groningen (province)

File:Groningen (afbeeldinge der stadt Groningen met omliggende fortressen) - Haubois, 1652.jpg and the surrounding fortifications]]

File:Canadian soldiers during the Battle of Groningen.jpg in April 1945]]

Groningen was originally a part of Frisia. It became a part of the Frankish Empire around 785. Charlemagne assigned the Christianization of this new possession to Ludger.

In the 11th century, the city of Groningen was a village in Drenthe that belonged to the Bishopric of Utrecht, while most of the province was in the Prince-Bishopric of Münster.

During the Middle Ages, central control was remote, and the city of Groningen acted as a city-state, exerting a dominating influence on the surrounding Ommelanden. In the 14th century, Groningen became one of the towns within the Hanseatic League.[http://toerisme.groningen.nl/en/about-groningen/city-of-groningen/hanzecity Hanseatic city], Toerisms Groningen. Retrieved on 27 January 2014. In the years after, Groningen expanded its influence. At its peak almost all of the current province Friesland was under the influence and control of Groningen.

Shortly before 1498, Maximilian I, Holy Roman Emperor gave Groningen and Friesland to Albert III, Duke of Saxony, who could however not establish permanent control. In 1514/15 Groningen came to the Duchy of Guelders, and in 1536 as the Lordship of Groningen to the Habsburg Netherlands.

In 1594, Groningen was conquered from the Spanish by the Republic of the Seven United Provinces, precursor state of the Netherlands, to which it belonged henceforth.

On 25 December 1717, Groningen suffered a serious impact by a storm in the Christmas day floods. The result led to the drowning of 14,000 people.

During World War II, the Netherlands were occupied by Nazi Germany. In April 1945, the 2nd Canadian Division fought in the Battle of Groningen, which resulted in the liberation of the city and in the death of 130, the capture of 5,212, and the fleeing of 2,000 German soldiers. In May 1945, another 3,000 German soldiers were captured in the Battle of Delfzijl by the 5th Canadian Division, after which all of the northern provinces were liberated.[http://www.canadiansoldiers.com/history/battlehonours/northwesteurope/groningen.htm Groningen], Canadiansoldiers.com. Retrieved on 8 April 2014.

East Groningen was the scene of a particularly fierce class struggle in the 19th and 20th centuries. Perhaps not coincidentally, Groningen boasts the only municipality (Beerta) where the Communist Party of the Netherlands has ever had a mayor (Hanneke Jagersma).{{in lang|nl}} "[http://www.dekrantvantoen.nl/vw/article.do?id=NVHN-19820219-AE0001004 Hanneke Jagersma burgemeeste Beerta]", Nieuwsblad van het Noorden, 1982. Retrieved on 8 April 2014.

File:Groningen 6.70672E 53.23944N.jpg

File:Overzicht van de molen, gezien vanaf het weiland - Fransum - 20420708 - RCE.jpg

File:Grainrepublic.jpg field near Nieuw-Beerta in the Oldambt]]

File:Wadlopen bij Pieterburen 02a.jpg during low tide on the Wadden Sea near Pieterburen]]

Groningen is situated at {{coord|53|15|N|6|44|E|region:NL-GR}} in the northeast of the Netherlands. To the west is the province Friesland, to the south is the province Drenthe, to the east the German districts are Leer and Emsland in the state Lower Saxony, and to the north the North Sea, Ems, and Dollart. The northernmost point of the Netherlands is on Rottumerplaat{{in lang|nl}} [http://www.oudestafkaarten.nl/uitersten.htm Uitersten], Oude stafkaarten verzamelen. Retrieved on 2 June 2014. at {{coord|53|33|18|N|6|28|41|E|region:NL-GR}}; the easternmost point of the Netherlands is in Bad Nieuweschans at {{coord|53|10|49|N|7|13|40|E|region:NL-GR}}.

