Mecklenburg

Former (1934–45) state of northeast Germany, consisting of the old grand duchies of Mecklenburg-Schwerin (area 13,157 sq km/5,079 sq mi; capital Schwerin) and Mecklenburg-Strelitz (area 2,926 sq km/1,130 sq mi; capital Neustrelitz). From 1952 to 1989, as part of East Germany, it was divided into the administrative districts (Bezirke) of Schwerin, Rostock, and Neubrandenburg. With German reunification, the name of the former state was revived in the Land of Mecklenburg–West Pomerania.

The country encompassed by the former territory of Mecklenburg is low-lying, has numerous lakes, and is mainly agricultural. In 1701 the territory was divided between two branches of the ruling house, and between 1815 and 1907 these two grand duchies were practically absolute monarchies; a form of constitutional government was then granted.