Maas

Maas, known as the Meuse in French and German, is a major European river that traverses France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. It originates on the Langres plateau in northeastern France and flows generally north for roughly 925 kilometers, reaching the North Sea as part of the Rhine–Meuse–Scheldt delta. In Belgium it passes through cities such as Namur and Liège, then enters the Netherlands where it is called Maas and runs through Limburg before discharging into the sea.

The river has long been important for transportation, trade, and regional development. Its navigable sections support shipping and industry, while the lower reaches are enhanced by flood-control systems, harbors, and locks that manage water levels and enable inland navigation. The Maas watershed also supports agriculture, forestry, and urban areas, and its delta region is notable for wetlands and biodiversity.

In linguistic and cultural contexts, Maas refers to the Dutch name for the river; Meuse is used in French contexts. The name also appears as a Dutch-language surname and in toponyms and institutions named after the river. Across its course, the Maas/Meuse has shaped regional identities and continues to play a role in water management, ecology, and economy in the border regions of Western Europe.