Groningen is the 7th largest province of the Netherlands. It has a total area of {{convert|2955|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}}, with {{convert|2316|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}} of land and {{convert|639|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}} of water. About 80% of the land or {{convert|1876|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}} is used for agriculture. The rest of the land is: 9% or {{convert|158|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}} of built-up or semi built-up area, 6% or {{convert|144|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}} of nature, 3% or {{convert|66|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}} of infrastructure, and 2% or {{convert|43|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}} of recreational area.{{in lang|nl}} [http://statline.cbs.nl/StatWeb/publication/?VW=T&DM=SLNL&PA=70262ned&D1=0-1,5,11,18,24,27,31,41&D2=5-16&D3=l&HD=140414-0032&HDR=T&STB=G1,G2 Bodemgebruik; uitgebreide gebruiksvorm, per gemeente], Statistics Netherlands, 2013. Retrieved on 14 April 2014.

The land in Groningen is flat. A large area of the province is below sea level.[http://www.rug.nl/about-us/who-are-we/discover-groningen/groningenprovince/ Groningen province], University of Groningen, 2012. Retrieved on 14 April 2014. The Hasseberg near Sellingen of {{convert|14.6|m|ft|abbr=on}} above sea level is the highest point.{{in lang|nl}} [http://www.rtvnoord.nl/groningeninbeeld/index.asp?pid=533 Hasseberg (Gemeente Vlagtwedde)] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140415093926/http://www.rtvnoord.nl/groningeninbeeld/index.asp?pid=533 |date=15 April 2014 }}, RTV Noord, 2011. Retrieved on 14 April 2014.

The Groningen gas field near Slochteren is the 8th largestRafael Sandrea, [http://www.ipc66.com/publications/global_natural_gas_reserves-a_heuristic_viewpoint.pdf Global Natural Gas Reserves – A Heuristic Viewpoint] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304095450/http://www.ipc66.com/publications/global_natural_gas_reserves-a_heuristic_viewpoint.pdf |date=4 March 2016 }}, IPC Petroleum Consultants, 2005. Retrieved on 14 April 2014. natural gas field in the world. Since 1986, the exploitation of this gas field has caused earthquakes in the region with magnitudes up to 3.6.{{in lang|nl}} [http://www.knmi.nl/cms/content/22993/aardbevingen_door_gaswinning_in_noord-nederland Aardbevingen door gaswinning in Noord-Nederland], Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute, 2013. Retrieved on 27 January 2014.

In the Wadden Sea of Groningen, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2009,[https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1314/ The Wadden Sea], UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Retrieved on 14 April 2014. are the sandbank Simonszand and the natural reserve Rottum consisting of the three uninhabited islands Rottumeroog, Rottumerplaat, and Zuiderduintjes. The national park Lauwersmeer (IUCN category II) is located on the border between Groningen and Friesland.

The province of Groningen is also called Stad en Ommelanden, which means the city of Groningen and its surrounding lands, which are the historical regions of Fivelingo, Hunsingo, Oldambt, Westerkwartier, and Westerwolde.Bernardus Mourik, [https://books.google.com/books?id=g941AAAAMAAJ Staatkundige historie van Holland] (in Dutch), 1768, vol. 25, pp. 7–9. Retrieved 2 June 2014.

The province (Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics or NUTS level 2) is divided into three COROP regions (NUTS level 3): East Groningen, Delfzijl and surroundings, and the rest of Groningen. The COROP regions are used for statistical purposes.[http://www.cbs.nl/NR/rdonlyres/650CB3FA-A552-4809-87F0-3E3B0875C3E9/0/2013corop.pdf Indeling van Nederland in 40 COROP-gebieden] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180105233549/https://www.cbs.nl/NR/rdonlyres/650CB3FA-A552-4809-87F0-3E3B0875C3E9/0/2013corop.pdf |date=5 January 2018 }} (in Dutch), Statistics Netherlands. Retrieved 25 March 2014.

The province is also divided into ten municipalities, each with its own local government. Currently, Groningen is the most populated and most densely populated municipality, containing the largest city.

The province of Groningen has an oceanic climate (Köppen climate classification: Cfb).

