Drenthe

Low-lying northern province of the Netherlands, south of Groningen and Friesland; area 2,660 sq km/1,027 sq mi; population (2003 est) 483,500. The main cities are Assen (capital), Emmen (the chief industrial centre), and Hoogeveen. The terrain is fenland and moors, with well-drained clay and peat soils. The chief industry is petroleum, and the main agricultural activities are livestock, arable crops, and horticulture.

Governed in the Middle Ages by provincial nobles and by the bishops of Utrecht, Drenthe was eventually acquired by Charles V of Spain in 1536, and became part of the United Provinces of the Netherlands in 1581. It developed following land drainage initiated in the mid-18th century and was established as a separate province of the Netherlands in 1796.