Cologne is a German city located in the German Federal State of North Rhine-Westphalia. It is the largest city in the state and the fourth most populated city in Germany. Cologne is situated within the Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan region, which is Germany's largest and one of Europe's major metropolitan areas. The city is known for its famous Cologne Cathedral, which is the seat of the Catholic Archbishop of Cologne, and for its university, which is one of Europe's oldest and largest.
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Cologne is in the German Federal State of North Rhine-Westphalia
Cologne is the largest city in North Rhine-Westphalia and the fourth most populous city in Germany, after Berlin, Hamburg, and Munich. It is situated within the Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan region, Germany's largest and one of Europe's major metropolitan areas. Cologne is located on both sides of the Rhine River, about 45 kilometres southwest of North Rhine-Westphalia's capital, Düsseldorf, and 25 kilometres northwest of Bonn.
The city's famous Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) is the seat of the Catholic Archbishop of Cologne and is one of the world's largest churches. It is the largest Gothic church in northern Europe and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996. The University of Cologne is one of Europe's oldest and largest universities.
Cologne's economic importance stems from its position at the intersection of the Rhine River, a major trade route, and its role as one of Europe's key inland ports. It is also a cultural and historical hub, with a rich heritage that includes medieval fortifications, picturesque hills, and a thriving arts and learning scene. The city boasts a vibrant mix of shopping districts, parks, sports facilities, and open spaces, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
Cologne's GDP in 2018 was 190.8 billion euros, accounting for 5.7% of German economic output. The region has a diverse economy, with industries including coal mining, steel production, bio-chemicals, and high-tech sectors.
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North Rhine-Westphalia is Germany's most populous federal state
Germany is officially known as the Federal Republic of Germany and is a federal republic made up of 16 states. Each state has its own unique characteristics, landscape, and culture. North Rhine-Westphalia, located in the central western part of Germany, is Germany's most populous federal state, with over 18 million people. It shares international borders with Belgium and the Netherlands to the west and borders the German states of Lower Saxony, Hesse, and Rhineland Palatinate.
Cologne is the largest city in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia and the fourth most populous city in Germany, after Berlin, Hamburg, and Munich. It is situated within the Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan region, which is Germany's largest and one of Europe's major metropolitan areas. Cologne is known for its famous cathedral, the Kölner Dom, which is the seat of the Catholic Archbishop of Cologne. The city is also home to the University of Cologne, one of Europe's oldest and largest universities.
The state of North Rhine-Westphalia came into existence as a result of the restructuring of Europe after World War II. It was formed by merging Westphalia and the northern parts of the Rhine Province, which previously belonged to Prussia. In 1947, the state of Lippe was also merged with North Rhine-Westphalia. The state's capital is Düsseldorf, and other major cities include Aachen, Bochum, Bonn, Dortmund, Duisburg, and Essen.
North Rhine-Westphalia has a diverse economy, moving away from coal and steel towards high technology and services. It has the highest-density research network in Europe and is a popular destination for expats. The region has a rich cultural heritage and is known for its cathedrals, museums, and historical sites. The state also has a strong agricultural sector, producing livestock, sugar beets, strawberries, and grain.
In summary, North Rhine-Westphalia is Germany's most populous federal state, offering a blend of historical significance, cultural diversity, and economic development, with Cologne being its largest and most prominent city.
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The state is located in the central western part of Germany
Cologne is located in the German federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia, in the south-west of the state. North Rhine-Westphalia is in the central western part of Germany, sharing borders with Belgium and the Netherlands to the west. It is Germany's largest federal state by population, with over 18 million people. The state is home to a diverse landscape, including picturesque hills, forests, and the North German Plain.
North Rhine-Westphalia is one of 16 sovereign states that make up the Federal Republic of Germany. These states, known as "Länder" or "Bundesländer," vary in their landscapes, cultures, and histories. The German nation-state is a relatively recent formation, having come together in the mid- to late 19th century from the unification of several disparate states. As a result, Germany has a federal constitution, and its constituent states maintain a degree of independence.
