rostock has over 200,000 people (204,260 in december 2011). it has an old university (founded in 1419). the town is on the river warnow. the mayor is roland methling. the city today has the name "hansestadt" (hanseatic city) in memory of its history, where it has been an important part of the hanseatic league. the architecture of the city and the region is influenced by this historic period.