Delft is located between The Hague and Rotterdam in the west of the Netherlands. I has been one of the major Dutch cities up to the 17th century, but hasn't kept up with the growth of other Dutch cities in later ages. Now it is a city of nearly 100.000 inhabitants. The well-kept city center attracts tourists from all over the world. Delft is also known because of Delft University of Technology, which has attracted and brought forth a series of knowledge-intensive institutes and businesses.