{{Weather box

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|location=Nieuw-Beerta (1981–2010 averages)

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|Jan high C=4.7

|Feb high C=5.6

|Mar high C=9.2

|Apr high C=13.9

|May high C=17.3

|Jun high C=20.0

|Jul high C=22.7

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|Sep high C=18.8

|Oct high C=13.6

|Nov high C=8.5

|Dec high C=4.7

|year high C=13.5

|Jan mean C=2.3

|Feb mean C=2.7

|Mar mean C=5.3

|Apr mean C=8.7

|May mean C=12.2

|Jun mean C=14.9

|Jul mean C=17.4

|Aug mean C=17.4

|Sep mean C=14.2

|Oct mean C=9.8

|Nov mean C=6.0

|Dec mean C=2.4

|year mean C=9.5

|Jan low C=-0.2

|Feb low C=-0.2

|Mar low C=1.4

|Apr low C=3.5

|May low C=6.9

|Jun low C=9.4

|Jul low C=12.1

|Aug low C=12.1

|Sep low C=9.9

|Oct low C=6.3

|Nov low C=3.3

|Dec low C=-0.1

|year low C=5.4

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|Jan sun=N/A

|Feb sun=N/A

|Mar sun=134.3

|Apr sun=187.2

|May sun=222.4

|Jun sun=208.4

|Jul sun=215.8

|Aug sun=189.9

|Sep sun=149.3

|Oct sun=120.1

|Nov sun=60.3

|Dec sun=59.6

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|Mar percentsun=36

|Apr percentsun=45

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|Sep percentsun=39

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|source 1= Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute{{in lang|nl}} [http://www.klimaatatlas.nl/tabel/stationsdata/klimtab_8110_286.pdf Nieuw Beerta, langjarige gemiddelden, tijdvak 1981-2010], Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute. Retrieved on 25 March 2014.

}}

{{Historical populations

|title = Historical population

|type = none

|align = right

|percentages = pagr

|source = CBS{{in lang|nl}} [http://statline.cbs.nl/StatWeb/publication/?VW=T&DM=SLNL&PA=7377vt&D1=0&D2=0&D3=1&HD=140326-0122&HDR=T&STB=G1,G2 Volkstelling 1899; algemene uitkomsten per gemeente], Statistics Netherlands, 1999. Retrieved on 25 March 2014.{{in lang|nl}} [http://statline.cbs.nl/StatWeb/publication/?VW=T&DM=SLNL&PA=71128NED&D1=0&D2=0&D3=0&D4=1&HD=140326-0126&HDR=T,G2&STB=G1,G3 Volkstelling 1930; bewoners naar geslacht en geboorteplaats], Statistics Netherlands, 2006. Retrieved on 25 March 2014.{{in lang|nl}} [http://statline.cbs.nl/StatWeb/publication/?VW=T&DM=SLNL&PA=37259ned&D1=0&D2=0&D3=5&D4=0,5,10,15,20,25,30,35,40,45,50&HD=140312-2044&HDR=T&STB=G2,G1,G3 Bevolkingsontwikkeling; levendgeborenen, overledenen en migratie per regio], Statistics Netherlands, 2013. Retrieved on 12 March 2014.{{Cite web|url=https://opendata.cbs.nl/statline/#/CBS/en/dataset/37259eng/table?dl=6E4D2|title=Population dynamics; birth, death and migration per region|access-date=2022-09-08}}

|1899 |299,602

|1930 |392,436

|1942 |430,271

|1950 |459,819

|1960 |474,657

|1965 |497,472

|1970 |517,305

|1975 |536,106

|1980 |553,709

|1985 |561,119

|1990 |553,862

|1995 |557,995

|2000 |562,646

|2005 |575,072

|2010 |576,668

|2015 |582,649

|2020 |585,866

}}

On 1 January 2023, the province of Groningen had a population of 596,075 and a population density of {{convert|257|/km2|/sqmi|abbr=on}}, which make it the 9th most populous province and 8th most densely populated province of the Netherlands.{{in lang|nl}} [http://statline.cbs.nl/StatWeb/publication/?VW=T&DM=SLNL&PA=37230ned&D1=0&D2=5-16&D3=l&HD=140312-2050&HDR=G1,G2&STB=T Bevolkingsontwikkeling; regio per maand], Statistics Netherlands, 2014. Retrieved on 12 March 2014. The city of Groningen is the most populous city in the province and the 6th most populous city in the Netherlands.

