Saarland is a state of Germany. Saarland is located in western Germany covering an area of 2,570 km2 (990 sq mi) and a population of 995,600 (2015), the smallest German state in both area and population apart from the city-states of Berlin, Bremen, and Hamburg. Saarbrücken is the state capital and largest city, while other major cities include Homburg and Saarlouis. Saarland is surrounded by France to the west, Luxemburg to the north and the German state of Rhineland-Palatinate to the east. Saarland has successfully accomplished an enormous economic transformation which has seen it develop into a high-technology hub over recent years. It's a high-quality location for business which also offers an excellent quality of life – all at much lower costs than other cities and regions. The state government: According to Saarland's constitution the state government comprises the Prime Minister as well as the ministers and secretaries of state. The election of the head of government requires an absolute majority of the state parliament's MPs, i.e. 26 out of 51 votes. The Prime Minister appoints and dismisses the ministers and sets the policy agenda. Saarland has the smallest cabinet of any German federal state.