Alsace-Lorraine

   The area of Alsace-Lorraine (German, Elsass-Lothringen) makes up the historic frontier area of northeastern France, separated from Germany in the east by the Rhine River and drained by the Moselle River. The vosges Mountains are in the east. Alsace-Lorraine consists of three departments: Bas-Rhin and Haut Rhin in the administrative region of Alsace, and Moselle, part of the region of Lorraine. The main cities are Strasbourg, Mulhouse, and Metz.

   Historically, the region has been the object of disputes between French and Germanic rulers since the breakup of Charlemagne's empire in the ninth century. The term "Alsace-Lorraine" was first used in 1871 when, under the terms of the Peace Treaty of Frankfurt, concluding the franco-prussian war, the former provinces of Alsace and Lorraine, French since the mid-17th century, were annexed by Germany. Returned to France in 1919, they were again annexed and occupied by Germany from 1940 to 1945.

   French is now the dominant language in both areas, but Alsatian, a German dialect, is also spoken. The whole region has a culture that reflects both French and German elements. The area produces textiles and chemicals and, in agriculture, important crops including grain, grapes, and tobacco.