Anhalt
a former duchy of north Germany, almost surrounded by Prussia; area 888 square miles. All sorts of grain, wheat especially, are grown in abundance; also, flax, rape, potatoes, tobacco, hops, and fruit. The inhabitants are principally occupied in agriculture, though there are some iron works and manufactures of woolens, linens, beetsugar, tobacco, etc. The former Dukes of Anhalt trace their origin to Bernard (1170-1212), son of Albert the Bear. In common with the other German states, Anhalt, in November, 1918, was declared a republic. Pop. about 350,000. The chief towns are Dessau (pop. about 60,000), Bernburg (pop. about 35,000), Köthen, and Zerbst.