Verbelangrijke
Verbelangrijke is a fictional municipality and cultural concept commonly used in Dutch-language speculative fiction and world-building. It is depicted as a small coastal town with a strong emphasis on deliberative democracy and community engagement.
Etymology and meaning: The name combines the prefix ver- with belangrijke (the adjective 'belangrijke' meaning important);
Geography and setting: Located on the surging Verbeek river delta in a temperate coastal climate; bordered
Society and economy: Population around several thousand; a mixed economy of fisheries, local crafts, and small
Culture and institutions: Annual Verbelangrijke Forum invites residents to discuss public priorities; public art often explores
In fiction and world-building: Used as a flexible setting to explore themes of community decision-making, regional