North Rhine-Westphalia, commonly shortenedNRW,is the most populousstateofGermany, with a population of approximately 18 million, and the fourth largest by area. Its capital isDüsseldorf; the biggest city isCologne. Four of Germany's ten biggest cities—Cologne,Düsseldorf,Dortmund, andEssen—are located within the state, as well as the biggest metropolitan area of the European continent,Rhine-Ruhr.
An outward-looking, European-minded place,several of its cities have played a decisive role in European history.North Rhine-Westphalia also has its share of scenic beauty, along the mighty Rhine, in the charmingSiebengebirgeand in the wooded, peacefulSauerland.