Maasgouw

Maasgouw is a municipality in the Netherlands, located in the province of Limburg. It lies in the Meuse (Maas) valley and comprises several population centres along the river, with a landscape that includes farmland, small villages, and watercourses. The name reflects the Meuse river and the historical gouw regions that once covered parts of Limburg.

Maasgouw was formed on 1 January 2007 as part of a municipal reorganization in Limburg, through the merger of several former municipalities in the Meuse region. The municipal government is headed by a mayor and a municipal council elected by residents; the council sets policy and the mayor heads the executive.

The economy is primarily regional and service-oriented, with agriculture visible in the countryside and small-scale manufacturing and logistics connected to river and canal infrastructure. The municipality provides local facilities such as schools, care services, and cultural centers, and collaborates with neighboring municipalities on regional services and infrastructure.

Culturally and environmentally, Maasgouw includes historic churches, traditional rural architecture, and protected nature along the Meuse. The river and its supporting waterways offer opportunities for boating, fishing, and cycling, linking Maasgouw to Limburg’s broader river landscape and regional tourism.