NORTH RHINE-WESTPHALIA
We are 18 million
North Rhine-Westphalia is not only the German state with the highest population, it is also the state of diversity and innovation.
With around 18 million inhabitants, North Rhine-Westphalia offers a unique blend of culture, history and modernity. Here, in the west of Germany, tradition and innovation meet, urbanity segues into rural charm to create a vibrant community, opening up exciting new horizons for visitors.
The great strengths of North Rhine-Westphalia are reflected in its renowned science and business centres – where innovations are ever-present.
North Rhine-Westphalia offers residents and visitors a lively arts and culture scene with numerous theatres, art galleries, museums and music festivals for a truly impressive range of cultural experiences.
For nature lovers, our state is a real paradise, offering a wealth of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors with nature parks, hiking and cycling trails.
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5 Highlights
IN NORTH RHINE-WESTPHALIA
CHIO Aachen
Once a year, the state of North Rhine-Westphalia becomes the centre of the equestrian world, at CHIO in Aachen, where the international top class meets for the world’s largest equestrian tournament. Horses and riders compete in five disciplines in numerous competitions.
Ruhrgames
The Ruhrgames are the sporting highlight of top-level German sports. Athletes compete against each other in a range of disciplines, from classic Olympic disciplines to BMX cycling. In 2023, there was also a vibrant urban culture programme with activities including street art at the venues on the Rhine and Ruhr, making the Ruhrgames the largest international sports and culture festival for young people!
Renaturation of the Emscher River
The renaturation of the Emscher River and the design of the new nature and water adventure park in Castrop-Rauxel were carried out as part of the Emscher conversion generation project. Since 1992, the public water board Emschergenossenschaft has invested more than five billion euros in North Rhine-Westphalia’s largest infrastructure project in the past three decades.
Floating PV system
The Floating Solar Plant near Weeze is the largest of its kind in North Rhine-Westphalia. The system, which was installed in a lake formed by the excavation of a gravel pit, comprises 1,872 solar modules and produces approximately 637,500 kilowatt hours per year, which is enough to meet the energy needs of the adjacent gravel plant.
Wuppertaler Junior Uni
Wuppertal Junior Uni offers children and young people between the ages of four and 20 a wide range of educational and research opportunities outside of the ordinary school curriculum. In practice-oriented courses, the youngsters carry out experiments under supervision and take a closer look at natural phenomena.
NORTH RHINE-WESTPHALIA AT THE FESTIVAL OF UNITY
The North Rhine-Westphalian Promenade
The words that sum up North Rhine-Westphalia best are diversity and a zest for life. At our stand on the corner of Spitalerstraße and Mönckebergstraße, we’ll be giving plenty of examples of why that is.
Come and explore North Rhine-Westphalia:
Treat your tastebuds with typical specialities from the state in the west and wash them down with a glass of draught Kölsch beer. There will be fun on stage with kölsche Tön and magic shows for aspiring magicians of all ages. Plus, several times a day we’ll be holding a North Rhine-Westphalia bingo game. Learn all about the state, tick off the boxes – the first to shout “BINGO” wins a prize.
We look forward to seeing you!
FOR GERMAN UNITY DAY 2023:
THE MINISTER-PRESIDENT OF NORTH RHINE-WESTPHALIA, HENDRIK WÜST
In North Rhine-Westphalia we open up horizons, create new perspectives and are committed to diversity and innovation. Together, we find solutions and use all opportunities for a sustainable and digital future.
Hendrik Wüst, Member of the State Parliament
Minister-President of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia
FIVE THINGS THAT YOU PROBABLY DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT NORTH RHINE-WESTPHALIA
OUR STATE, OUR FILM
