The State of NRW.

Those coming to the state of NRW probably know little about it. And it's not only the full name of North-Rhine-Westphalia, sometimes known as the hyphen state, that's somewhat unwieldy. NRW combines and offers many aspects. One curiosity of this federal state is the rivalry between the peoples of its two parts: Rhineland and Westphalia.

The media pick up the subject over and again, some may encounter it in everyday life themselves. And although most often the little banters are not really meant seriously, there is nevertheless a serious historical background that led to this alliance.

NRW may have hit troubled times with plant closures and bureaucratic hurdles still needing to be taken but recent legislation limiting subsidies to coal shows promise in this highly developed region. Its technology sites are outstanding and, in spite of the high population, there is no lack of beautiful nature or rich culture. And while Frankfurt, Munich, Berlin or Hamburg may have their charms, the cities of Cologne, Dusseldorf, Essen or Munster in NRW are musts on any journey to Germany.