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West Pomerania

region, Germany
Also known as: Vorpommern

Quick Summary

West Pomerania is the westernmost part of the historic region of Pomerania, located along the Baltic Sea coast. While most of Pomerania is now in Poland, its western section is in eastern Germany, forming the German state of Mecklenburg-West Pomerania.12

Historically, the region was inhabited by Slavic tribes before German immigration began in the late 12th century, leading to Germanization. Over centuries, control shifted between Polish dukes, the Holy Roman Empire, Sweden, and Brandenburg-Prussia. After World War II, Western Pomerania became part of East Germany.12

The landscape is characterized by a flat coastal plain with numerous lakes and rivers, shaped by glacial forces. Mecklenburg-West Pomerania is sparsely populated, with agriculture and tourism being significant economic activities, though the region faces economic challenges compared to other parts of Germany.2

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