Saxony-Anhalt Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids

Saxony Anhalt

Sachsen-Anhalt

Flag	Coat of arms

Position of Saxony-Anhalt within Germany

Country

Germany

Capital

Magdeburg

Area

• Total

20,445 km² (7,894 sq mi)

Population

(November 2006)

• Total

2,444,000

• Density

119.540/km² (309.61/sq mi)

Time zone

UTC+1 (CET)

• Summer (DST)

UTC+2 (CEST)

Website

sachsen-anhalt.de

Saxony-Anhalt is a special part of Germany called a Bundesland, which means "federal state." It's located in the middle of Germany. This state covers an area of about 20,445.26 km² (7,894.0 sq mi). Around 2.5 million people call Saxony-Anhalt home. The main city and capital of Saxony-Anhalt is Magdeburg.

Exploring Saxony-Anhalt's Main Cities
- Key Cities and Towns
Discovering Saxony-Anhalt's History
- The Middle Ages and Beyond
- The Reformation and Martin Luther
  - Wittenberg's Historical Significance
Nature and Landscapes in Saxony-Anhalt
- Rivers and Green Spaces
- Garden Realms and Parks
Economy and Education in Saxony-Anhalt
- Key Industries
- Universities and Research
  - Magdeburg's University
Images for kids
See also

Exploring Saxony-Anhalt's Main Cities

Saxony-Anhalt is home to many interesting cities and towns. Each one has its own unique history and things to see.

Key Cities and Towns

Here are some of the biggest and most important cities you can find in Saxony-Anhalt:

Bitterfeld-Wolfen
Dessau
Halberstadt
Halle (Saale) – This is the largest city in the state.
Wittenberg – Famous for its connection to Martin Luther.
Magdeburg – The state's capital city.
Merseburg
Naumburg (Saale)
Quedlinburg
Stendal
Weißenfels

Discovering Saxony-Anhalt's History

Saxony-Anhalt has a very long and rich history, going back thousands of years. It was an important place during the Middle Ages and played a big role in German history.

The Middle Ages and Beyond

Many of the cities in Saxony-Anhalt, like Magdeburg and Quedlinburg, were important centers during the Middle Ages. They had powerful churches and castles. These places helped shape the history of Germany.

The Reformation and Martin Luther

One of the most famous historical events connected to Saxony-Anhalt is the Protestant Reformation. This was a major change in how people practiced Christianity. Martin Luther, a very important religious leader, lived and worked in Wittenberg. He started the Reformation in 1517. His ideas changed not only Germany but also the rest of Europe.

Wittenberg's Historical Significance

Wittenberg is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its importance to the Reformation. You can visit places where Martin Luther lived and preached.

Nature and Landscapes in Saxony-Anhalt

Saxony-Anhalt has diverse landscapes, from flat plains to rolling hills. It's a great place for outdoor activities and enjoying nature.

Rivers and Green Spaces

The state is crossed by important rivers like the Elbe. These rivers create fertile areas and beautiful floodplains. There are also many forests and natural parks.

Garden Realms and Parks

One famous natural area is the Dessau-Wörlitz Garden Realm. It's a large park with beautiful gardens, palaces, and lakes. It's another UNESCO World Heritage Site and a wonderful place to explore.

Economy and Education in Saxony-Anhalt

Saxony-Anhalt has a growing economy with different types of industries. It also has important universities that attract students from all over.

Key Industries

The state's economy includes chemical industries, mechanical engineering, and renewable energy. Agriculture is also important, especially in the fertile areas.

Universities and Research

Saxony-Anhalt is home to several universities. The Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg in Halle is the largest. These universities are important for research and for training young people.

Magdeburg's University

Magdeburg also has the Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg. It focuses on engineering and computer science.

Images for kids

Aerial view to the city centre of Magdeburg, Saxony-Anhalt's capital city.
Saxony-Anhalt's most populous city, Halle (Saale), is the seat of the state's largest university.
Wittenberg was once one of the most important cities in Germany, especially for its close connection with Martin Luther.
Map of Saxony-Anhalt showing the current district boundaries.
Aerial view of the main campus in Magdeburg
Halle is the largest city in Saxony-Anhalt.
Magdeburg with Magdeburg Cathedral
Dessau market square
Inside the old town of Wittenberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Halberstadt with its churches
Merseburg with its castle and cathedral
Castle in Wernigerode
Collegiate church, castle, and the old town of Quedlinburg
Luther memorials in Wittenberg
Luther memorials in Eisleben
Bauhaus Dessau
Dessau-Wörlitz Garden Realm
Naumburg Cathedral