South Holland Maps

South Holland (Zuid-Holland) is a province in the western Netherlands, situated along the North Sea coast. The province covers an area of 1,277 square miles (3,308 km²) and borders North Holland to the north, Utrecht to the east, and North Brabant and Zeeland to the south.

With a population of 3.8 million inhabitants (2022), South Holland stands as the most populous province in the Netherlands. The province contains two provincial capitals: The Hague (Den Haag), which serves as the seat of government, and Rotterdam, which hosts Europe's largest seaport. Other major cities include Leiden, Dordrecht, Delft, and Gouda.

The economy of South Holland centers on maritime activities, international trade, and agriculture. The Port of Rotterdam functions as a crucial gateway to Europe, handling over 450 million tons of cargo annually. The province maintains significant greenhouse farming operations in the Westland region, producing vegetables and flowers for export. The area around Leiden and Delft has developed into a major technology and research hub, hosting multiple universities and research institutions.

Tourism plays a substantial role in the provincial economy. Notable attractions include the historic windmills at Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the famous blue pottery industry in Delft. The coastal resorts of Scheveningen and Noordwijk attract visitors with their beaches and seaside amenities. The Hague draws international attention as the home of the Peace Palace, which houses the International Court of Justice.

The province features extensive water management infrastructure, including dikes, pumping stations, and the Maeslantkering storm surge barrier, protecting the region from flooding. Much of South Holland lies below sea level, requiring constant water management efforts to maintain habitable land. The province also contains significant nature reserves, including the dune areas along the coast and the wetlands of the Biesbosch National Park.

The Facts:
Capital: The Hague.
Area: 1,277 sq mi (3,308 sq km).
Population: ~ 3,804,737 (2022).
Largest cities: Rotterdam, The Hague, Zoetermeer, Leiden, Dordrecht, Alphen aan den Rijn, Westland, Delft, Schiedam, Leidschendam-Voorburg, Vlaardingen, Gouda, Capelle aan den IJssel, Katwijk, Lansingerland, Pijnacker-Nootdorp.