Zuidwest

Zuidwest, meaning “southwest” in Dutch, is a geographic descriptor used to refer to the southwestern part of a place, such as a city, region, or country. It is not a fixed administrative unit by itself; its precise extent depends on context and local usage. When used as a proper name, Zuidwest may designate a district, neighborhood, or planning area within a municipality.

In planning and geography, Zuidwest is used to divide space for urban development, transportation, environmental management, or statistical reporting. Mapping projects and municipal strategies often refer to the Zuidwest sector to coordinate services, infrastructure, and housing policies for residents in that part of the area.

Because Zuidwest is a directional term, its boundaries can vary and are sometimes informal. In some cities, authorities formalize a “Zuidwest” district; in others, the term remains a general descriptor used in media and public discourse. In cross-border contexts, the Dutch word is translated as southwest, with equivalent terms in other languages.

Within Dutch-language sources, Zuidwest appears alongside other directional designations such as Noordwest, Noordoost, and Zuidoost to describe parts of a city or region. The concept is common across Dutch-speaking areas and can vary by administrative tradition and language.