Hannover

Industrial city and capital of Lower Saxony, Germany, on the rivers Leine and Ihme; population (2003 est) 516,300, urban agglomeration 1,104,200. Industries include mechanical engineering, telecommunications, and the manufacture of iron and steel, electrical goods, rubber, motor vehicles, and textiles. From 1386 it was a member of the Hanseatic League, and from 1692 capital of the electorate of Hannover (created a kingdom in 1815). George I of Great Britain and Ireland was also Elector of Hannover.

Germany and Britain shared the same monarch until the accession of Victoria in 1837. Since Salic law meant a woman could not rule in Hannover, the throne passed to her uncle Ernest, Duke of Cumberland. His son was forced by the Prussian prime minister Bismarck to abdicate in 1866, and Hannover became a Prussian province. In 1946 Hannover was merged with Brunswick and Oldenburg to form the Land of Lower Saxony.

Features Many of the historic monuments destroyed during World War II have been restored. Buildings of interest include the 14th-century Marktkirche and the 17th-century Leine Castle and Ballhof. In the west is the Guelph Herrenhäusen, a castle with extensive baroque gardens. Hannover is a cultural and educational centre with three universities, including a technical university; four major museums; and a neoclassical opera house (1845-52).

Economy The Hannover Trade Fair, the world's largest annual industrial show, is held every April on an extensive exhibition ground. The city has a major automobile industry (Volkswagen-Hanomag). It is also a major telecommunications centre, and an important banking, insurance, and administrative centre. It hosted the international trade fair Expo 2000.

History Hannover was chartered in 1241, and later grew to importance as the capital of a duchy. It became the centre of the Guelph movement (supporters of the papal party) in the rivalry between the Guelphs and Ghibellines (supporters of the Holy Roman Emperor). In 1692 it became the capital of the electorate (from 1815 kingdom; from 1866 province) of Hannover. After the accession of the Elector of Hannover to the British throne in 1714, the city was strongly influenced by English life for over 120 years. During World War II, 60% of the city was destroyed.