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Oldambt
Flag of Oldambt
Flag
Coat of arms of Oldambt
Coat of arms
Highlighted position of Oldambt in a municipal map of Groningen
Location in Groningen
Country  Netherlands
Province  Groningen
Established 1 January 2010
Government
 • Body Municipal council
Area
 • Total 295.96 km2 (114.27 sq mi)
 • Land 227.80 km2 (87.95 sq mi)
 • Water 68.16 km2 (26.32 sq mi)
Elevation
2 m (7 ft)
Population
 (May 2014)
 • Total 38,495
 • Density 169/km2 (440/sq mi)
Time zone UTC+1 (CET)
 • Summer (DST) UTC+2 (CEST)
Postcode
9670–9682, 9684–9694, 9940–9944
Area code 0596–0598

Oldambt is a municipality in the province of Groningen, located in the eastern part of the Netherlands. A municipality is like a local government area, similar to a county or a district. In 2019, about 38,129 people lived in Oldambt.

This municipality was created on January 1, 2010. It was formed by combining three older municipalities: Reiderland, Scheemda, and Winschoten. This merger helped to make local government more efficient.

About Oldambt

Oldambt is part of the province of Groningen. A province is a larger region within a country, like a state in some other countries. Groningen is one of the twelve provinces in the Netherlands. Oldambt is known for its flat landscapes and many waterways. Its average elevation is only 2 meters (about 6.5 feet) above sea level.

Location and Geography

Oldambt is situated in the northeastern part of the Netherlands. It borders Germany to the east. The area is mostly flat, which is typical for much of the Netherlands. There are many canals and lakes, including the Oldambtmeer, a large artificial lake that is popular for water sports and recreation.

How Oldambt is Governed

Oldambt is run by a municipal council and a mayor. The municipal council is a group of elected people who make decisions for the municipality. They decide on things like local roads, schools, and public services.

The mayor is the leader of the municipal council. The mayor helps to manage the daily activities of the municipality. As of now, the mayor of Oldambt is Cora-Yfke Sikkema. The local government works to serve the people living in Oldambt.

History of the Municipality

The name "Oldambt" comes from an older region in Groningen. The area has a long history, with roots in farming and trade. The creation of the modern municipality in 2010 brought together several smaller communities. This helped them work together more effectively.

Merging Municipalities

Before 2010, the areas of Reiderland, Scheemda, and Winschoten were separate municipalities. They each had their own local governments. By joining together, they formed the larger municipality of Oldambt. This kind of merger happens sometimes in the Netherlands to improve how local services are provided.

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