Almere

Almere is a city and municipality in the Netherlands, located in the province of Flevoland, east of Amsterdam and near the IJmeer. It is part of the Randstad and is one of the country’s newest urban areas, created as a planned city on reclaimed land in the Oostelijk Flevoland polder after the IJsselmeer was drained.

Development began in the 1970s to accommodate housing needs in the Amsterdam area. The city expanded rapidly through the 1980s and 1990s and continues to grow. Today Almere has a population of over 200,000 and is organized into several districts, including Almere Stad, Almere Buiten, Almere Haven, and Almere Poort. The urban layout emphasizes modern architecture, green spaces, and a network of canals and water features.

Economically, Almere relies on a mix of public administration, services, retail, and light industry. Many residents commute to Amsterdam or Lelystad, linking Almere to the broader Randstad economy. The city has a developing cultural and educational scene with facilities such as the Kunstlinie Almere Flevoland, a theater and cinema complex, and multiple educational institutions. Higher education options include a Windesheim University of Applied Sciences campus in Flevoland, along with various vocational and secondary schools.

Transportation is well developed, with Almere Centrum serving as a major railway hub on the Flevolijn, providing connections to Amsterdam and other cities. The city is also served by major roads, including the A6, and by local public transit and cycling infrastructure, reflecting its status as a rapidly growing, contemporary Dutch urban area.