Order of Merit of the Free State of Saxony

The Order of Merit of the Free State of Saxony (German: Sächsischer Verdienstorden) is a civil order of merit, and the highest award of the German state of Saxony. First presented in 1997, it is awarded by the Minister-President of Saxony. The order is presented to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the people and state of Saxony. The award is limited to a total of 500 living recipients. As of November 2012 it has been awarded 243 times.