North Rhine-Westphalia

North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) is the most populous state of Germany, with a population of approximately 18 million, and the fourth largest by area. Its capital is Düsseldorf, and the largest city is Cologne. North Rhine-Westphalia features four of Germany's 10 largest cities: Cologne, Düsseldorf, Dortmund, and Essen, and the Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan area, the largest in Germany and the third-largest on the European continent.

Geography

North Rhine-Westphalia is located in western Germany covering an area of 34,084 square kilometres (13,160 sq mi), making it the fourth largest state. The state is centred on the sprawling Rhine-Ruhr urban area, which includes the industrial Ruhr region and the Rhenish cities of Bonn, Cologne, and Düsseldorf.

History

North Rhine-Westphalia was established by the British military administration's "Operation Marriage" on 23 August 1946, by merging the province of Westphalia and the northern parts of the Rhineland, a historical region of Germany. Its formation ensured that the industrial powerhouse of the Ruhr region, with its largely Catholic and working-class population, was embedded in a larger political unit that included both Catholic and Protestant areas.

Economy

North Rhine-Westphalia has always been one of Germany's most prosperous states, due in no small part to its location at the heart of the European continent. The state is home to numerous multinational corporations like Bayer, Thyssenkrupp, and E.ON. The state's economy is primarily based on industry, particularly in sectors such as steel, machinery, chemical products, and auto parts.

Culture

North Rhine-Westphalia is home to a vibrant cultural scene, with a rich history of art, music, and literature. The state is known for its numerous cultural institutions, including the Museum Ludwig in Cologne, which houses a significant collection of modern art, and the Düsseldorf School of Photography, which has produced several notable photographers.

Cuisine

The cuisine of North Rhine-Westphalia is diverse and includes both hearty and sophisticated dishes. The region is known for its beer, particularly Kölsch and Altbier, and its bread, particularly Pumpernickel, a heavy, slightly sweet rye bread.

See also

• List of cities in North Rhine-Westphalia by population
• Politics of North Rhine-Westphalia
• Lower Rhine region