Essen /Germany/

Essen is situated in the heart of the Ruhr area, the most populous area of Germany. The population of the city is about 622 thousand people. The area of the city is 2.104 km2. The density of population is about 296/km2.

It is one of the largest cities of the federal ground Northern Rhine-Westphalia and Germany; it's the centre of economy, trade and services. The head offices of the world-famous companies such as RWE AG, Ruhrgas AG and others are situated in Essen. The sphere of high tech industry is of great importance here. Mechanical engineering, electrotechnology, light metal manufacture, food-processing and chemical industries help to develop the city and makes it one of the most prosperous cities in Germany. Essen fair is one of ten largest exhibitions in Germany: annually almost 10,000 participants from almost 80 countries represent its goods and services there.

The city which is quite modern has rich history. In fact Essen is much older than Berlin and Munich. The first mention of Essen dates from 852. The city was founded and developed near a women monastery. The abbesses, who have led the monastery and the city to economic and cultural prosperity, defined high and spiritual life of the city till the beginning of XIX century when the epoch of coal-mining and steel industry started. In 1950s a serious crisis followed the period of prosperity, and mines stopped on the trot. Essen has to replace its structure and became the centre of trade and services.

For more than millennial history the city has accumulated rich cultural heritage that causes numerous delights of the most exacting art-lovers. In 2010 Essen, "European Capital of Culture of 2010", is ready to show to all Europe how carefully and effectively former coal metropolis supports and develops culture.

The official webpage is http://www.essen.de.