There is a special connection between North Rhine-Westphalia and the USA

NRW is historically closely linked to the USA

The relationship between North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) and the United States of America (USA) is historically very close. This is due to various factors, including the many German immigrants who settled in the USA in the 19th century, the stationing of US troops in NRW after the Second World War, and the close economic ties between the two regions.

German immigration to the USA

In the 19th century, millions of Germans emigrated to the USA. Many of them settled in the Midwest, where they founded their own communities and helped to shape the culture of the region. Today, there are an estimated 40 million Americans of German descent, making them the largest ethnic group in the USA.

Stationing of US troops in NRW

After the Second World War, the USA stationed troops in NRW as part of the NATO alliance. These troops played a key role in the defense of Western Europe during the Cold War. Today, there are still around 35,000 US troops stationed in NRW, making it the largest US military presence in Europe.

Close economic ties

NRW and the USA have close economic ties. NRW is one of the most important economic regions in Europe, and the USA is one of its most important trading partners. The two regions are also home to many large multinational companies, such as Ford, General Motors, and Bayer.

Conclusion

The relationship between NRW and the USA is historically very close. This is due to various factors, including the many German immigrants who settled in the USA in the 19th century, the stationing of US troops in NRW after the Second World War, and the close economic ties between the two regions.