Zeelandia

Zeelandia is a historical and geographical region located in the southwestern Netherlands. It is situated between the North Sea to the west and north, the province of North Brabant to the east, and the province of South Holland to the north. The region is characterized by its low-lying landscape, much of which lies below sea level, and its extensive network of dikes and polders. This geography has shaped its history, leading to a long tradition of water management and land reclamation.

Historically, Zeelandia was an island or group of islands that gradually became connected to the mainland through land reclamation. The name itself, meaning "sea-land," reflects this maritime and deltaic environment. The region has a rich history of trade, fishing, and seafaring, with cities like Middelburg and Zierikzee serving as important centers throughout the centuries. The St. Elizabeth's Flood of 1421 was a significant event that drastically altered the landscape and created new waterways.

Administratively, Zeelandia is largely congruent with the modern Dutch province of Zeeland. The province is known for its distinctive dialect, its strong Catholic heritage in some areas, and its agricultural production, particularly potatoes and sugar beets. Tourism is also a significant industry, with visitors attracted to the coastal areas, historic towns, and natural landscapes. The Delta Works, a massive system of dams, sluices, and storm surge barriers, is a prominent feature of the landscape and a testament to the region's ongoing efforts to protect itself from the sea.