On 1 January 2013, 92.2% of the total provincial population was born in the Netherlands; and of the 7.8% that was born abroad, the ten most common foreign countries of origin are the neighbour Germany (1.09%), the former colonies and dependencies Indonesia (0.60%), Netherlands Antilles and Aruba (0.55%), Suriname (0.54%), and other countries Turkey (0.41%), Soviet Union (0.36%), China (0.32%), Poland (0,26%), Yugoslavia (0.26%), and United Kingdom (0.18%).{{in lang|nl}} [http://statline.cbs.nl/StatWeb/publication/?VW=T&DM=SLNL&PA=70648ned&D1=0,5&D2=0&D3=a&D4=5&D5=l&HD=140325-1833&HDR=T,G3&STB=G1,G2,G4 Bevolking op 1 januari; leeftijd, geboorteland en regio], Statistics Netherlands, 2013. Retrieved on 25 March 2014.

In 2015, 18.7% of the population belonged to the Protestant Church in the Netherlands while 4.9% was Roman Catholic, 1.3% was Muslim and 6.7% belonged to other churches or faiths. Over half (68.4%) of the population identified as non-religious.

{{Pie chart

|thumb = right

|caption = Religion in Groningen (province) (2015)[https://www.cbs.nl/nl-nl/nieuws/2016/51/helft-nederlanders-is-kerkelijk-of-religieus Helft Nederlanders is kerkelijk of religieus], CBS, 22 december 2016

|label1 = Not religious

|value1 = 68.4

|color1 = Gray

|label2 = Protestant Church in the Netherlands

|value2 = 18.7

|color2 = DodgerBlue

|label3 = Other

|value3 = 6.7

|color3 = Turquoise

|label4 = Catholicism

|value4 = 4.9

|color4 = DarkOrchid

|label5 = Islam

|value5 = 1.3

|color5 = Green

}}

File:Building University Medical Centre Groningen UMCG.png is a major employer in Groningen]]

File:120815 Haven Delfzijl Gn NL.jpg in 2012]]

The city of Groningen is the economic center of the province.{{in lang|nl}} [http://economie.groningen.nl/themas/cijfers/algemeen Algemeen] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401032733/http://economie.groningen.nl/themas/cijfers/algemeen |date=1 April 2019 }}, Economie.groningen.nl. Retrieved on 8 April 2014. In the 14th century, the city became a member of the Hanseatic League. Currently some of the city's major employers are University Medical Center Groningen with 12,141 employees,[http://www.umcg.nl/EN/corporate/The_University_Medical_Center/Organisation/factsAndFigures/Pages/factsAndFigures.aspx Facts and figures] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170206093014/http://www.umcg.nl/EN/corporate/The_University_Medical_Center/Organisation/factsAndFigures/Pages/factsAndFigures.aspx |date=6 February 2017 }}, University Medical Center Groningen, 2015. Retrieved 28 January 2017. University of Groningen with 5,591 employees,[http://www.rug.nl/about-us/where-do-we-stand/facts-and-figures/ Key figures], University of Groningen, 2016. Retrieved 28 January 2017. Municipality of Groningen with 3,063 employees,[http://www.os-groningen.nl/images/stories/rapport/Thema15_concern_burgercontacten.pdf Concern en burgercontacten] (in Dutch), Municipality of Groningen. Retrieved 28 January 2017. Education Implementation Service (DUO) with 2,000 employees,"[http://www.rtvnoord.nl/artikel/artikel.asp?p=99357 Slechts 10 deelenemers aan cursus hoogtevrees DUO] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140408212927/http://www.rtvnoord.nl/artikel/artikel.asp?p=99357 |date=8 April 2014 }}" (in Dutch), RTV Noord, 2011. Retrieved on 8 April 2014. and Gasunie with 1,748 employees.[https://report2015.gasunie.nl/en/about-us/key-figures About us]{{Dead link|date=December 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}, Gasunie. Retrieved 28 January 2017.

