Western Netherlands, Province group in the Netherlands.
Western Netherlands is a province group in the western part of the Netherlands, made up of North Holland and South Holland. Its territory runs from the North Sea coast inland across flat land dotted with cities, towns, and open countryside.
The two provinces trace their origins to medieval counties that joined the Republic of the Seven United Provinces in the 16th century. During that period, cities in the region became some of the busiest trading ports in Europe.
Art museums and galleries throughout the region showcase Dutch works ranging from old masters to contemporary pieces, while theaters and concert halls shape daily cultural life. You will find a strong connection between tradition and modern creativity in nearly every city.
The region is well connected by trains, buses, and trams, making it easy to move between cities without a car. The terrain is flat throughout, so cycling is a practical option for getting around both within and between towns.
A large part of the land here sits below sea level, kept dry by a system of dikes and drainage canals built over many centuries. These reclaimed areas, called polders, are still visible across the landscape as flat fields crossed by narrow waterways.
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