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Schleswig-Holstein lies between the North Sea to the west and the Baltic Sea to the east, and this distinctive location has strongly shaped the state. To the north, the federal state borders Denmark, while to the south it borders Lower Saxony and Hamburg and to the southeast Mecklenburg- Vorpommern. The landscape is predominantly flat to gently rolling and is characterized by coasts, fields, meadows, lakes and rivers. Particularly characteristic are the state's two coasts, which have very different landscapes. Along the North Sea lies the Wadden Sea, a coastal area that is partly exposed at low tide and covered by the sea again at high tide. The Baltic Sea coast features numerous fjord-like inlets, bays and beaches. Schleswig-Holstein also includes well-known islands such as Sylt, Föhr, Amrum and Fehmarn. The highest point in the state is Bungsberg in the Holstein Switzerland region, at around 168 meters above sea level.

The history of Schleswig-Holstein was shaped for centuries by its location between Germany and Denmark. Schleswig was historically closely connected with Denmark, while Holstein belonged to the Holy Roman Empire and later became part of the German Confederation. During the 19th century, political and national conflicts over Schleswig and Holstein led to several wars between Denmark and German powers. Following the German-Danish War of 1864, Schleswig, Holstein and Lauenburg came under Prussian and Austrian administration. In 1867, Schleswig-Holstein finally became a Prussian province. After the Second World War, Schleswig-Holstein was re-established as a federal state in 1946 within the British occupation zone. Since the founding of the Federal Republic of Germany in 1949, it has been one of Germany's federal states.

Schleswig-Holstein has around three million inhabitants. The population lives in larger cities as well as in numerous smaller communities and rural areas. The areas along the Baltic Sea coast, around Hamburg and near major transport and port locations are more densely populated. Kiel is the state capital and at the same time an important center for shipping, the navy, science and the economy. Lübeck is one of the state's most important historic cities and was a major center of the Hanseatic League during the Middle Ages. Other important cities include Flensburg near the Danish border, Neumünster, Norderstedt and the port city of Husum. Smaller coastal towns and island communities also play an important role in tourism and contribute strongly to the distinctive character of Schleswig-Holstein.

The economy of Schleswig-Holstein is strongly influenced by its location between the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. The maritime economy, including ports, shipyards, shipping and services related to maritime transport, plays an important role. Kiel, Lübeck, Flensburg and other coastal locations are particularly significant in this sector. Agriculture is another important part of the economy. The fertile soils are used to grow grain, rapeseed and other agricultural products. Livestock farming is also highly important in many rural areas. Schleswig-Holstein is also one of Germany's important locations for wind energy. Numerous wind turbines are operated along the coast and offshore. Offshore wind farms, meaning wind turbines located at sea, are a particularly important part of the state's energy sector. Tourism, the food industry, mechanical engineering, medical technology and various service sectors also contribute significantly to the economy.

Schleswig-Holstein has a distinctive natural diversity because the state borders two seas. Along the North Sea coast lies the Wadden Sea with its tidal flats, salt marshes and islands. Large parts of this landscape belong to the Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea National Park and provide important habitats for birds, seals and numerous marine species. The Baltic Sea coast is clearly different from the North Sea coast. Fjords, steep coastal cliffs, beaches and bays shape the landscape there. Holstein Switzerland, by contrast, is characterized by numerous lakes, forests and gently rolling hills. In addition to the Wadden Sea National Park, the state has numerous nature reserves and protected landscapes. The conservation of coasts, wetlands, forests and marine habitats is particularly important for Schleswig-Holstein.

Schleswig-Holstein has a diverse cultural identity shaped by German, North German and Danish history. This can be seen particularly clearly in its historic cities, coastal regions and numerous traditional festivals and events. One of the best-known attractions is the Old Town of Lübeck, whose historic buildings are part of the UNESCO World Heritage. The Holsten Gate is one of the city's most recognizable landmarks. Kiel hosts Kiel Week every year, one of the world's largest sailing events and at the same time a major public festival. Other well-known attractions include Glücksburg Castle near Flensburg, Gottorf Castle in Schleswig, the historic town of Husum and the numerous beaches and coastal landscapes along the North Sea and Baltic Sea. The islands of Sylt, Föhr and Amrum, as well as Fehmarn, are also among the state's best-known tourist destinations. The maritime tradition, proximity to Denmark, North German architectural heritage and distinctive coastal landscapes give Schleswig-Holstein a clearly recognizable cultural character.