Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania

Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania (Mecklenburg-Vorpommern) is a coastal state in northeastern Germany characterized by its natural landscapes, with over 2,000 lakes, more than 350 kilometers of Baltic Sea coastline, and extensive forests and fields. It is the most sparsely populated state in Germany, offering tranquil, unspoiled nature. Tourism is the state's most important industry, attracting visitors to the largest water sports region in Central Europe. The state capital is Schwerin, known for its fairy-tale castle on an island. Other important cities include Rostock, the largest city and home to a major Baltic port, and Stralsund, with its Hanseatic heritage. Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania hosts three of Germany's 14 national parks, more than any other state. The island of Usedom, Germany's sunniest region, is shared with Poland. Former Chancellor Angela Merkel represented a constituency in this state from 1990 until her retirement in 2021. Despite economic challenges following German reunification, the state has been developing a more diverse economy focusing on renewable energy, health services, biotechnology, and food processing.