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Frankfurt

Frankfurt, usually referring to Frankfurt am Main, is the largest city in the German state of Hesse and one of Germany’s major financial and transportation centres.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Frankfurt, usually referring to Frankfurt am Main, is the largest city in the German state of Hesse and one of Germany’s major financial and transportation centres. It lies on the Main River and is known for hosting the European Central Bank, the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, and one of Europe’s busiest airports.

Geography

Frankfurt am Main is situated on the Main River in the German state of Hesse, in western Germany. The city forms part of a larger urban and metropolitan area centered on the Rhine-Main region.

Economy and finance

Frankfurt is widely recognized as one of Europe’s leading financial centres. It hosts the European Central Bank, the German Federal Bank (Deutsche Bundesbank), and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.

Transportation

Frankfurt is a major transport hub for Germany and Europe. Frankfurt Airport is among Europe’s busiest airports, and the city is connected by major rail and road networks.

Population and urban area

The city’s population has grown to 778,589 in 2025, making it the fifth-largest city in Germany. Its wider urban area and metropolitan region are much larger, with the Rhine-Main region exceeding 5.8 million people.

Identity and name

The name Frankfurt generally refers to Frankfurt am Main, distinguishing it from Frankfurt an der Oder in eastern Germany. The city is commonly associated with its skyline, international institutions, and global business role.

Key facts

  • Frankfurt am Main is the most populous city in Hesse and the fifth-most populous city in Germany.
  • The city is located on the Main River in western Germany and forms part of the Rhine-Main metropolitan region.
  • Frankfurt is a major financial centre and is home to the European Central Bank and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.
  • Frankfurt Airport is one of Europe’s busiest airports and a major transport hub.
  • The city is also an important venue for trade fairs and international business activity.
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Canadian context

Frankfurt is relevant to Canadian readers as a major European financial and aviation hub, with strong business, travel, and trade connections to Germany and the wider EU.

Frequently asked questions

What is Frankfurt?
Frankfurt usually refers to Frankfurt am Main, a major German city in Hesse known for finance, transport, and international institutions.
Where is Frankfurt located?
It is in western Germany on the Main River, in the state of Hesse.
Why is Frankfurt important?
It is a major financial centre and transport hub, and it hosts the European Central Bank and Frankfurt Airport.
Is Frankfurt the capital of Germany?
No. Berlin is the capital of Germany. Frankfurt is one of Germany’s most important economic and transport centres.
How many people live in Frankfurt?
The city had 778,589 inhabitants in 2025, according to the provided source.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frankfurt
    Supports: Official name, location on the Main River, population, rank in Germany, Rhine-Main region, EU institutions.
  2. Goethe-Institut — https://www.goethe.de/prj/stg/en/deu/stp/fra.html
    Supports: Largest city in Hesse, location on the Main River, financial centre, ECB, Bundesbank, Frankfurt Stock Exchange, airport hub.
  3. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/place/Frankfurt-am-Main
    Supports: City in Hesse, western Germany, location along the Main River, population estimate.
  4. Wikivoyage — https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Frankfurt
    Supports: Business and financial centre, transport hub, ECB, stock exchange, trade fairs, airport.