Cologne's Location: Which German State Does It Belong To?

Cologne is a city in Germany and is the largest city in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia. It is also the fourth-most populous city in Germany, with nearly 1.1 million inhabitants in the city proper and over 3.1 million people in the Cologne Bonn urban region. Cologne is located on the River Rhine and is known for its joyous attitude and party spirit, with the world-famous Cologne Carnival, its signature beer, and its Gothic cathedral.

Cologne is in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia

Cologne is located on the River Rhine (Lower Rhine), about 35 km southeast of the North Rhine-Westphalia state capital Düsseldorf and 25 km northwest of Bonn, the former capital of West Germany. The city is centred on the left (west) bank of the Rhine.

Cologne is one of the oldest cities in Germany, founded by the Romans in 38 BCE and granted the status of a Roman colony in 50 CE. It was the capital of the Gallic Empire from 260 to 271 and became a Free Imperial City in 1475, retaining that status until 1794.

Cologne is a major cultural centre for the Rhineland, hosting more than 30 museums and hundreds of art galleries. The city's medieval Cologne Cathedral is a globally recognised landmark and one of the most visited sights and pilgrimage destinations in Europe.

Cologne is also known for its joyous attitude and party spirit, particularly during the world-famous Cologne Carnival, held between the new year and Ash Wednesday. The city is also famous for Eau de Cologne, which has been produced there since 1709, and for Kölsch, its signature beer.

It is the fourth-most populous city in Germany

Cologne is the fourth-most populous city in Germany, with nearly 1.1 million inhabitants in the city proper and over 3.1 million people in the Cologne Bonn urban region. It is the largest city in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia, which is Germany's most populous state. Cologne is also the largest city on the River Rhine and the most populous city in the Rhine-Ruhr Metropolitan Region and the Rhineland.

Cologne's population is spread across 85 districts, which are divided into nine city areas. The population density was 2,700/km2 (7,000/sq mi) in 2021. In that year, there were 551,528 women and 527,773 men in the city. The city's population is diverse, with 40.5% of people having a migrant background. In 2021, 11,127 births were recorded in Cologne, along with 5,844 marriages and 1,808 divorces. The city also witnessed 10,536 deaths in the same year.

Cologne's urban area has a population of around 2 million, encompassing the neighbouring cities of Bonn, Hürth, Leverkusen, and Bergisch-Gladbach. The metropolitan area covers over 405 square kilometres (156 square miles) and extends around a central point with coordinates of 50° 56' 33 latitude and 6° 57' 32 longitude.

Cologne's status as the fourth-most populous city in Germany reflects its historical significance as a key inland port and trade centre. Its location on the River Rhine, combined with its position at the intersection of major trade routes, has been a critical driver of the city's growth and economic development.

Cologne is a key inland port in Europe

Cologne's history as a significant inland port dates back to ancient Roman times. The Romans founded Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium (Cologne) on the Rhine in 50 CE, and it became the provincial capital of Germania Inferior in 85 CE. The construction of a bridge over the Rhine in 310 CE, ordered by Emperor Constantine I, further solidified Cologne's role as a vital trade centre.

Today, Cologne remains an important inland port and is home to one of the largest Rhine harbours in Germany. The city's five Rhine ports make it a key hub for water-borne transport and contribute to its status as a major logistics centre in Europe.

In addition to its function as an inland port, Cologne is also a cultural and economic centre. The city is known for its joyous attitude, vibrant carnival traditions, and iconic Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With a population of over a million people, it stands as the fourth-largest city in Germany and the largest in the western part of the country.

Cologne's economic significance extends beyond its role as an inland port. The city is a manufacturing hub, particularly for car engines and automotive parts, and is home to the European headquarters of Ford Motor Company. Additionally, industries such as engineering, electrical engineering, machinery production, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and food and beverage production contribute to its economic strength.

Cologne's long history, cultural significance, and diverse economic activities solidify its status as a key inland port and a major city in Europe.

The city is known for its joyous attitude and party spirit

Cologne is a city in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia.

Cologne is Germany's oldest city

Cologne is located in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia and is Germany's fourth-largest city. It is one of the oldest cities in Germany, founded by the Romans in 38 BCE and granted the status of a Roman colony in 50 CE.

The Roman Settlement

Cologne was founded in Germanic Ubii territory in the 1st century CE as the Roman settlement Colonia Agrippina, or Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium. It became the capital of the Roman province of Germania Inferior in 85 CE and was an important trade and production centre. The Romans constructed a bridge over the Rhine in 310 CE under Emperor Constantine I, further establishing Cologne as a key inland port in Europe.

Medieval Cologne

Cologne became a member of the Hanseatic League in the 13th century and a Free Imperial City in 1475. It was a significant centre of medieval pilgrimage, with the relics of the Three Wise Men housed in the Cologne Cathedral. The city was also a major hub of medieval scholarship, with theologians Albertus Magnus, Thomas Aquinas, and John Duns Scotus all teaching there.

Modern Cologne

Cologne has been occupied by the French and British at various points in its history, and was heavily bombed during World War II. Today, it is a major cultural centre, boasting over 30 museums and hundreds of art galleries. It is also known for its thriving media industry, with several radio and television stations based in the city.

Cologne's rich history, architecture, and cultural significance make it a popular tourist destination.

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