|
Zeeland
(
A
Water Wonderland:
Zeeland, Netherlands
Zealand, a province of the Netherlands, is an important
tourist destination. Comprised of several islands, and a small strip of land
bordering Belgium, the capital is Middleburg. In the south-west of
Netherlands, Zeeland has a long history dating back thousands of years. A
unique topography of man made islands and dikes, it is actually a river
delta with much of the land lying beneath sea level. With its main industries
being fishing, service and tourism, Zeeland has a population of
approximately 380000 people. With miles of coast land, tourists flock to this Zeeland
to enjoy the water and the sun. The vast and beautiful scenery of this area
is also a draw. With over 1/3 of the territory under water, its panoramic
views are impressive. Rich in history, its many museums and ancient
buildings also draw tourists each year. From reclamation of land lost to the sea to the support
of the tourist industry, water is an important part of Zeeland. Its unique
geography has shaped the province as its inhabitants learned to build
bridges, dikes and tunnels to circumvent the ever present water. Tourists
flock her for its beaches and oceanic views. It biggest industry, fisheries,
it also based on the water. Water is an important part of life here. At various times throughout its long history, Zeeland has
been part of different empires. Holland, Flanders and the Habsburg Dynasty
have all laid claim to this area at different times. Currently included in
the Netherlands, this area’s rich history includes worship of Nehalennia, an
ancient goddess whose image is found throughout the province. Recently, over
150 wooden figurines, carved in her honor, where reclaimed from the sea. Zeeland is an excellent place to visit. Soaring views and
crashing waves as well as a long history mean there is something for
everyone here. A well developed tourist industry includes hotels, motels and
a well developed infrastructure makes visiting Zeeland easy and pleasant.
Village of Sint
Annaland
|
