44 international Top Models are anxious to travel to Germany and to compete in the 17th TOP MODEL OF THE WORLD pageant which is going to be in Dortmund. Dortmund is located in the State of North Rhine Westphalia, in the "Ruhr Area" Its population of 587,830 makes it the 7th-largest city in Germany, and 34th-largest in the European Union. The Dortmund Ems Canal also terminates in the Dortmund Port, which is the largest European canal port, and links Dortmund to the North Sea. Dortmund is known as Westphalia's "green metropolis". Nearly half the municipal territory consists of waterways, woodland, agriculture and green spaces with spacious parks. This contrasts with nearly a hundred years of extensive coal mining and steel milling within the city limits. One of the leading Casinos in Germany and in Europe is called the "Casino Hohensyburg" - the venue of the 17th TOP MODEL OF THE WORLD pageant. All delegates will be welcomed in Germany on the 10th of February and remain in Germany until the 21st of February, the day of the final. Over this time all delegates will experience as well the german "Carnival" time in Germany as well as Sightseeing and Welcome Receptions.
