Zaanstad, Industrial municipality in North Holland, Netherlands.
Zaanstad is a municipality in North Holland that stretches along the Zaan River and the North Sea Canal. It comprises several districts including Zaandam, Koog aan de Zaan, and Wormerveer, which together form a diverse administrative area.
Modern-day Zaanstad was formed in 1974 through the merger of seven smaller municipalities into one larger administrative body. This consolidation was part of a broader administrative reorganization that reshaped the region.
The region is dotted with windmills from the 17th century that still define the landscape today. The Zaans Museum shows how people lived and worked here, especially in woodworking and other local crafts that shaped daily life.
The municipality is well connected to Amsterdam through regular train services from Zaandam station, making travel convenient for visitors. Its location along the river and canal makes exploring by bicycle or on foot particularly easy.
The headquarters of Albert Heijn, the Netherlands' largest supermarket chain, is based in Zaandam and significantly contributes to the region's economic strength. This company has shaped business life and local employment in the area for many decades.
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