ZUID-HOLLAND - Geography and history
South Holland is the Netherlands' largest province and one of the most densely populated regions in the EU. It is situated in the western Netherlands where the rivers Rhine (Rijn) and Meuse (Maas) form an estuary before flowing into the North Sea. Together with the chain of large and medium-sized towns in the neighbouring provinces of North Holland and Utrecht, the most urbanised part of the province forms what is known as the Randstad. This horse-shoe shaped metropolis accounts for nearly half of the Netherlands' population and economic activity. It also comprises an almost unbroken rural area, known as the Randstad's 'green heart' or 'lung'. The main cities in the province are Rotterdam, which boasts the world's biggest seaport, The Hague, centre of international law, seat of the national government and provincial capital, and the university towns of Leyden and Delft. The region has a varied landscape. In addition to the conurbations, the province displays the typical Dutch polder landscape, lakes and ponds, beaches and dunes, and the islands and river delta in the south. It also contains large agricultural areas: extensive greenhouse complexes in Westland, bulb fields in Bollenstreek, ornamental plant nurseries in Boskoop and dairy farms in the fen pasturelands.
The driving force in the Dutch economy
South Holland's powerful economy is due to a number of factors: its pivotal location, efficient infrastructure and highly trained and internationally oriented work-force. It has excellent economic, scientific, cultural and recreational facilities and an excellent communications network.
As in other parts of Europe, South Holland has considerable urban problems: as a result of industrial restructuring and changing settlement patterns, some of the older urban areas have high levels of unemployment and the attendant social problems. An intensive programme of urban and social renewal has been designed and is being realised to combat these problems.
Cities and windmills
Each of the cities has its own special character.
Much of the centre of Rotterdam, a major port and commercial centre, was destroyed in the Second World War. It has since been transformed into a city of modern architecture, with some impressive office blocks, particularly near the railwaystation and along the banks of the Meuse, which flows through the city.
The Hague, the provincial capital and seat of the Netherlands Government, also boasts some large office blocks, particularly in the area around The Hague central station. In addition to national government ministries, The Hague is home to the Provinciehuis (seat of the provincial government) and a number of international law-institutions like the International Court of Justice in the Peace Palace. It is bordered by the coastal resort of Scheveningen and the fashionable town of Wassenaar, which is known for its fine houses.
The city of Leiden, whose historical centre has numerous canals and narrow streets, has the Netherlands' oldest university. The ancient city of Delft is home to the country's oldest technical university. The character of the city of Dordrecht has been shaped by its port and historical waterfront. All of these major cities are surrounded by agricultural, tourist and recreational areas. Their landscape is typically Dutch: broad polders enclosed by dykes, crisscrossed by canals and dotted by ponds, with windmills on the horizon.
|
|