Mannheim is the second largest city in the state of Baden-Württemberg (Baden-Wuerttemberg) after the capital state's capital city Stuttgart.

Mannheim, situated at the confluence of the rivers Rhine and Neckar, is home to the second largest river port in Germany.

Mannheim is unique among German cities in that its central area is laid out in a grid pattern, much like many Northern American cities.

In 2007 Mannheim celebrated its 400th anniversary.

Karl Benz invented and drove the world’s first car in Mannheim in 1885. Even earlier (in 1817), Karl Drais invented and rode the first two-wheeled contraption called velocipede – the predecessor of the bicycle.

Famous singer Xavier Naidoo who was born in Mannheim in 1971 has established an entirely new music style: German soul.

Mannheim is also an attractive destination for people wanting to make a career in pop music because of the Popakademie (Pop-academy), Mannheim.

Steffi Graf, considered one of the greatest women’s tennis players of all times, was born in Mannheim in 1969. She won 22 Grand Slam titles, more than any other player, male or female. She is now married to Andre Agassi.

Ice Hockey fans will be happy to know that Mannheim is one of the cities in Germany to host (Ice) Hockey Worldcup 2010.