West Maas en Waal Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids

West Maas en Waal

Church in Boven-Leeuwen

Flag	Coat of arms

Location in Gelderland

Established

1984

Government

• Body

Municipal council

Area

• Total

85.21 km² (32.90 sq mi)

• Land

77.40 km² (29.88 sq mi)

• Water

7.81 km² (3.02 sq mi)

Elevation

7 m (23 ft)

Population

(May 2014)

• Total

18,449

• Density

238/km² (620/sq mi)

Time zone

UTC+1 (CET)

• Summer (DST)

UTC+2 (CEST)

Postcode

6620–6621, 6626–6629, 6657–6659

Area code

0487

West Maas en Waal is a special area in the Netherlands. It is called a municipality. This means it has its own local government. It is located in the Gelderland province.

This municipality is in the western part of a land area called the Land van Maas en Waal. This area is like an island. It sits between two important rivers: the Meuse and the Waal.

Towns and Villages
- Understanding the Area
Who Lives Here?
Famous People from West Maas en Waal
- Sports Stars
Gallery
See also

Towns and Villages

West Maas en Waal is made up of several smaller towns and villages. These are the places where people live and work.

Alphen aan de Maas
Altforst
Appeltern
Beneden-Leeuwen
Boven-Leeuwen
Dreumel
Maasbommel
Moordhuizen
Wamel

Understanding the Area

Dutch Topographic map of the municipality of West Maas en Waal, 2013.

This map shows the different parts of West Maas en Waal. It helps us see where the towns are. It also shows the rivers that surround the area. Maps like this are called topographic maps. They show the shape and features of the land.

Who Lives Here?

The people living in West Maas en Waal come from different backgrounds. Most residents are Dutch. There are also people from other parts of Europe. A smaller number of people are from other places around the world.

Famous People from West Maas en Waal

Many interesting people have come from this municipality. They have made a name for themselves in different fields.

Samuel Story (1752–1811) was born in Maasbommel. He became a vice admiral in the Batavian Republic Navy. This was a navy from a time when the Netherlands was called the Batavian Republic.
Jona Lendering (born 1964) is from Beneden-Leeuwen. He is a historian. This means he studies and writes about the past. He has written books about ancient times and Dutch history.
Marco Pastors (born 1965) also grew up in Beneden-Leeuwen. He worked as a civil servant. He was also a politician for some time.
Iris van Herpen (born 1984) was born in Wamel. She is a very creative fashion designer. She is known for mixing new technology with traditional fashion design. Her work is often seen as art.

Sports Stars

West Maas en Waal has also produced some talented athletes.

Jan van Deinsen (born 1953) was a professional football player. He played in many games during his career.
Ivo den Bieman (born 1967) is from Wamel. He was also a football player. He played most of his career in Scotland.
Arno van Zwam (born 1969) was born in Beneden-Leeuwen. He was a football goalkeeper. He played in over 300 games.