Mecklenburg Lakes Region

part of the Baltic Ridge in the northern German Democratic Republic. The relief is strongly dissected and has morainic ridges (maximum elevation, 179 m). There are numerous large lakes (Miiritz, Schwerin, and Plau), as well as small lakes. The soil is chiefly podzolic. The region’s landscape includes pine and beech forests, swamps, peat bogs, and heaths of heather and juniper. About three-fourths of the area is cultivated, primarily with rye, oats, potatoes, fodder grass, wheat, and flax. Stock raising for both meat and milk is an important occupation. Fishing and tourism are significant industries.