The state of North Rhine-Westphalia was established after World War II as part of the restructuring of Europe. It is a western "old federal state," in contrast to the eastern "new federal states" that joined the republic in 1990. The state's landscape is diverse, ranging from the picturesque hills of the Bergisches Land in the east to the Ville, a chain of hills in the west.
Cologne, as part of North Rhine-Westphalia, is situated within the Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan region, one of Europe's major metropolitan areas. It is Germany's fourth-largest city and the largest in its state. The city straddles the Rhine River, with most of its area on the left (west) bank. Cologne's location has contributed to its commercial importance as a key inland port, connecting the Rhine River with western and eastern European trade routes.
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It shares borders with Belgium and the Netherlands
Cologne is located in the German Federal State of North Rhine-Westphalia, which is the country's largest federal state by population. It is situated in the south-west of the state and is the largest city in the state and the fourth most populated city in Germany. Cologne is located within the Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan region, which is Germany's largest and one of Europe's major metropolitan areas. The city is about 45 kilometres (28 mi) southwest of North Rhine-Westphalia's capital of Düsseldorf and 25 kilometres (16 mi) northwest of Bonn.
North Rhine-Westphalia shares land borders with several other German states, including Lower Saxony in the north, Hesse in the south-east, and Rhineland Palatinate in the south. Notably, it also shares international borders with Belgium and the Netherlands to the west. This western border region is characterised by a diverse landscape, including picturesque hills such as the Bergisches Land to the east and the Ville to the west.
Cologne itself is located on both sides of the Rhine River, which flows through the North German Plain. The river is navigable by seagoing vessels and has historically contributed to the city's commercial importance as a key inland port of Europe. The city's famous Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) is a prominent landmark and the seat of the Catholic Archbishop of Cologne.
North Rhine-Westphalia's borders with Belgium and the Netherlands highlight the region's central position within Europe and its accessibility to neighbouring countries. This proximity to international borders has likely influenced the region's cultural diversity and economic significance, contributing to its status as Germany's most popular state.
The region's location, shared borders, and accessibility to neighbouring countries have played a crucial role in shaping its history, culture, and economic development. The presence of international borders influences cultural exchange, trade, and cooperation between North Rhine-Westphalia and its neighbouring countries.
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North Rhine-Westphalia is known for its high-tech industries
Cologne is located in the German federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia. North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) is Germany's powerhouse, with the largest economy among the German states by GDP figures. It is the most populous and the most densely populated state in Germany, with around 18 million people. NRW has always been an attractive location for companies from all over the world due to its market size and favourable location conditions.
NRW is known for its high-tech industries, with numerous highly capable companies from the service and high-tech sectors. It is a world-renowned high-tech location and is recognised for its dense research landscape. The state has over 110 technology centres and non-university research institutes, providing ideal conditions for technology transfer. The diverse economic structure of NRW includes a mix of traditional industries, innovative sectors, and services.
The state's capital, Düsseldorf, is surrounded by almost 150 million people within a 500-kilometre radius, representing one-third of all EU consumers. This proximity to a vast market with high purchasing power makes NRW a top investment location in Germany. The Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan region, which includes Cologne, is Germany's largest and one of Europe's significant metropolitan areas.
The presence of major airports, an extensive network of waterways, railways, and roads, as well as the world's largest inland port in Duisburg, ensures fast connections to European and global markets. The region has a strong industrial heritage, particularly in coal and steel production, but has evolved to embrace new sectors, including future energies and high-tech industries.
NRW's exceptional science and research capabilities, combined with its skilled workforce, make it a desirable destination for businesses seeking to tap into Europe's largest economy. The state's commitment to renewable energy sources, such as wind, photovoltaics, and geothermal energy, is also noteworthy, positioning it as a key player in Germany's energy transition.
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Frequently asked questions
Cologne is in the German Federal State of North Rhine-Westphalia.
North Rhine-Westphalia is a state. Düsseldorf is its capital city.
Cologne is the fourth most populated city in Germany, with 1,073,096 residents as of 2021.