Cologne is a bustling metropolis of over a million people, with a diverse range of impressive sights. As one of Germany's major university cities, it is not only a centre for academia and student life, but also has a vibrant business and arts community. The open, uncomplicated character of the "Kölner" make it one of Germany's friendliest cities. With its rich multicultural blend and its geographic location in the heart of Europe – the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg are literally just round the corner, while Amsterdam, Brussels, and Paris can be easily reached by train – it is a particularly appealing place to study. Its significance as a business location makes Cologne the ideal place to start a degree in Germany. The city is a leading media centre, with many traditional newspaper and magazine companies. It is also the home of a vibrant radio, music, film, and television scene. Additionally, it has a retail and trade fair tradition that goes back centuries. With its vast number of retail and industrial companies, in addition to its IT firms and start-ups, Cologne is an attractive destination for global citizens in every industry.