Before the start of World War II Bonn was a quiet university town, best known as the birthplace of the composer Ludwig van Beethoven. Because the city and its suburbs straddle the Rhine River, Bonn is regarded as the gateway to the scenic Rhine Valley. It is located in a region of natural beauty in the North Rhine–Westphalia state, about 15 miles (24 kilometers) south of Cologne. Across the river rise the famous Siebengebirge (Seven Hills) of German legends. The city has many medieval streets, romantic palaces, and historic buildings.

Bonn is an important rail and air center as well as a thriving commercial city. National and international travel facilities are well developed. The autobahn, or expressway, and the federal roads pass through the city. In the 19th century Bonn was developed strictly as a residential center and industries were not encouraged nearby. Products that are manufactured in the vicinity are laboratory equipment, switch gear, organs, and flags.

Bonn was founded in about 10 BC by the Roman legions of Emperor Augustus. They named it Bonna, or Castra Bonnensia. In AD 70 the legions were overthrown by barbarians. The fortress town was practically destroyed. Rebuilt by Emperor Julian in 359, it was ruined by Norsemen in 889. In the 13th century it was again fortified. The electors of Cologne resided at Bonn from 1265 until the French occupied the city in 1794. In 1815 it was annexed to Prussia.

In December 1918, after World War I, Bonn was occupied by Allied troops. By that time it had become a center of tourism and learning. During World War II about half of the city was devastated. After it was chosen the federal capital of West Germany, buildings were rapidly restored or newly constructed. (See also Germany.) Population (2002), 306,016.