Munich is the capital of Germany’s largest state, Bavaria. Located in the southeast, Bavaria is bordered by Austria, the Czech Republic and Switzerland, as well as by its neighboring German states of Baden-Württemberg, Hesse, Thuringia and Saxony. Its German name, München, is derived from the Old German word for Mönche, which means "Monks" in English—which is why there is a monk on its coat of arms. Munich’s population is about 1.35 million; while it has some rustic charms, it is also a cultural mecca with many museums, theaters, universities and research centers like the Max Planck Society. It is also famous for its cuisine, especially white sausages, and local Weizenbier or wheat beer. It is also home to Bavarian Motor Works (BMW) headquarters.