Haarlemmermeerpolder

The Haarlemmermeerpolder is a region in the Dutch province of North Holland, located southwest of Amsterdam. It was originally a large lake, the Haarlemmermeer, which was drained in the 19th century. The reclamation of the lake began in 1839 and was completed in 1853. This massive engineering project involved the construction of a vast network of canals and windmills to pump out the water.

The drained polder was transformed into fertile agricultural land. The name "Haarlemmermeerpolder" literally translates to "Haarlemmer Lake Polder." The central city within the polder is Hoofddorp, which has grown significantly since the polder's creation. The land is largely flat and is characterized by its grid-like pattern of fields and roads, a common feature of Dutch polders.

The Haarlemmermeerpolder is now a significant area for agriculture, horticulture, and also plays a crucial role in transportation. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, one of Europe's busiest airports, is located within the polder. The region is also crisscrossed by major highways connecting various parts of the Netherlands. The history of the Haarlemmermeerpolder is a testament to Dutch ingenuity in land reclamation and water management.