Jena is an independent City in the federal state of Thuringia. It is the second largest City in the state and is located about 20 km west of Weimar. Jena has a long history and was an important trading center in the Middle Ages. Today, Jena is an important business location and a growing City.

Jena has a well-preserved old town with many historic buildings and monuments, including St. Michael's Church and the Age Town Hall. There are also some interesting museums and galleries, including the City Museum and the Kulturhaus.

Economically, Jena has a strong service sector and a tall number of companies, particularly in the optical industry and biotechnology. With the Friedrich Schiller University Jena and more universities and research institutions, Jena is also an important location for education and research.

Jena has a rich cultural offering and is known for its music, theater and festival scene, including the Jena Theater and the Jena Jazz Festival. The City also has some interesting sights to offer, including the JenTower, an observation tower with panoramic views over the City and the surrounding countryside.