North Rhine – Westphalia

& Industrial region Ruhrgebiet

After WW II the Ruhrgebiet region was the origin for industrial and economic development through cole mining and iron and steel industry.  All cities like Dusseldorf, Essen, Muelheim, Oberhausen and its neigbouring cities became a large metropolis and nearly grew together to one megacity.

In the 1970s when cole mining was reduced to nearly zero the industrial region was forced to diversify and change to other industries.

North Rhine Westphalia is not only well known for its industry but also for merry-making carnival in Cologne and Dusseldorf when inhabitants and millions of foreigners celebrate the fifth season of the year!