Frisia

Frisia is a coastal and cultural region of the North Sea, traditionally inhabited by Frisian peoples. The term covers parts of the Netherlands and Germany and describes a shared linguistic and historical heritage centered on the Frisian language family and distinctive cultural identity.

Geographically, Frisia includes the Dutch province of Friesland (Fryslân) and the German regions of East Frisia (Ostfriesland) in Lower Saxony and North Frisia (Nordfriesland) in Schleswig-Holstein. The Frisian Islands, a chain of barrier islands along the coast, extend across both countries. The region features low-lying coastal landscapes, dikes, and sections of the Wadden Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Language and culture: The Frisian languages—West Frisian (in the Netherlands), North Frisian and East Frisian (in Germany)—form a branch of the West Germanic language family. They are spoken alongside Dutch and German and are protected as minority languages in several jurisdictions. Frisian cultural traditions include regional literature, music, and distinctive local symbols such as flags and place names.

History: In the Middle Ages, Frisia was noted for a degree of political autonomy and a legal tradition often described as Frisian freedom. Over time its lands were absorbed by neighboring powers, including the Dutch Republic, the Kingdom of Prussia, and the German states, though Frisian language and identity persisted in coastal communities.

Today, Frisia remains a geographic and cultural concept rather than a sovereign entity, with contemporary administration spanning two countries and a population concentrated along the North Sea coast.