Veendam Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids

Veendam

Church in Veendam

Flag	Coat of arms

Location in Groningen

Country

Netherlands

Province

Groningen

Established

1648

Government

• Body

Municipal council

Area

• Total

78.68 km² (30.38 sq mi)

• Land

76.07 km² (29.37 sq mi)

• Water

2.61 km² (1.01 sq mi)

Elevation

2 m (7 ft)

Population

(May 2014)

• Total

27,752

• Density

365/km² (950/sq mi)

Demonym(s)

Veendammer

Time zone

UTC+1 (CET)

• Summer (DST)

UTC+2 (CEST)

Postcode

9630–9633, 9640–9648

Area code

0598

Veendam is a town and a municipality in the Netherlands. It is located in the northeast part of the country, in the province of Groningen. About 27,752 people live there.

Veendam was started in 1648. It began as a "peat colony." This means it was a settlement where people dug up peat, which is like a type of soil made from old plants. Peat was used as fuel. Adriaan Geerts Wildervanck was the person who established this colony.

An interesting fact is that the Holland America Line, a famous cruise company, has named four of its ships Veendam after this town. Also, the smallest town in the Netherlands, Westerdiepsterdallen, is part of the Veendam municipality.

Exploring Veendam's Location
- Communities in Veendam
International Connections
- Veendam's Sister Cities
Sports and Activities
- Cycling Events in Veendam
- Local Sports Clubs
Famous People from Veendam
- Notable Residents
- Athletes from Veendam
Images for kids
See also

Exploring Veendam's Location

Veendam is found in the Groningen province. This area is in the northern part of the Netherlands. The municipality of Veendam includes several smaller villages and communities.

Communities in Veendam

The main town is Veendam itself. Other places within the municipality include:

Bareveld
Borgercompagnie
Kibbelgaarn
Korte Akkers
Numero Dertien
Ommelanderwijk
Tripscompagnie
Wildervank
Wildervanksterdallen
Zuidwending

International Connections

Veendam has special friendships with two other cities around the world. These are called "sister cities" or "twin towns." They work together to share culture and ideas.

Veendam's Sister Cities

Gniezno, a city in Poland
Kelowna, a city in British Columbia, Canada

Sports and Activities

Sports are an important part of life in Veendam. The town has hosted cycling races and is home to several sports clubs.

Cycling Events in Veendam

Veendam has been part of major cycling events.

In 2012, it was the starting point for a stage of the 2012 Energiewacht Tour.
In 2013, it was the finish line for a stage of the 2013 Energiewacht Tour.

Local Sports Clubs

Here are some of the sports clubs in Veendam:

SC Veendam: This was a soccer club, but it is no longer active.
Flash Veendam: This is a volleyball club.
NNZC Veendam: This club is for gliding, which is a type of flying without an engine.

Famous People from Veendam

Many interesting people have come from Veendam or its surrounding areas. They have made contributions in various fields like art, science, and sports.

Notable Residents

Anthony Winkler Prins (1817–1908): He was a Dutch writer. He is most famous for being the main editor of the Winkler Prins encyclopedia, which is a very important set of books in the Netherlands.
Herman Mees (1880–1964): He was a Dutch artist. He painted portraits and watercolors.
Herman Johannes Lam (1892–1977): He was a Dutch botanist, someone who studies plants.
Addeke Hendrik Boerma (1912–1992): He was the first leader of the World Food Programme. This organization helps feed people around the world.
Gerda Geertens (born 1955): She is a Dutch composer, someone who writes music.

Athletes from Veendam

Veendam has also produced many talented athletes who have competed at high levels, including the Olympics.

Bert Romp (1958–2018): He was a Dutch equestrian, meaning he competed in horse riding. He won a gold medal at the 1992 Summer Olympics.
Anneke Venema (born 1971): She was a rower and won a silver medal at the 2000 Summer Olympics.
Linda Moes (born 1971): She was a swimmer who competed in the 1988 Summer Olympics.
Peter Windt (born 1973): He was a field hockey player.
Renate Groenewold (born 1976): She was a long track speed skater. She won silver medals at both the 2002 Winter Olympics and the 2006 Winter Olympics.
Henk Grol (born 1985): He is a judoka, a person who practices judo. He won bronze medals at the 2008 Summer Olympics and the 2012 Summer Olympics.
Jeroen Zoet (born 1991): He is a professional football (soccer) goalkeeper.