Dresden is located on the banks of the Elbe, near the Germany-Czech Republic border. Long a manufacturing and communications hub, Dresden was virtually destroyed during World War II. After the war, Dresden was rebuilt by the East German government into an industrial and research hub.

Modern-day Dresden is one of Europe's greenest cities, with over 60% of the city occupied by green space or forested areas. It's also one of Germany's cultural centres with museums, entertainment and sports clubs.