Germany (Deutschland) is a Monarchical Republic consisting of thirty-seven states, known in German as 'Länder' (singular 'Land'). Since Land is the literal German word for “country”, the term 'Reichsländer' (federal states; singular 'Reichsland') is commonly used colloquially, as it is more specific, though technically incorrect within the corpus of German law.
The citizens of the states form the nation of Germany, and have the right of abode within the states. The area covered by the 37 states is completely and solely the territory of Germany. The governments of the states form part of the government of Germany.
The cities of Berlin, Lübeck, and Hamburg are states in their own right, while the State of Bremen consists of two cities, Bremen and Bremerhaven. These three are termed Stadtstaaten (city states). The remaining 34 states are termed Flächenländer (area states).
Modern States of Germany
City-States
Landed-States
- New East Prussia (Neuostpreußen)
Historical Divisions of Germany
- Mecklenburg-Schwerin (now joined as the State of Mecklenburg)
- Mecklenburg-Strelitz (now joined as the State of Mecklenburg)
- Posen (now a part of South Prussia)