"Et kütt wie et kütt" - Cologne dialect for the phrase "What will be, will be" perfectly encapsulates the typically relaxed and optimistic way in which Cologne welcomes its visitors. The city's easy-going take on life owes something to its unique history. Founded by the Romans, ideally situated on the River Rhine and a hub for key trading routes, Cologne soon grew to become what it is today - a vibrant and dynamic metropolis. Even today, Cologne represents a blend of big city life and regional traits. Rhinelanders are uncomplicated and outgoing folk, yet very proud of their city - not just the local dialect and that famous kölsch beer but also the Cologne Carnival. During carnival season (known locally as the 'fifth season' of the year), revelers - young and old, side by side - take to Cologne's streets to indulge in colorful merrymaking. Cologne's history goes back a long way. Signs of the city's rich heritage can be found at almost every street corner, from Roman city walls to medieval churches. Hohe Straße, the bustling downtown shopping street, has a colorful history as a trading location dating back some 2,000 years. Cologne Cathedral, the city's landmark, was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1996 and attracts 6 million visitors from all over the world every year. Yet Cologne is also a modern city, with countless galleries, festivals and musicals. What has kept the city so young and dynamic over the years is the fact that it is home to more than 80,000 students. Cologne is a popular place to work. Companies from a wide variety of industries have made Cologne their home over the past decades, beginning with the carmaker Ford. The REWE grocery chain and numerous subsidiaries, the AXA insurance group and the chemicals firms Lanxess and Bayer are also attractive among students seeking internships and their first jobs, as are the numerous media companies based in the city.