Munich is the capital and biggest city of Bavaria, Germany, with a population of 1,604,384 as of November 2024. It is the third-largest city in Germany and the 11th in the European Union. The metropolitan area has about 3 million residents, while the broader Munich region has around 6.2 million people. Munich is located on the river Isar, north of the Alps, and is highly populated, making it Germany's most densely inhabited municipality.

Founded in 1158, Munich has significant historical importance, serving as the capital of the Kingdom of Bavaria from 1806. The city was a center for arts and political movements, especially during the rise of the Nazi Party. Today, Munich is a hub for science, technology, and finance, known for its high living standards and cultural events like Oktoberfest. The city hosts major companies and universities, contributing to its economic strength.

Geography

• Munich is located on elevated plains in Upper Bavaria, 50 km north of the Alps, at 520 m above sea level.
• The Isar and Würm rivers flow through the city.
• The northern sandy plateau has fertile areas, while the southern part has morainic hills, with fluvio-glacial outwash plains in between.
• Groundwater seeps through gravel surfaces, leading to marshes in northern Munich.

Climate

• Köppen classification: oceanic (Cfb) and humid continental (Dfb) climates.
• Warm to hot summers and cold winters; July is the warmest month, January the coolest.
• Proximity to the Alps results in higher rainfall and flood risks.
• Studies, including the EU Isar Plan, focus on climate change adaptation.
• Late spring and summer bring the most rainfall, with July being the wettest month.
• Winters are drier, especially in February.
• The city's elevation and location near the Alps lead to more rain and snow compared to other German areas.
• Föhn wind from the Alps can cause rapid winter temperature increases.
• Munich's weather varies greatly due to its central European location, lacking large water bodies.
• Winters are often cold and overcast, with possible significant snow; January can see temperatures below −15 °C (5 °F).
• Summers are warm, averaging around 25 °C (77 °F).
• Active convective seasons can lead to severe thunderstorms.
• Record temperatures: 37.6 °C (100 °F) in June 2026, −31.6 °C (−24.9 °F) in February 1929.

Demographics

Population Growth
• Munich's population grew from 24,000 in 1700, doubling every 30 years.
• 100,000 in 1852, 250,000 in 1883, and 500,000 by 1901.
• Counted over 840,000 in 1933 and surpassed 1 million in 1957.
• Reached 1.5 million in 2022 and 1.58 million in December 2023.

Immigration
• 477,855 foreign nationals resided in Munich as of December 2023.
• 42.88% are EU citizens; 29.66% are from non-EU European states.
• Largest foreign groups include Turks, Croats, Italians, Greeks, Bosnians, Ukrainians, and Austrians.

Religion
• 45% of residents have no religious affiliation; this group is growing.
• Catholic (31.8%) and Protestant (11.4%) membership is declining.
• 2017 statistics show 0.3% Jewish, 3.6% Orthodox, and 6.9% Muslim population.
• Munich has the largest Uyghur population in Germany and hosts the World Uyghur Congress.