The largest state of Germany, Bavaria is bordered by the Czech Republic on the east, by Austria on the southeast and south, by Baden-Wuerttemberg on the west, by Hesse on the northwest, and by Thuringia and Saxony on the north.
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A region of rich, softly rolling hills, it is drained by several rivers notably the Main, Danube, Isar, and Inn and is bounded by mountain ranges especially the
Bavarian Alps and the
Bohemian Forest.
Forestry and agriculture account for about 10% of the state's economic output; wheat, barley, sugar beets, and dairy goods are the leading products. Since World War II,
Bavaria has had the highest rate of industrial growth in Germany.
Industry produces more than half of the state's gross output and is centred in
Munich, Nuremberg, Augsburg, Hof, Ingolstadt, Erlangen, and
Schweinfurt.
Leading industries are electronics, computers, machinery, chemicals, automobiles, clothing, and foodstuffs.
Bavarian beer is world famous. Toys and musical instruments are made by artisans. Salt, graphite, iron ore, and lignite are the chief mineral resources.
The scenic beauties and the picturesque local customs and costumes of the
Bavarian Alps attract many tourists. Among the resorts are
Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Berchtesgaden, and the spas
Bad Kissingen and
Bad Reichenhall.
Bayreuth is a cultural centre, and
Augsburg, Nuremberg, Bamberg, and
Wuerzburg are historic and artistic centres. There are universities at
Munich, Regensburg, Wuerzburg, and
Erlangen-Nuremberg.
The borders of
Bavaria have varied considerably in its history. The region was inhabited by
Celts when
Drusus conquered it (15 B.C.) for Rome. The Baiuoarii invaded it (6th cent. A.D.) and set up the duchy to which they gave their name. It was one of the five basic or stem duchies of medieval Germany.
