The Ruhr Valley Metropolis is a metropolitan area located in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia. It is centered around the city of Essen, which is the fifth largest city in Germany and the largest city in the Ruhr Valley. The Ruhr Valley Metropolis is one of the most populous metropolitan areas in Europe, with a population of over 5 million people. It is known for its industrial heritage, as it was once the center of the German coal and steel industry. Today, the region is home to a diverse range of industries, including automotive, electronics, and chemicals.