British occupation zone in Germany

The British occupation zone in Germany (German: Britische Besatzungszone) was one of the Allied-occupied areas in Germany after World War II. The United Kingdom – also representing the other Commonwealth countries – was one of the three major Allied powers that defeated Nazi Germany. By 1945, the Allies had divided the country into four occupation zones: British, Soviet, American and French. These lasted until 1949, when the new country of West Germany was established. Out of all the four zones, the British had the largest population and contained within it the heavy industry region, the Ruhr, as well as the naval ports and the majority of Germany's coastlines.