Munich

Munich, or München (pop. 1,236,500), capital of Bavaria, southwestern Germany, on the Isar River about 30 mi (48 km) north of the Alps. A cultural center with a cathedral and palace, it is also heavily industrialized (beer, textiles, publishing), and is Germany's third-largest city. Founded in 1158 by Duke Henry the Lion, it was ruled (1255–1918) by the Wittelsbach family (dukes and kings of Bavaria). Munich was the birthplace and headquarters of Nazism and the site of the Munich Agreement in 1938.

See also: Germany.