutes and serves as an important transportation hub in northern Germany.