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Krimpenerwaard facts for kids

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Krimpenerwaard
Krimpenerwaard landscape on an October morning in 2009
Krimpenerwaard landscape on an October morning in 2009
Flag of Krimpenerwaard
Flag
Coat of arms of Krimpenerwaard
Coat of arms
Highlighted position of Krimpenerwaard in a municipal map of South Holland
Location in South Holland
Country Netherlands
Province South Holland
Established 1 January 2015
Government
 • Body Municipal council
Time zone UTC+1 (CET)
 • Summer (DST) UTC+2 (CEST)
Area code 0180/0182

Krimpenerwaard is a special area in the Netherlands. It is both a municipality (a local government area) and a region. This area is in the eastern part of the South Holland province. It is located near the city of Gouda and east of the big city of Rotterdam.

The Krimpenerwaard region is surrounded by rivers. The Hollandse IJssel river is to the north. The Lek river is to the south. To the east, you'll find the Vlist stream.

The name "Krimpenerwaard" has an interesting history. "Krimp" used to mean a bend in a river. "Waard" is a Dutch word for land found between the winter dikes of different rivers. In this case, it's the land between the Lek and the Hollandse IJssel rivers. Other similar "waarden" areas are nearby, like the Lopikerwaard and the Zuidplaspolder. The name Krimpenerwaard was first written down in history books in the year 944.

The municipality of Krimpenerwaard was created on January 1, 2015. It was formed when five smaller municipalities joined together. These were Nederlek, Ouderkerk, Vlist, Bergambacht, and Schoonhoven.

Exploring Krimpenerwaard's Geography

Krimpenerwaard is home to several towns and villages. Each place has its own unique charm.

Towns and Villages in the Area

Here are some of the main towns and villages you can find in Krimpenerwaard:

  • Schoonhoven
  • Bergambacht
  • Stolwijk
  • Ammerstol
  • Haastrecht
  • Berkenwoude
  • Lekkerkerk
  • Krimpen aan de Lek
  • Vlist
  • Gouderak
  • Ouderkerk aan den IJssel

Famous People from Krimpenerwaard

Many interesting people have come from the Krimpenerwaard area. They have made important contributions in different fields.

Scientists and Thinkers

  • Reinier de Graaf 17e eeuw
    Reinier de Graaf, around 1670
  • Regnier de Graaf (1641 in Schoonhoven – 1673): He was a Dutch doctor and scientist. He made very important discoveries about how living things reproduce.
  • Reijer Hooykaas (1906 in Schoonhoven – 1994): He was a Dutch historian who studied the history of science.

Politicians and Leaders

  • Wim Kok 1994
    Wim Kok, 1994
  • Wim Kok (1938 in Bergambacht – 2018): He was a very important Dutch politician. He served as the Prime Minister of the Netherlands from 1994 to 2002.
  • Max van den Berg (born 1946 in Ammerstol): He is a Dutch politician who has held various important roles.

Artists and Performers

  • Marrie Bot (born 1946 in Bergambacht): She is a Dutch photographer and graphic designer. She is known for her artistic work.
  • Jamai Loman (born 1986): He is a Dutch singer who grew up in Schoonhoven. He is famous for his music.

Sports Stars

Krimpenerwaard has also produced several talented athletes.

  • Hein Vergeer (born 1961 in Haastrecht): He was a speed skater who competed in the 1988 Winter Olympics.
  • Leo Visser (born 1966 in Haastrecht): He is a Dutch former speed skater. He won four medals at the 1988 and 1992 Winter Olympics.
  • Edith van Dijk (born 1973 in Haastrecht): She is a Dutch swimmer. She became a world champion six times in her career.
  • Yvonne van Vlerken (born 1978 in Krimpen aan de Lek): She is a Dutch triathlete and duathlete. These sports combine swimming, cycling, and running.
  • Patrick Roest (born 1995 in Lekkerkerk): He is a Dutch speed skater. He is known for his achievements in the sport.

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