State capital: Saarbrücken Population: 1.1 million Area: 2,570 sq km
The fortunes of Saarland have shifted with Germany's power in the 20th century. After World War I, it was placed under the administration of the League of Nations.
In 1935, 90% of the people of the Saar voted in favor of returning to Germany. Again, after World War II, Saarland was taken by France.
In 1955, again, the people voted overwhelming for a return to Germany. The handing over of Saarland did not only go a long way on the road to Franco-German reconciliation after centuries of hatred and war, but also set a precedent for the reunification of East and West Germany in 1990.
The tiny state is named for the Saar river, a tributary of the Mosel, which meanders through it. Saarbrücken, the state capital, lies on the river. Its very name means bridge across the Saar. A center for the coal and steel industries, today, Saarland's economy depends on the two commodities.
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The tiny state is named for the Saar river, a tributary of the Mosel, which meanders through it. Saarbrücken, the state capital, lies on the river. Its very name means bridge across the Saar. 