The University of Göttingen (, GAU), known informally as Georgia Augusta, is a public comprehensive research university in the city of Göttingen, Germany. Founded in 1734 by George II, King of Great Britain and Elector of Hanover, and starting classes in 1737, the university is the oldest in the state of Lower Saxony and the largest in student enrollment, which stands at around 26,000. The university is highly renowned and respected both in Germany and throughout the world. This reputation has thus shaped Göttingen into a university city with a high student and faculty population.