Emmen facts for kids
Emmen is a lively town located in the northeast part of the Netherlands. It's a special place in the province of Drenthe, known for its beautiful nature and fun attractions. About 57,000 people called Emmen home in 2013, making it a significant town in the region. It's a great spot for families and visitors who love animals and outdoor adventures.
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Where is Emmen Located?
Emmen is found in the eastern part of the Drenthe province, close to the border with Germany. This location means it has a unique mix of Dutch and German influences. The town is surrounded by lovely landscapes, including forests, heathlands, and peat bogs. These natural areas are perfect for cycling, hiking, and exploring the outdoors. Emmen is also well-connected by roads, making it easy to visit from other parts of the Netherlands.
A Look Back: Emmen's History
Emmen has a long history, even though it grew into a larger town more recently. The area was first settled many centuries ago. People lived here in small farming communities. Over time, Emmen became more important as a market town. It was a place where farmers could sell their goods.
In the 20th century, Emmen started to grow much faster. New industries came to the town, and more people moved there for work. One of the biggest changes was the development of the peat industry. Peat, which is like a type of soil, was dug up and used for fuel. This industry brought many jobs and helped Emmen become the town it is today. The town also became known for its famous zoo, which attracted many visitors.
What to See and Do in Emmen
Emmen offers many exciting things for young people and families to enjoy. From amazing animal encounters to beautiful parks, there's always something fun happening.
Wildlands Adventure Zoo Emmen
One of the most famous attractions in Emmen is the Wildlands Adventure Zoo Emmen. This isn't just a regular zoo; it's an adventure park where you can explore different worlds. You can travel through the jungle, the polar ice, and the savanna, seeing animals in habitats that look like their natural homes. It's a fantastic place to learn about animals from all over the world and how important it is to protect them. You can see elephants, giraffes, polar bears, and many other creatures up close.
Parks and Green Spaces
Emmen is also home to many beautiful parks and green areas. These are perfect for relaxing, playing, or having a picnic. The Valtherbos is a large forest near Emmen where you can go for walks or bike rides. There are also smaller parks within the town where kids can play. These green spaces help make Emmen a pleasant place to live and visit.
Sports and Recreation
Sports are very popular in Emmen. The town has many sports clubs and facilities. Football (soccer) is a big sport here, and Emmen has its own professional football team, FC Emmen. There are also opportunities for swimming, cycling, and other activities. The natural surroundings of Emmen make it a great place for outdoor sports like mountain biking and hiking.
How Emmen is Governed
Like all towns in the Netherlands, Emmen has its own local government. This government is called the municipal council. The people of Emmen vote for members of this council. These members make important decisions about the town. They decide on things like schools, parks, roads, and local services. The head of the municipal council is the mayor. The mayor and the council work together to make sure Emmen is a good place for everyone to live. They listen to the needs of the community and try to improve the town.
Emmen's Economy
Emmen's economy has changed a lot over the years. In the past, farming and peat production were very important. Today, the town has a more diverse economy. There are many different types of businesses in Emmen.
One important part of the economy is the service industry. This includes shops, restaurants, hotels, and other businesses that provide services to people. The Wildlands Adventure Zoo also brings many tourists to Emmen, which helps local businesses.
There are also companies involved in manufacturing and technology. Emmen has a focus on innovation and developing new ideas. Education is also a key sector, with schools and colleges contributing to the town's growth. The mix of industries helps create jobs and keeps Emmen a strong and growing community.
Municipalities of Drenthe (12)Aa en Hunze · Assen · Borger-Odoorn · Coevorden · De Wolden · Emmen · Hoogeveen · Meppel · Midden-Drenthe · Noordenveld · Tynaarlo · Westerveld
