Stuttgart is the capital of Baden-Wurttemberg state, is located in the center of the very densely populated southwestern Stuttgart Region of Germany, close to both the Black Forest and the Swabian Jura. The city center is situated in a lush valley, ringed with vineyards and forests, close to the River Neckar. Stuttgart's metropolitan area is one of the most prominent and well-known German towns, especially due to its cultural, administrative and huge economic importance.

Stuttgart is the sixth largest city in Germany and Stuttgart Region is the nation's fourth largest conurbation. Neighboring large cities are Frankfurt and Munich.

Stuttgart is known for its cultural life, in particular the Staatstheater and Staatsgalerie. The Staatstheater contains an opera house and three smaller theaters, where opera, ballet, theatre and concerts are produced. The world-renowned Stuttgart Opera won the prestigious "Opera of the year" award for five years running (1998-2002). The city also offers two Broadway-style Musical theaters, the Apollo and the Palladium Theater.

The city also has a reputation for organizing other major sports events. It hosted the 1993 World Championships in Athletics and many other world and European championships of all kind of sports. The town will be one of the twelve hosts of the Football World Cup 2006. The 3rd and 4th place playoff of the World Cup will be held at the City's Daimler Stadium. Stuttgart also is "European Sports Capital 2007".