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Rhineland-Palatinate is located in southwestern Germany and borders North Rhine-Westphalia, Hesse, Baden-Württemberg and Saarland. To the west, it shares international borders with Luxembourg, Belgium and France. The landscape is strongly shaped by major rivers and low mountain ranges. The Rhine flows through the federal state from south to north and forms deep river valleys in many sections. The Moselle is also highly important to the landscape and flows through well-known wine-growing regions. The main natural regions include the Palatinate Forest, Hunsrück, Eifel, Westerwald and Taunus. The Palatinate Forest is one of the largest continuous forest areas in Germany. Erbeskopf in the Hunsrück is the highest elevation in Rhineland-Palatinate, reaching around 816 meters.

The present-day state of Rhineland-Palatinate was established in 1946 after the Second World War. The federal state was formed from several historic territories that had previously belonged to different states and political entities. However, the region has a very long history. Numerous traces of Roman civilization can be found, particularly along the Rhine and Moselle. Trier was one of the most important Roman cities north of the Alps and developed into a major political and economic center. During the Middle Ages, numerous castles and fortified towns were built along the Rhine and Moselle. Many of these structures have survived and continue to shape the landscape today. In the 19th century, large parts of present-day Rhineland-Palatinate belonged to Prussia and Bavaria. After the Second World War, the various historic territories were finally united within the new federal state of Rhineland-Palatinate.

Rhineland-Palatinate has around 4.2 million inhabitants. The population lives in both larger cities and numerous smaller communities and rural areas. Mainz is the state capital and one of the most important centers of the federal state. Located on the Rhine, the city is particularly known for its long history, Mainz Cathedral and its carnival tradition. Ludwigshafen am Rhein is an important industrial center and is particularly shaped by the chemical industry. Koblenz lies at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle and is one of the best-known cities of the Middle Rhine. Trier is one of Germany's oldest cities and contains numerous important Roman-era buildings. Other major cities include Kaiserslautern, Worms, Speyer, Neustadt an der Weinstraße and Landau in der Pfalz.

The economy of Rhineland-Palatinate is characterized by industry, wine production, agriculture, chemicals, mechanical engineering and services. The chemical industry plays a particularly important role. Ludwigshafen am Rhein is one of Germany's most important chemical industry locations. Other parts of the state are also home to companies in the pharmaceutical, plastics, mechanical engineering and food industries.

Wine production is another distinctive part of the state's economy. Rhineland-Palatinate is one of Germany's most important wine-producing regions. Particularly well-known wine-growing areas are located along the Rhine and Moselle, as well as in the Nahe region and the Palatinate. Tourism is also an important economic sector. The river valleys of the Rhine and Moselle, wine-growing regions, castles and historic towns attract many visitors.

Rhineland-Palatinate has extensive forests, river valleys, vineyards and low mountain ranges. The Palatinate Forest covers a large part of the south and offers numerous opportunities for hiking and recreation. Further forested areas such as the Hunsrück, Eifel and Westerwald are located in the north and west. The river valleys of the Rhine and Moselle provide diverse habitats for plants and animals. An important natural area is Hunsrück-Hochwald National Park, where large forest areas and natural habitats are protected. The Volcanic Eifel also has a distinctive landscape. It is characterized by so-called maars, water-filled volcanic craters formed by earlier volcanic activity. They are among the region's most characteristic natural features.

Rhineland-Palatinate has a particularly rich cultural and heritage landscape. Many attractions are closely connected with Roman history, the Middle Ages and the region's long-standing wine culture. Trier is one of the state's most important historic cities. Its best-known monuments include the Porta Nigra, the Imperial Baths, the Roman Amphitheatre and the Basilica of Constantine. The Roman monuments of Trier are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Middle Rhine Valley between Bingen and Koblenz is known for its castles, vineyards and historic towns. The Lorelei, a famous rock on the Rhine, is one of the region's best-known landmarks. Koblenz is home to the Deutsches Eck, where the Moselle meets the Rhine. Above the city stands Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, which offers extensive views across the Rhine Valley. Other well-known attractions include Mainz Cathedral, Speyer Cathedral and Eltz Castle. Eltz Castle stands in a wooded valley and is one of Germany's most famous castles. The wine regions along the Moselle and Rhine are also an important part of the state's cultural identity. Wine towns, wine festivals and historic town centers characterize many areas of Rhineland-Palatinate.