Hamburg, officially Freie und Hansestadt Hamburg, is the second largest city in Germany, with a population of over 1.
The official name reflects Hamburgs history as a member of the medieval Hanseatic League, a free imperial city of the Holy Roman Empire, a city-state, and one of the 16 states of Germany. Before the Unification of Germany, it was a fully sovereign state. Prior to the constitutional changes in , the civic republic was ruled by a class of hereditary grand burghers or Hanseaten.
Though repeatedly destroyed by the Great Fire of Hamburg, the floods, and military conflicts including WW2 bombing raids, the city managed to recover and emerge wealthier after each catastrophe. Hamburg has been an important financial centre for centuries and is the seat of Germanys oldest stock exchange and the worlds second oldest bank, Berenberg Bank.
China meets Europe and the G20 Hamburg summit, the city is also a factor in world politics and international law. The city is a tourist destination for both domestic and international visitors, ranked 18th in the world for livability in Hamburg is a major European science, research, and education hub, with several universities and institutes.
Its creative industries and cultural sites include the Elbphilharmonie and Laeisz concert halls, art venues, music producers, and artists. It gave birth to movements like Hamburger Schule and paved the way for bands including The Beatles. Hamburg is also known for several theatres and a variety of musical shows. Paulis Reeperbahn is among the best known European entertainment districts.
