Ruhrgebiet (Ruhr area)

The Ruhrgebiet, or Ruhr area, is a large urban region in western Germany known for its extensive industrial history, particularly coal mining and steel production. Comprising cities like Dortmund, Essen, and Duisburg, it transformed in the 19th and 20th centuries into one of Europe's most important industrial hubs. Today, the area has shifted towards services, technology, and cultural industries, while maintaining its industrial heritage through museums and regenerated landscapes. The Ruhrgebiet is characterized by dense urban settlements, diverse communities, and a strong economic legacy rooted in heavy industry.