Order of Merit of North Rhine-Westphalia

The Merit of the State of North Rhine -Westphalia is a medals and decorations and - in addition to the State Prize of North Rhine -Westphalia - the highest award of Nordrhein-Westfalen.

The shape of the Order arises from a simple, white enamel Maltese cross with a silver disc in the center, on top of the coat of arms of North Rhine -Westphalia is shown.

The Merit of the State of North Rhine -Westphalia was founded in March 1986 by the then Prime Minister John Rau. It is awarded to citizens from all groups of the population whose extraordinary merits may have been acquired for the public in all areas of life. Nominations can be made members of the government for their respective ministries and the President of the Landtag for the state legislature. The ceremony will take place by the prime minister. Suggestions for the award can be made by anyone.

The number of state orders is limited to 2,500. Since its inception, more than 1,300 people have received this award (as of January 2010).

Historically, the Order of Merit of North Rhine- Westphalia after the Order of St. Hubert, the second donated in Dusseldorf Order.