Saarland

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Administrative region (German Land) in southwest Germany, bordered by Rhineland-Palatinate and the French département of Moselle; area 2,570 sq km/992 sq mi; population (2003 est) 1,066,600. Formerly called the Saar or the Saar Territory, the region is highly industrialized, with a large iron and steel industry based on vast coal fields. The capital is Saarbrücken, and other major towns include Neunkirchen, Völklingen, and Saarlouis. The region is one-third forest, and crossed northwest–south by the River Saar.

Economy
The major industries are motor vehicles, mechanical and electrical engineering, coal, and steel. Other manufacturing includes processed foods, textiles and ceramics. Cereals are grown, and cattle, pigs, and poultry are raised.

Red symbolizes blood. Yellow represents sunshine. Green stands for the islands' riches. Black reflects the Melanesian population. Effective date: 30 July 1980. >>