Cologne is the largest and oldest city of North Rhine-Westphalia, and a cultural, historical, and economic hub of the region.
Düsseldorf is the capital and second-largest city of North Rhine-Westphalia, and a leading financial, trade fair, and fashion centre of Germany.
Dortmund is the third-largest city of North Rhine-Westphalia, and a major industrial, scientific, and cultural centre of the Ruhr area.
Essen is the fourth-largest city of North Rhine-Westphalia, and a former coal-mining and steel-producing city that has transformed into a modern service and cultural hub.
Duisburg is the fifth-largest city of North Rhine-Westphalia, and a key logistics and transport hub that hosts the world's largest inland port.