Essen is a city located in the Ruhr area of Germany, near the city of Bonn. It is the ninth largest city in Germany and has a population of over 586, 000 people. Essen is known for its industrial heritage and is home to several large companies, such as ThyssenKrupp and RWE. It is also home to several cultural attractions, including the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.