Noord Holland is a province of the Netherlands located in the northwestern part of the country. It is situated on the North Sea, north of South Holland and Utrecht, and west of Friesland and Flevoland. In 2015, it had a population of 2,762,163 and a total area of 2,670 km2 (1,030 sq mi).
From the 9th to the 16th century, the area was an integral part of the County of Holland. During this period West Friesland was incorporated. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the area was part of the province of Holland and commonly known as the Noorderkwartier (English: “Northern Quarter”). In 1840, the province of Holland was split into the two provinces of North Holland and South Holland. In 1855, the Haarlemmermeer was drained and turned into land.
The capital and seat of the provincial government is Haarlem, and the province’s largest city is the Netherlands’ capital Amsterdam. The King’s Commissioner of North Holland is Johan Remkes, serving since 2010. There are 51 municipalities and three (including parts of) water boards in the province.
Capital: Haarlem
Blog Posts:
Netherlands: Amsterdam – Two Day Itinerary
Netherlands: Amsterdam – The Van Gogh Museum
Netherlands: Amsterdam – The canal ring
Netherlands: Amsterdam – The amazing Rijksmuseum
Netherlands: Amsterdam – Sweets Hotel (Review)
