The University of Greifswald (German pronunciation: [ˈɡʁaɪfsvalt]; German: Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-Universität Greifswald) is a university located in Greifswald, Germany. Founded in 1456 (teaching existed since 1436), it is one of the oldest universities in Europe, with generations of notable alumni and staff having studied or worked in Greifswald. As the fourth-oldest university in present Germany, it was temporarily also the oldest university of the Kingdoms of Sweden (1648–1815) and Prussia (1815–1945), respectively. The University's current controversial German name - Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-Universität Greifswald - was given 1933, by then, Prussian Minister-President Hermann Göring, in honour of German nationalist Ernst Moritz Arndt. Approximately two thirds of the 12,000 students are from outside the state. Due to the small-town atmosphere, the pronounced architectural presence of the alma mater across town, and the young, academic flair in the streets, Greifswald is often described as a "university with a town built around it" rather than a town with a university. The University of Greifswald was founded on 17 October 1456 with the approval of the Holy Roman Empire and the Pope.