ZuidEiland

ZuidEiland is an island municipality and the principal inhabited landmass of the Zuidzee Archipelago, located off the southern coast of the mainland. It covers about 75 square kilometers and has a population of roughly 18,000. The island's main urban center is Noordhaven, with smaller towns and villages along the coastline.

The island is low-lying, with sandy dunes along the western shore, tidal wetlands in the east, and a shallow central plain. Climate is temperate maritime, with mild winters and cool summers.

History: First mentioned in medieval records, ZuidEiland developed as a fishing and trading hub. A fortified harbor grew into a city in the 18th century, and the coastal economy diversified in the 19th and 20th centuries. In the late 20th century, ZuidEiland gained limited autonomous powers within a federal framework.

Administration and economy: The island is governed by a municipal council elected to four-year terms, under a national constitutional framework. The economy relies on fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, and renewable energy, particularly offshore wind farms. A small harbor and logistics services support trade.

Transport and culture: Regular ferry links connect ZuidEiland to the mainland and nearby islets; land transport consists of a ring road and local buses. An international airport is located near Noordhaven. Cultural life centers on maritime heritage, festivals, and seafood cuisine, with museums and a marina.

Notable features: ZuidEiland hosts the Noordhaven Lighthouse, the ZuidEiland National Park Reserve, and the Marine Research Institute. The island is known for birdlife and dune ecosystems.