Cottbus is located between Berlin, Leipzig and Dresden, in the Federal State of Brandenburg. The city has a population of 105,000 inhabitants. The textile industry had a formative influence on the 19th century Cottbus. Later, in the time of the German Democratic Republic, Cottbus was a significant producer of coal and electrical energy. Today the city conveys a mixture of its older and newer history. Close to the city centre is the BTU campus, with its distinctive library. BTU Cottbus was founded in 1991. Presently more than 6,700 students are enrolled here, including about 1000 international students from 90 countries. With 120 academic chairs in four different faculties, the BTU offers more than 30 attractive study courses, with a strong transdisciplinary approach. The modern campus offers students a very pleasant studying and relaxing environment. The lectures halls at BTU provide sufficient space for all those eager to learn.