Bremen is one of the prominent cities in north western Germany. It is situated 60km south of the mouth of the Weser river, which opens into the North Sea. Along with its cosmopolitan feel, its modern history dates back 1,200 years, while its marshes were settled about 14,000 years ago. Burial places can be seen that date back to the 7th century AD. For most of its history it was an independent city-state.