Düsseldorf

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Düsseldorf Capital of North Rhine-Westphalia, at the confluence of the rivers Rhine and Düssel, nw Germany. Founded in the 13th century, it was the residence of the dukes of Berg in the 14th–16th centuries. It became part of Prussia in 1815 and was under French occupation 1921–25. It is a cultural centre, with an Academy of Art and an opera house. Industries: chemicals, textiles, iron, steel. Pop. (1999) 568,500.