Flevoland

Noordoostpolder by Sentinel-2, 2018-06-30

Flevopolder by Sentinel-2, 2018-06-30

GemeentenFlevolandNrs

Arjen Gerritsen

Station Almere centraal

Station Lelystad C

Flevoland is a province of the Netherlands, located in the central-western part of the country. It is the youngest of the twelve provinces, having been established on January 1, 1986, following a series of land reclamation projects that created the largest artificial island in the world. Flevoland consists of the Noordoostpolder, Eastern Flevoland (Oostelijk Flevoland), and Southern Flevoland (Zuidelijk Flevoland), all of which were reclaimed from the IJsselmeer, a lake that was itself formed from the former Zuiderzee, a saltwater inlet of the North Sea.

History

The history of Flevoland is intrinsically linked to the Zuiderzee Works, a major hydraulic engineering project undertaken by the Dutch government in the 20th century to protect the Netherlands from flooding. The project involved the construction of the Afsluitdijk (Closure Dike) in 1932, which transformed the Zuiderzee into the freshwater IJsselmeer. Subsequently, the land reclamation process began, resulting in the creation of the Noordoostpolder, Eastern Flevoland, and Southern Flevoland. The transformation of Flevoland from sea to land was a monumental achievement, showcasing Dutch expertise in water management.

Geography

Flevoland is bordered by the provinces of Friesland to the north, Gelderland to the east, Utrecht to the south, and North Holland to the west. The province is predominantly flat, as it is largely composed of land reclaimed from the sea. Flevoland's highest point, the De Knardijk, is only about 7 meters above sea level. The province is also home to several important bodies of water, including parts of the IJsselmeer and the Markermeer.

Economy

The economy of Flevoland is diverse, with a strong emphasis on agriculture due to its fertile soil. The province is a significant producer of vegetables, fruits, and flowers in the Netherlands. Besides agriculture, Flevoland has developed sectors in logistics, renewable energy, and tourism. The city of Almere, one of the largest in the province, has become a center for business and cultural activities, contributing to the economic growth of the region.

Demographics

As of the latest data, Flevoland has a population of approximately 423,000 residents, making it one of the least densely populated provinces in the Netherlands. The province is known for its multicultural society, with a significant portion of its population having roots in various parts of the world. The cities of Almere and Lelystad, the provincial capital, are the most populous areas in Flevoland.

Culture and Tourism

Flevoland offers a unique blend of modern architecture and natural landscapes. The province is renowned for its innovative urban planning and design, particularly in Almere and Lelystad. Tourists can explore a variety of attractions, including the Oostvaardersplassen, a large nature reserve known for its biodiversity and the role it played in the rewilding movement in Europe. The Batavia Shipyard in Lelystad, where replicas of 17th-century ships are built, is another popular destination.

Government

The provincial government of Flevoland is responsible for regional matters such as spatial planning, environmental management, and transportation. The States-Provincial (Provinciale Staten) is the legislative body, elected by the residents of Flevoland. The King's Commissioner (Commissaris van de Koning) represents the monarch and the central government at the provincial level.