One of the 12 provinces of the Netherlands, with about 380,000 inhabitants. Zeeland was one of the seven provinces that united in 1579 during the Dutch Revolt against King Philip II of Spain. The region consists of several islands in the estuary of the rivers Scheldt and Meuse. Its position was strategic and very favor able for commerce. There are many harbors, such as Terneuzen, Arnemuiden, Vlissingen, and Zierikzee. Goes is an inland medium seized city on the isle of Walcheren. The Dutch West India Com panyhad its headquarters in Middelburg, the capital of the province. Zeeland was occupied by France during the Napoleonic Wars. In World War II, bombing by both parties caused serious casualties as well as damage to the infrastructure. The 1953 storm tide cost more than 1,800 lives. Since the main arms of the rivers were closed under the Delta-Plan, Zeeland has become famous for its many places of recreation, including its small village beaches. The agricultural sec tor is also still important.
Historical Dictionary of the Netherlands. EdwART. 2012.