Stuttgart is a modern city, located in the lower left hand corner of Germany - close to the Black Forest - with a large economy based on light engineering and high technology. The city is the capital of the German state of Baden-Württemberg.

Baden-Württemberg is, like all other states in Germany, a democracy with its own elected Parliament. Europeans are allowed to live and work here without limitation. Nationals from non-European countries may require a work permit and residence permit.

Stuttgart with the Television Tower in the background

The local dialect is called Swabian and the true local inhabitants are proud of its history. Baden-Wurttemberg is one of the most important states in Germany neighboring Bavaria. It was formed from the two states of Baden and Württemberg, which historically were serious rivals. Even today the inhabitants of Baden-Baden and Karlsruhe, which was the capital of the state of Baden, joke about the poverty of Württemberg (Württemberg was once very poor). Likewise the older inhabitants of Stuttgart and other Württemberg joke about the Gelbfuessle (little yellow feet) of the Badener (people of Baden), who wore yellow stockings as part of their traditional costume.

Culturally the inhabitants of Baden-Württemberg are tolerant, open-minded and proud of their heritage. They are known as 'Tuftler', which is a nickname for someone who likes to tinker or play with machines - the cuckoo clock is part of this heritage.