Cottbus, also known as Chóśebuz, is a university city located in the German state of Brandenburg. It serves as the second-largest city in the state after Potsdam and is the most populous city in the region of Lusatia. The city has a population of approximately 100,000 inhabitants.
Geographically, Cottbus lies within the Sorbian settlement area of Lower Lusatia. It is situated on the shores of the Cottbuser Ostsee, which is Germany's largest artificial lake. Additionally, it is positioned on the River Spree and ranks as the second-largest city on that river, following Berlin.