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Brandenburg is located in northeastern Germany and completely surrounds the federal capital, Berlin. The state also borders Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Lower Saxony, as well as Poland to the east. Brandenburg's landscape is predominantly flat and is characterized by extensive forests, agricultural areas, river landscapes and a large number of lakes. The many waterways are particularly characteristic of the region and play an important role in nature, recreation and tourism in different parts of the state. Important natural regions include the Schorfheide, the Havelland, the Uckermark, the Spreewald and Lower Lusatia. The state capital, Potsdam, is situated directly on the Havel and is surrounded by numerous lakes and historic park landscapes. Brandenburg's highest elevation is the Kutschenberg, which rises to around 201 meters.

Brandenburg has a long and important history that is closely connected with the political and territorial development of northeastern Germany and with the rise and development of Prussia. In the Middle Ages, the Margraviate of Brandenburg emerged and gradually developed into an important political and territorial region. Under the Hohenzollern dynasty, Brandenburg gained increasing importance and later became one of the most important components of the Brandenburg-Prussian state, which played a central role in the political development of Germany. Potsdam developed into an important residence city of the Prussian rulers and became a major political and cultural center. Numerous palaces, parks and historic buildings still bear witness to this period today. After the Second World War, Brandenburg became part of the Soviet occupation zone and in 1949 became part of the German Democratic Republic. During German reunification, Brandenburg was re-established as a federal state in 1990 and has since been part of the Federal Republic of Germany.

Brandenburg has around 2.6 million inhabitants and has a relatively low population density. A large proportion of the population lives in the area around Berlin as well as in the regional cities and municipalities of the state. Potsdam, the state capital, is the largest city in Brandenburg by population and is also an important administrative, scientific and cultural center. Other significant cities include Cottbus, Brandenburg an der Havel, Frankfurt (Oder), Eberswalde, Oranienburg, Fürstenwalde and Bernau bei Berlin. The cities and municipalities of Brandenburg differ considerably in terms of their size and structure. While the Berlin metropolitan area is characterized by stronger settlement development, population growth and close connections with the capital, many other parts of Brandenburg consist of smaller towns, villages and extensive rural areas.

Brandenburg has a diverse economy shaped by both traditional industries and modern technology and service sectors. Important industries include energy and environmental technologies, metal production, the chemical industry, food processing and mechanical engineering. Its proximity to Berlin has also encouraged the development of numerous companies in services, logistics, technology and research in the surrounding areas. Renewable energy plays an important role in Brandenburg's economic development as well. Berlin Brandenburg Airport, together with major road and rail connections, supports economic activity and strengthens the region's links with other parts of Germany and Europe.

Brandenburg is one of Germany's federal states with particularly diverse natural landscapes. Large forest areas, numerous lakes, rivers, wetlands and open landscapes shape extensive parts of the state. The Spreewald in southeastern Brandenburg is one of the region's most distinctive natural areas. It is a unique landscape characterized by a widely branching network of natural and man-made waterways. The region is known for its rich biodiversity, waterways and characteristic Spreewald scenery. The Schorfheide, Uckermark, Havelland and Lower Lusatia also contain important natural and landscape areas. Brandenburg has numerous nature parks, landscape conservation areas and other protected areas that contribute to the preservation of natural habitats. The many lakes and rivers also provide opportunities for hiking, cycling, canoeing and recreation in natural surroundings.

Brandenburg has a rich cultural and historical heritage reflected particularly in its palaces, historic cities, churches, museums and extensive park landscapes. The state capital, Potsdam, is one of the most important cultural centers of Brandenburg and is especially known for its historic palaces and parks. One of Brandenburg's best-known attractions is Sanssouci Palace in Potsdam, surrounded by extensive parkland and closely associated with the history of Prussia. Other important sites include the New Palace and Sanssouci Park, as well as Potsdam's historic Dutch Quarter. The Spreewald is one of Brandenburg's best-known tourist destinations and combines distinctive natural scenery with traditional culture and regional characteristics. The historic old town of Brandenburg an der Havel, Chorin Monastery and the city of Cottbus, with its cultural offerings, are also well-known destinations in the state. In addition, historic villages, palaces, manor houses, museums, traditional festivals and regional events contribute to the cultural diversity of Brandenburg.