Alsace is one of the smallest French provinces and is located in the far north-east corner of the country. It's surrounded by the well-known Foret Noire (Black Forest) and the Vosges mountains. In this region, you can find rich farmland, dense forests, vineyards, towns, and villages. The population of Alsace is about 1,649,000. The density of population is 209 people per km2. Like any other French province, Alsace has a big variety of different foods. You may like to try "pates de fois gras" of Strasbourg and "choucroute". Don't forget to appreciate the wonderful taste of "porc au Deux Pommes "which consists of porc served with potatoes and apples, delicious "Tarte Alsacienne" (fruit- and custard-filled tart), and the original potato salad with sausage, which reveals the German influence on Alsatian cuisine. In case you want to try Alsatian beverages, choose wines, liqueurs, and famed Alsatian beer.
             Alsace is divided into the departments of Haut-Rhin and Bas-Rhin, together with its traditional capital Strasbourg, which is a major port on the river Rhine. Strasbourg is not only the capital of Alsace but also the capital of German-speaking France. The majority of local announcements are in both languages. Although Strasbourg is a small compact city, it is a modern European economic and administrative center.
             It is a fast-developing city and is now home to the European Parliament, the European Court, and the European Commission of Human Rights. Many foreign companies and the French headquarters of international banks are located there. The quality of life is very high in Strasbourg. There are also high employment possibilities for well-educated people. A great number of architectural achievements and museums in Strasbourg represent the city's formula of combining the old with the contemporary. For instance, La Petite France, the area of Strasbourg, combines 16th-century buildings with extraordinary carved woodwork. The cathedral of...