North Holland Maps

North Holland (Noord-Holland) is a province in the northwestern Netherlands. It covers an area of 4,092 square kilometers (1,580 square miles) and borders the provinces of South Holland and Flevoland. The North Sea forms its western and northern boundaries, while the IJsselmeer lake lies to the east.

The province has a population of approximately 3 million inhabitants (2022), making it one of the most densely populated regions in the Netherlands. Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, serves as the provincial capital and largest city. Other major cities include Haarlem (the seat of the provincial government), Alkmaar, Zaanstad, and Den Helder.

North Holland's economy centers on services, finance, technology, and tourism. Amsterdam functions as the country's financial hub and hosts numerous multinational corporations. The Port of Amsterdam ranks as the fourth largest port in Europe. Agriculture plays a significant role in the northern regions, with flower cultivation, dairy farming, and cheese production as primary activities.

The province contains several distinct geographical regions, including the sandy coastal dunes along the North Sea, the low-lying polders (reclaimed land), and numerous waterways. The historic Beemster Polder, a UNESCO World Heritage site, exemplifies Dutch water management expertise through its systematic land reclamation and planning from the 17th century.

Tourism represents a major economic sector, with millions of visitors annually. Key attractions include the historic canal ring of Amsterdam, the traditional windmills at Zaanse Schans, the cheese market in Alkmaar, and the flower fields near Hillegom. The coastal resorts of Zandvoort and Bergen aan Zee attract beach tourists. Museums such as the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Anne Frank House draw international visitors year-round. The province also features extensive cycling networks and nature reserves, including the Texel dune park on the largest Wadden Island.

The Facts:
Capital: Haarlem.
Area: 1,580 sq mi (4,092 sq km).
Population: ~ 2,956,223 (2022).
Largest cities: Amsterdam, Haarlem, Zaanstad, Haarlemmermeer, Alkmaar, Hilversum, Amstelveen, Purmerend, Hoorn, Velsen, Den Helder, Heerhugowaard.