With a population of over 753,000, Frankfurt is the largest city in the German state of Hesse and the fifth largest city in Germany. Strategically located on the river Main, Frankfurt has long been one of the most important German cities economically, politically, and culturally.

Frankfurt's history stretches back over 1,200 years. In the Early Middle Ages, Frankfurt was a small settlement centered around a Roman fort. By the 12th century, Frankfurt had grown into a thriving commercial center, hosting trade fairs and markets. Its strategic location on the Main river allowed it to become a major trading hub. In the 14th and 15th centuries, Frankfurt prospered as a member of the Hanseatic League and was one of the most important cities in the Holy Roman Empire.

Several Holy Roman Emperors were crowned in Frankfurt, starting with Charlemagne in 1562. From 1562 to 1792, ten emperors were crowned in Frankfurt's St. Bartholomew's Cathedral (Frankfurt Cathedral), making the city the traditional location for imperial coronations. Frankfurt also became an important financial center in the Middle Ages due to its fairs, banking facilities and extensive trade. This tradition has continued into the modern era.

Today, Frankfurt is the financial capital of continental Europe. It is home to the European Central Bank and Germany's largest stock exchange. Frankfurt is also a major transportation hub, with Germany's busiest airport and extensive rail connections. The city's skyline is dominated by the headquarters of major banks and financial institutions. As a center for business and finance, Frankfurt attracts many international professionals and expatriates. About 25% of Frankfurt's population is foreign born.

Despite its modern role as Germany's financial powerhouse, Frankfurt still retains a medieval old town center. Notable historic sites include the Römerberg, a central square surrounded by half-timbered houses, St. Bartholomew's Cathedral (Frankfurt Cathedral), Paulskirche (St. Paul's Church), the church where Germany's first parliament met in 1848, and a reconstructed section of the medieval city wall. Museums in Frankfurt include the Städel Museum, known for its collection of European art, and the Senckenberg Natural History Museum.

Frankfurt also has a vibrant cultural scene. It is home to over 60 theaters and stages, more than any other German city. The city hosts many festivals throughout the year, including Museumsuferfest, a three day festival held along the Main riverbank that attracts over 3 million visitors annually. Oper Frankfurt is considered one of the world's leading opera companies. The Frankfurt Book Fair, held each October, is the most important book fair in the world for international deals and trading.

The city's culinary offerings are also diverse, ranging from traditional Hessian fare to international cuisines. Apfelwein, or apple wine, is a locally produced hard cider and a popular drink. The Sachsenhausen district is known for its traditional apple wine pubs. Other local specialties include Handkäse mit Musik, a soft cheese, and Frankfurter Rippchen, cured pork ribs. With its cosmopolitan population, Frankfurt offers a wide range of ethnic restaurants and cuisines.

Frankfurt has a long tradition as a city of trade fairs and finance, but it also has a rich cultural heritage and vibrant contemporary scene. The city seamlessly combines modern skyscrapers with historic neighborhoods, world-class museums with cutting-edge performances. Frankfurt offers something for everyone, from centuries-old churches to avant garde art to traditional cider taverns. Its diversity and energy make Frankfurt one of Germany's most exciting and welcoming cities.

Here are some additional facts about Frankfurt:

- Frankfurt is situated on both sides of the River Main, which flows through the center of the city. The city center is located on the north side of the river.

- Frankfurt is part of the Rhine-Main metropolitan region, which has a population of over 5 million. The metro region is Germany's second largest after the Ruhr area.

- Frankfurt Airport is the busiest airport in Germany and one of the busiest in Europe. In 2019, over 70 million passengers passed through the airport.

- The city's network of underground railways and subways is called the Frankfurt U-Bahn. It consists of 9 lines serving 91 stations.

- Some of Frankfurt's tallest skyscrapers include the 259 meter Commerzbank Tower, the 200 meter Main Tower, and the 192 meter Tower 185.

- Major companies headquartered in Frankfurt include Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank, Deutsche Börse, and software company SAP.

- Frankfurt is home to Goethe University Frankfurt, founded in 1914, which is the largest university in the state of Hesse. Notable alumni include philosopher Theodor Adorno.

- Some of Frankfurt's most popular green spaces are the Palmengarten botanical gardens, Frankfurt City Forest, and the parks along the river Main.

- The city is host to many festivals and fairs, including the Museumsuferfest along the Main riverbank and the Frankfurt Christmas Market.

- Frankfurt cuisine features many traditional Hessian dishes including Grüne Soße, a green herb sauce, Frankfurter Rippchen, and Handkäse mit Musik.

- Frankfurt has over 60 museums covering art, film, architecture, applied arts, and other fields. The Städel Museum is one of Germany's most prominent art museums.

- Frankfurt is known for its impressive modern architecture in addition to medieval, renaissance and 18th century buildings. It has over 20 skyscrapers, including the tallest office towers in Germany.