The top-level domain (TLD) RUHR refers to the domain name extension that is particularly assigned to represent the Ruhr region of Germany. Top-level domains can be divided into categories such as: generic Top-Level Domains (gTLDs), country-code Top-level Domains (ccTLDs), and GeoTLDs, which are geographically based. RUHR belongs to the last category, GeoTLDs.
GeoTLDs, according to ICANN (The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers), are designed to facilitate individuals, businesses, and organizations in a specific geographical area of the world to register domain names that have a clear link or association with that region, city, or cultural community. RUHR was introduced to give the Ruhr region of Germany an identity online.
The RUHR domain is managed by regiodot GmbH & Co. KG. After a successful application and approval process by ICANN, the RUHR top-level domain was officially delegated on 21 January 2014. As of now, this TLD is intended for individuals, businesses, and organizations that have a clear connection to the Ruhr area, which is one of Germany’s most populated and industrialized areas.
By registering a domain name with .RUHR, organizations can easily state their affiliation with the Ruhr region, therefore enhancing their local SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and strengthen their brand’s reputation within the region. For example, a business named “Ruhr Furniture” that uses the domain name “ruhrfurniture.ruhr” more clearly represents its presence in the Ruhr region than a more generic domain such as “.com” or “.biz” would.
It’s important to mention that the decision to give the Ruhr region its own TLD sparked a trend in assigning such domains to regions globally. For example, .NYC is now used for New York City, .LONDON for London, and .BERLIN for Berlin. This movement not only serves to represent regions online but also helps internet users recognize the regional affiliation of a website easily and accurately.
Finally, registering a domain with .RUHR is a straightforward process. Organizations need to comply with the general rules of domain registration, such as not infringing on third-party rights, and following the terms and conditions set by the .RUHR registry and accredited registrants.
Sources:
- About GeoTLDs, ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers)
- RUHR – Domain Information, dotRUHR
- How the Internet’s Addressing System Works, ICANN
- The Ultimate Guide to New Top Level Domains (TLD’s), FORTAYmedia
- Moving to a city-based domain makes sense on many levels, The Guardian.
