Düsseldorf

Düsseldorf is a city in western Germany, the capital of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW). It lies on the right bank of the Rhine and on the Düssel river, northwest of Cologne. The city has a population of around 620,000, and is part of the Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan region, one of Germany's largest urban areas.

Historically a small settlement named after the Düssel and a fort, Düsseldorf grew as a trading and administrative center in the Middle Ages and later became the ducal seat of the House of Jülich-Berg. It was the capital of the Rhine Province during the German Empire and, after World War II, the capital of NRW.

Today Düsseldorf is known as a global business and cultural hub, especially in fashion, telecommunications, and advertising. The city hosts the Messe Düsseldorf exhibition complex, which stages major trade fairs such as boot (water sports) and drupa. The Altstadt, or Old Town, has many pubs and restaurants and is nicknamed the longest bar in the world. Königsallee, a chic boulevard, is a major shopping district. Notable cultural institutions include the Kunstpalast and the Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen, with K20 and K21, as well as the Rheinturm, offering panoramic city views.

Education and transport are well developed: Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf is the main university, and Düsseldorf International Airport connects the city globally. The network of rail and road links places Düsseldorf as a key node in western Germany.