The other economically important area is the Ems delta with the sea ports of Delfzijl and Eemshaven.[http://www.groningen-seaports.com/DeHavens/tabid/2115/language/en-US/Default.aspx The ports], Groningen Seaports. Retrieved on 27 January 2014. In 2015, a total of 11,589 cargo vessels arrived at the two Groningen Seaports combined, 7,111 sea vessels and 4,478 inland vessels. The ports had a cargo throughput of 11,309,000 tonnes.[http://www.groningen-seaports.com/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=AOKNcBtNPm0%3d&tabid=2158&language=nl-NL Facts & Figures 2015], Groningen Seaports. Retrieved 28 January 2017. The chemical industry near Delfzijl is located at the Chemie Park in Farmsum, with factories of AkzoNobel, Lubrizol, and Teijin Aramid.{{in lang|nl}} [http://www.chemieparkdelfzijl.nl/nl/over-chemie-park Over Chemie Park], Chemie Park Delfzijl. Retrieved on 8 April 2014. Both GDF Suez{{in lang|nl}} [http://www.gdfsuez.nl/activiteiten/onze-centrales/eemscentrale.aspx Eemscentrale], GDF Suez. Retrieved on 8 April 2014. and Vattenfall[https://www.vattenfall.nl/ Vattenfall] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200527171214/https://www.vattenfall.nl/ |date=27 May 2020 }}, Vattenfall. Retrieved on 25 May 2020. have a natural gas-fired power plant in Eemshaven, and Essent{{in lang|nl}} [http://www.essent.nl/content/overessent/het_bedrijf/opwekking/centrale_eemshaven/index.html Eemshavencentrale] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140504050242/http://www.essent.nl/content/overessent/het_bedrijf/opwekking/centrale_eemshaven/index.html |date=4 May 2014 }}, Essent. Retrieved on 16 April 2014. is building a coal-fired power plant there.

The Gross domestic product (GDP) of the province was 25 billion € in 2018, accounting for 3.2% of the Netherlands economic output. GDP per capita adjusted for purchasing power was 37,300 € or 124% of the EU27 average in the same year.{{Cite web|url=https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/documents/2995521/10474907/1-05032020-AP-EN.pdf/81807e19-e4c8-2e53-c98a-933f5bf30f58|title=Regional GDP per capita ranged from 30% to 263% of the EU average in 2018|website=Eurostat}}

In 1959, the Groningen gas field near Slochteren was discovered,Jane Whaley, "[http://www.geoexpro.com/article/The_Groningen_Gas_Field/bf349ab1.aspx The Groningen Gas Field] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019172237/http://www.geoexpro.com/article/The_Groningen_Gas_Field/bf349ab1.aspx |date=19 October 2013 }}", GEO ExPro Magazine, 2009. Retrieved on 27 January 2014. and the NAM started to exploit the field in 1963. This caused Dutch disease and induced earthquakes.

In 2013, Groningen had a labor force of 268,000 people and unemployment rate of 9.6%, which is the second highest unemployment for a province in the Netherlands.{{in lang|nl}} [http://statline.cbs.nl/StatWeb/publication/?VW=T&DM=SLNL&PA=71761ned&D1=1-3,7&D2=0,5-16&D3=l&HD=140326-1757&HDR=T&STB=G2,G1 Beroepsbevolking; kerncijfers provincie], Statistics Netherlands, 2014. Retrieved on 26 March 2014.

File:WIKITONGUES- Theo speaking Gronings.webm.]]

Groningen is home to the Low Saxon dialect called Gronings (Grönnegs / Grunnegs in Gronings regional language), In the eastern part of Friesland variations of the Groninger 'language' is spoken. Gronings has local nuances, for example, the people in the eastern part speak Gronings with more German influence.{{citation needed|date=July 2016}} Nowadays, many inhabitants of the province do not speak the dialect, especially in the city of Groningen where many outsiders have moved.

File:Groninger metworst.JPG (dried sausage) from Groningen]]

Traditional dishes and delicacies from Groningen are boerenkoolstamppot, droge worst, krentjebrij, oudewijvenkoek, poffert, and spekdik. Traditional alcoholic drinks are boerenjongens, boerenmeisjes, fladderak, and heet bier.

File:Groninger Museum 2.jpg in Groningen in 2006]]

