Host City Hanover

Hanover on the river Leine is the capital of the federal state of Lower Saxony (Niedersachsen).
With a population of 522,944 the Hanover is a major centre of northern Germany, known for a huge exhibition complex built for the World EXPO in 2000 and being host to several of the biggest exhibitions in the world.
Hanover was one of the hardest hit during World War II, leaving it with only a few historical landmarks. Even the Old City (Altstadt) area is "new"; all the old houses left standing after the war (around 40) were taken from throughout the city and collected in one place. Thisarea is surrounded by grey 1950's buildings that give a somewhat heavy atmosphere to the streets.

Hanover has large green areas, with forests and big parks. The landscape is mostly flat, with the river Leine going through the city. The lake Masch (Maschsee) is rather spectacular, considering its size as a man-made object.

For further information please visit www.hannover.de

Picture by HolgerE, www.flickr.com