Waterland Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids

Waterland

Marken, municipality of Waterland

Flag	Coat of arms

Location in North Holland

Established

1 January 1991

Government

• Body

Municipal council

Area

• Total

115.66 km² (44.66 sq mi)

• Land

52.11 km² (20.12 sq mi)

• Water

63.55 km² (24.54 sq mi)

Elevation

−1 m (−3.3 ft)

Population

(May 2014)

• Total

17,164

• Density

329/km² (850/sq mi)

Demonym(s)

Waterlander

Time zone

UTC+1 (CET)

• Summer (DST)

UTC+2 (CEST)

Postcode

1140–1156, 1452–1454

Area code

0299

Waterland is a special area in the Netherlands, located in the province of North Holland. It is just north of Amsterdam and sits along the western shore of the Markermeer lake.

The name "Waterland" means "water land" in Dutch. This makes sense because the area has many waterways and is known for its beautiful, watery landscapes. It includes popular tourist spots like Broek in Waterland and Marken.

Towns and Villages of Waterland
- Waterland's Landscape
Famous People from Waterland
Gallery
See also

Towns and Villages of Waterland

The municipality of Waterland is made up of several interesting towns and villages. Each place has its own unique charm and history.

Here are the main places you can find in Waterland:

Broek in Waterland
Ilpendam
Katwoude
Marken
Monnickendam
Overleek
Uitdam
Watergang
Zuiderwoude

Waterland's Landscape

Map of the municipality of Waterland, 2013.

Waterland is famous for its flat, green landscapes, often below sea level. It has many canals, lakes, and old villages with traditional Dutch houses. This unique environment is shaped by its close connection to water.

Famous People from Waterland

Many interesting people have lived in or come from Waterland. They have made a name for themselves in different fields, from history to sports and arts.

Historical Figures

Pieter Floriszoon (1602 or 1606 in Monnickendam–1658): He was a Dutch Vice Admiral, a high-ranking naval officer. He fought in important sea battles like the Battle of the Sound.
Pieter Groenhart (1894 in Ilpendam – 1965): Pieter was a lichenologist. This means he was a scientist who studied lichens, which are tiny living things that grow on rocks and trees. He researched many tropical Asian lichens.
Wim Polak (1924–1999): Wim was a Dutch politician who lived in Ilpendam. He served as the Mayor of Amsterdam from 1977 to 1983. A mayor is the leader of a city or town's government.

Artists and Writers

Sita Vermeulen, 2011

Peter Spier (1927–2017): Peter was a Dutch-American illustrator and writer. He created many popular children's books and grew up in Broek in Waterland.
Sita (born 1980 in Ilpendam): Also known as Sita Maria Vermeulen, she is a well-known Dutch pop singer.

Sports Stars

Wim Polak, 1982

Jurjaan Koolen (1938 in Monnickendam–2020): Jurjaan was a Dutch volleyball player. He competed in the 1964 Summer Olympics, representing his country.
Marko Klok (born 1968 in Monnickendam): Marko is another talented volleyball player. He won a silver medal at the 1992 Summer Olympics.
Annette Gerritsen (born 1985 in Ilpendam): Annette is a Dutch former speed skater. She won a silver medal at the 2010 Winter Olympics, showing her amazing skill on the ice.