Hannover - Geography and history
The Regierungsbezirk of Hannover is situated in the middle of Niedersachsen. It covers an area of 9 047 km2, extending 160 km from north to south and 135 km from east to west. The northern part of the Bezirk is part of the North German Plain. The central part is rich in fertile loess soil, while the southern portion is part of the Niedersachsen Mountains, whose highest point, at Solling, is about 500 metres above sea level.
The southern part of the Regierungsbezirk has traditionally been much more densely populated than the northern part. The fertile loess soils and the natural resources in the Niedersachsen Mountains formed the basis for the region's agriculture and industry. Many culturally and historically important Renaissance buildings, which have become major tourist destinations, are found here.
The Hannover region enjoys excellent transport links. It is at the junction of the major east-west and north-south European routes (the A2 and A7 motorways) and of German Railways' Inter-City Express (ICE) routes. The east-west Mittellandkanal is an important waterway for industrial goods and for trade with the industrial centres of the Rhine. Hannover-Langenhagen Airport, a major international airport and the 8th biggest in Germany, was used by about 4.6 million passengers in 2002.
The Hannover region combines first-class transport links with a sophisticated local passenger transport system, a diversified range of services and a solid scientific, cultural and economic infrastructure. Hannover, the capital of Niedersachsen, is of major international importance as a centre for trade fairs. Expo 2000, which was held in Hannover, has boosted the city's already excellent infrastructure. The district also offers good possibilities for local tourism and recreation in the northern plain and, above all, in the Weser- und Leinebergland in the south.
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