Bonn

Bonn is a city in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia, situated on the banks of the Rhine and near the Siebengebirge hills. With approximately 330,000 residents, it is a mid-sized urban center known for administration, culture, and higher education in the region.

Historically, Bonn served as the capital of West Germany from 1949 to 1990. After German reunification, the capital moved to Berlin, but Bonn remains an important seat of the federal government and hosts several international institutions.

The city is also a major cultural center. It is the birthplace of Ludwig van Beethoven, and the Beethoven-Haus museum preserves his birthplace and early works. The University of Bonn (Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität), founded in 1818, is a leading research university. Bonn features attractions such as the Old Town with the Market Square and Old Town Hall, Bonn Minster, and several museums including the Kunst- und Ausstellungshalle. The Rhine shoreline and the surrounding hills provide recreational areas and scenic views.

Economically, Bonn relies on public administration, higher education, research, and services. The city hosts the United Nations Campus Bonn, which houses several UN organizations and contributes to its international profile. The nearby Rhine landscapes and the Siebengebirge also contribute to tourism and the quality of life in Bonn.