Plattelanden

Plattelanden is the Dutch term for rural areas outside the urban centers of a country, literally meaning “flat land” or “plains,” but used to denote countryside regions. In Dutch-language usage, plattelanden contrasts with cities and the suburbs. The term is used in the Netherlands and Belgium (Flanders) to describe landscapes characterized by farmland, pastures, villages, and often gentle relief.

Geography and land use: Plattelanden cover plains and gently rolling countryside, with agriculture as the dominant land use; landscapes include fields divided by hedgerows or tree belts, embedded villages, and small forests or dunes depending on region. Settlement patterns are typically dispersed over many small towns and villages rather than a single large urban center.

Demographics and economy: Population density is lower than in urban areas; some regions face aging populations and outmigration of young people. The economy centers on agriculture, horticulture, dairy, and agro-processing; many areas also rely on rural tourism, crafts, and services for residents. Renewable energy installations are increasingly found in plattelanden.

Policy and development: Rural development policies aim to maintain vitality, improve access to services, and support sustainable farming. Issues include healthcare, education, transport links, and digital connectivity. In the EU context, agricultural subsidies and environmental schemes influence rural land use.

See also: countryside, rural area, agriculture, urban–rural gap.