Zaanstad Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids

Zaanstad

Windmill Het Pink [nl]

Flag	Coat of arms

Location in North Holland

Zaanstad

Location in Netherlands

Zaanstad

Location in Europe

Region

Amsterdam metropolitan area

Established

1 January 1974

Government

• Body

Municipal council

Area

• Total

83.24 km² (32.14 sq mi)

• Land

73.88 km² (28.53 sq mi)

• Water

9.36 km² (3.61 sq mi)

Elevation

1 m (3 ft)

Population

(May 2014)

• Total

151,109

• Density

2,045/km² (5,300/sq mi)

Time zone

UTC+1 (CET)

• Summer (DST)

UTC+2 (CEST)

Postcode

Parts of 1500 range

Area code

075

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Zaanstad is a city in the Netherlands. It is located in the province of North Holland, which is northwest of Amsterdam. The main city within Zaanstad is Zaandam. Zaanstad is part of the larger Amsterdam metropolitan area. In 2014, about 151,109 people lived there.

About Zaanstad
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About Zaanstad

Dutch Topographic map of Zaanstad, 2014

Zaanstad is a municipality in the Netherlands. It was created on January 1, 1974. This happened when several smaller towns and villages joined together. The area is known for its beautiful windmills and waterways.

Towns and Villages

Zaanstad is made up of several towns and villages that are close together. These include Assendelft, Koog aan de Zaan, Krommenie, Westzaan, Wormerveer, Zaandam, and Zaandijk. Even though it's a busy area, you can always find peaceful countryside nearby. This is because the city follows the Zaan river and is surrounded by nature.

Getting Around: Train Stations

It's easy to travel around Zaanstad and to other cities by train. Here are the train stations you can find in the area:

Koog aan de Zaan railway station
Krommenie-Assendelft railway station
Wormerveer railway station
Zaandam railway station
Zaandam Kogerveld railway station
Zaandijk Zaanse Schans railway station

Fun Places to Visit

Zaanstad has many interesting places to explore, especially if you like history and Dutch culture.

Zaans Museum: This museum teaches you about the history and culture of the Zaan region.
Zaanse Schans: This is a famous open-air museum. You can see old windmills, traditional houses, and workshops.
Czar Peter House: This small wooden house is where Peter the Great, a Russian emperor, stayed in 1697.
Gedempte Gracht: This is a popular shopping street in Zaandam.

Famous People from Zaanstad

Many talented people have come from Zaanstad. They have made a difference in art, science, sports, and public service.

Artists and Musicians

Rudolf Heinisch, Malermönch Jan Verkade, o.J., Öl auf Leinwand

Jan Verkade, 1946

Pieter Jansz. Saenredam (1597–1665): A painter from the Dutch Golden Age. He was known for his detailed church interiors.
Anton Mauve (1838–1888): A realist painter and a key member of the Hague School of art.
Jan Verkade (1868-1946): A painter who was part of the post-Impressionist movement.
Piet Zwart (1885–1977): A famous graphic designer and typographer.
Dick Laan (1894–1973): A children's writer who also helped start filmmaking in the Netherlands.
Aafje Heynis (1924–2015): A well-known contralto singer.
Piet Kee (1927–2018): A talented organist and composer.
Han Bennink (born 1942): A famous jazz drummer and percussionist.

Thinkers and Helpers

Adriaan Pelt, 1940s

Adriaan Pelt (1892–1981): A journalist and diplomat who worked for international organizations.
Johannes Kleiman (1896–1959): He helped hide Anne Frank and her family during World War II.
Hanneke Ippisch (1925–2012): A brave member of the Dutch resistance during World War II.
Emine Bozkurt (born 1967): A politician who has served in the European Parliament.

Scientists and Business Leaders

Christiaan Eijkman

Pieter Bleeker (1819–1878): A doctor who became famous for studying fish and reptiles.
Christiaan Eijkman (1858–1930): A physician who won the Nobel Prize in 1929. He discovered vitamins!
Cornelis Zwikker (1900–1985): A scientist who worked in physics, chemistry, and acoustics.
E. G. van de Stadt (1910–1999): A well-known designer of yachts.
Simon de Wit (1912–1976): An Olympic rower who later became the CEO of a supermarket chain.
Floris Takens (1940–2010): A brilliant mathematician.

Sports Stars

Toos Beumer, 1963

Jaap Boot (1903-1986): An athlete who won a bronze medal at the 1924 Summer Olympics.
Jaap Kraaier (1913–2004): A canoeist who won a bronze medal at the 1936 Summer Olympics.
Nicolaas Tates (1915–1990): Another canoeist who won a bronze medal at the 1936 Summer Olympics.
Mieke Jaapies (born 1943): A sprint canoer who won a silver medal at the 1972 Summer Olympics.
Cees Stam (born 1945): A former track cyclist and a four-time world champion.
Toos Beumer (born 1947): A swimmer who won a team bronze medal at the 1964 Summer Olympics.
Johnny Rep (born 1951): A famous former football player.
Annemarie Sanders (born 1958): An equestrian who won a silver medal in Team Dressage at the 1992 Summer Olympics.
Erwin Koeman (born 1961) and Ronald Koeman (born 1963): Both are famous retired football players. Ronald also managed FC Barcelona.
Wietse van Alten (born 1978): An archer who won a bronze medal at the 2000 Summer Olympics.

Zaanstad Around the World

Zaanstad has special connections with other cities around the world. These are called "twin towns" or "sister cities." They help promote friendship and understanding between different cultures.