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Population: approximately 1.0 million
Area: 405.01 km²

Cologne is the fourth largest and one of the few so-called "world cities" in Germany. Located in the west of the country on the river Rhine the city is considered a culturally very open and diverse city. The city has a worldwide reputation for its huge annual celebration the Cologne Carnival. Economically, Cologne it the media centre in Germany, since most German TV broadcasters are located. The state is also leading in science thanks to the Cologne University and the Technical University. Cologne is also a hub for sea and rail transport in Germany.