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Groningen (province)

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Groningen is a province located in the northeastern part of the Netherlands.

Groningen 6.70672E 53.23944N
Groningen 6.70672E 53.23944N

It is the seventh largest province in the country. To the north, it borders the Wadden Sea. To the east, it sits next to the German state of Lower Saxony. The province of Friesland lies to the west. Drenthe is the province located to the south. The total area of the province is 3,300 square kilometers. This area includes both land and water.

The geography of Groningen is defined by its flat landscape. Much of the land sits below sea level. Only one spot is notably high. The Hasseberg near Sellingen is the highest point at 6 meters above sea level. The province uses its land heavily for farming. About 80% of the land is used for agriculture.

Grainrepublic
Grainrepublic

The remaining land is divided into different uses. Only 9% is built-up or semi-built-up area. Nature covers 6% of the land. Infrastructure takes up 3%, and recreational areas cover 2%.

Historically, the region has changed hands many times. It was once part of Frisia and the Frankish Empire. Around the year 785, it became part of the Frankish Empire. Charlemagne assigned the task of Christianization to Ludger. In the 11th century, the city of Groningen was a village in Drenthe. It belonged to the Bishopric of Utrecht. Most of the province belonged to the Prince-Bishopric of Münster.

Groningen (afbeeldinge der stadt Groningen met omliggende fortressen) - Haubois, 1652
Groningen (afbeeldinge der stadt Groningen met omliggende fortressen) - Haubois, 1652

During the Middle Ages, the city acted like a city-state. It exerted influence over the surrounding Ommelanden.

Trade and conflict shaped the province's development. In the 14th century, the city joined the Hanseatic League. This was a powerful group of trading towns. Later, the province saw many different rulers. It was part of the Duchy of Guelders and the Habsburg Netherlands. In 1594, the Republic of the Seven United Provinces conquered it from the Spanish.

Canadian soldiers during the Battle of Groningen
Canadian soldiers during the Battle of Groningen

During World War II, Germany occupied the Netherlands. In April 1945, the 2nd Canadian Division fought the Battle of Groningen. This battle liberated the city. In May 1945, the 5th Canadian Division captured 3,000 German soldiers in the Battle of Delfzijl.

Modern Groningen has a strong economy driven by industry and education. The city of Groningen is the economic center. It is also the most populated municipality. The province has a population of about 596,075 people as of January 2023.

20080430 Hoofdstation Groningen NL
20080430 Hoofdstation Groningen NL

Major employers include the University of Groningen and the University Medical Center Groningen.

Building University Medical Centre Groningen UMCG
Building University Medical Centre Groningen UMCG

The ports of Delfzijl and Eemshaven are also vital.

120815 Haven Delfzijl Gn NL
120815 Haven Delfzijl Gn NL

In 2015, over 11,000 cargo vessels arrived at these two ports. They moved more than 11 million tonnes of cargo.

A major discovery changed the region in 1959. Workers found the Groningen gas field near Slochteren. This is one of the largest natural gas fields in the world.

Groningen 6.70672E 53.23944N
Groningen 6.70672E 53.23944N

Exploitation of the field began in 1963. However, extracting the gas has caused significant issues. Since 1986, the process has caused earthquakes. These earthquakes have reached magnitudes of up to 3.6. This phenomenon is linked to the extraction of the natural gas.

There are many unique cultural and natural features to observe. The Wadden Sea is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Wadlopen bij Pieterburen 02a
Wadlopen bij Pieterburen 02a

It includes sandbanks and uninhabited islands like Rottumerplaat. The province also has its own dialect called Gronings.

People can enjoy local foods like droge worst, which is a dried sausage.

Groninger metworst
Groninger metworst

For art, the Groninger Museum is a notable site.

Groninger Museum 2
Groninger Museum 2

These elements combine to make Groningen a distinct part of the Netherlands.

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🖼️ Images & Media (19)
Nl Grönnens Laid.ogg
File:Groningen (afbeeldinge der stadt Groningen met omliggende fortressen) - Haubois, 1652.jpg
Groningen (afbeeldinge der stadt...
File:Canadian soldiers during the Battle of Groningen.jpg
Canadian soldiers during the Battle of...
File:Groningen 6.70672E 53.23944N.jpg
Groningen 6.70672E 53.23944N.jpg
File:Overzicht van de molen, gezien vanaf het weiland - Fransum - 20420708 - RCE.jpg
Overzicht van de molen, gezien vanaf het...
File:Grainrepublic.jpg
Grainrepublic.jpg
File:Wadlopen bij Pieterburen 02a.jpg
Wadlopen bij Pieterburen 02a.jpg
File:Building University Medical Centre Groningen UMCG.png
Building University Medical Centre...
File:120815 Haven Delfzijl Gn NL.jpg
120815 Haven Delfzijl Gn NL.jpg
WIKITONGUES- Theo speaking Gronings.webm
File:Groninger metworst.JPG
Groninger metworst.JPG
File:Groninger Museum 2.jpg
Groninger Museum 2.jpg

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