Museumhuis Groningen is an umbrella organization for museums and other heritage organizations in the province of Groningen and has 58 members.{{in lang|nl}} [http://www.museumhuisgroningen.nl/overons/overonsc.html Over ons] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140111225003/http://museumhuisgroningen.nl/overons/overonsc.html |date=11 January 2014 }}, Museumhuis Groningen. Retrieved on 18 March 2014.{{in lang|nl}} [http://www.museumhuisgroningen.nl/overons/docs/Ledenlijst_maart_2014.pdf Aangesloten organisaties Museumhuis Groningen februari 2014] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140318133721/http://www.museumhuisgroningen.nl/overons/docs/Ledenlijst_maart_2014.pdf |date=18 March 2014 }}, Museumhuis Groningen, 2014. Retrieved on 18 March 2014. The Groninger Museum is the most visited museum in the province with 209,195 visitors in 2015. The other museums and heritage organizations with more than 25 thousand visitors in 2015 are Fort Bourtange in Bourtange, Noordelijk Scheepvaartmuseum in Groningen, Ter Apel Monastery in Ter Apel, Fraeylemaborg in Slochteren, Nationaal Bus Museum in Hoogezand, and Museumspoorlijn STAR in Stadskanaal.{{in lang|nl}} [http://www.erfgoedpartners.nl/docs/Bezoekcijfers_2011-2015.xls Bezoekcijfers erfgoedinstellingen Groningen] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160821195046/http://www.erfgoedpartners.nl/docs/Bezoekcijfers_2011-2015.xls |date=21 August 2016 }}, Stichting Erfgoedpartners, 2016. Retrieved 14 May 2016.

File:Martini Toren.JPG|Martinitoren, icon of the provincial capital of Groningen

File:Hoge der Aa2.jpg|Der Aa-kerk in Groningen

File:Fraeylemaborg1 Slochteren.jpg|Fraeylemaborg in Slochteren

File:Keukens appingedam.jpg|Hanging kitchens of Appingedam

File:Fortbourtange.jpg|Star fort of Bourtange

File:Goliath Poldermolen.jpg|Windmill Goliath in Eemshaven

File:Strokartonfabriek de Toekomst II A.jpg|Strawboard factory in Scheemda

File:Euroborg121210.png is the home stadium of FC Groningen]]

FC Groningen from the city of Groningen is the only football club from the province in the Eredivisie.{{in lang|nl}} "[http://www.vi.nl/competities/stand/eredivisie-20132014-nederland.htm Stand Eredivisie 2013/2014] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413024256/http://www.vi.nl/competities/stand/eredivisie-20132014-nederland.htm |date=13 April 2014 }}", Voetbal International, 2014. Retrieved on 13 April 2014. Their home stadium Euroborg has a capacity of 22,550 seats.{{in lang|nl}} [http://www.fcgroningen.nl/home/club-info/euroborg-stadion/ Stadion Euroborg] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140414153749/http://www.fcgroningen.nl/home/club-info/euroborg-stadion/ |date=14 April 2014 }}, FC Groningen. Retrieved on 13 April 2014. In the 2012–2013 competition, FC Groningen became 7th of the 18 teams.{{in lang|nl}} "[http://www.vi.nl/competities/stand/eredivisie-20122013-nederland.htm Stand Eredivisie 2012/2013] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140415162649/http://www.vi.nl/competities/stand/eredivisie-20122013-nederland.htm |date=15 April 2014 }}", Voetbal International, 2013. Retrieved on 13 April 2014. SC Veendam played in the Eerste Divisie, but filed for bankruptcy in 2013.{{in lang|nl}} "[http://www.ad.nl/ad/nl/5609/Eerste-divisie/article/detail/3419089/2013/04/02/Reddingsactie-niet-gelukt-SC-Veendam-definitief-failliet.dhtml Reddingsactie niet gelukt; SC Veendam definitief failliet]", Algemeen Dagblad, 2013. Retrieved on 13 April 2014.

The city of Groningen is also the base of basketball club GasTerra Flames, volleyball club Lycurgus, and korfball club Nic.{{in lang|nl}} [http://www.evtc.nl/Home.aspx Home] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140414164533/http://www.evtc.nl/Home.aspx |date=14 April 2014 }}, Energy Valley Topclub. Retrieved on 13 April 2014.

The ice rink at the multi-sport center Kardinge in the city of Groningen is used for national speed skating championships, most recently the 2013 KNSB Dutch Sprint Championships.{{in lang|nl}} "[http://www.oogtv.nl/2013/01/dit-weekend-nk-sprint-kardinge/ Dit weekend NK Sprint Kardinge] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140414142608/http://www.oogtv.nl/2013/01/dit-weekend-nk-sprint-kardinge/ |date=14 April 2014 }}", OOG Radio en TV, 2013. Retrieved on 13 April 2014.

{{Update|section|date=June 2015}}

{{See also|Provincial Council of Groningen}}

File:Groningen Provinciehuis 1266.jpg]]

A provincial government in the Netherlands consists of a Provincial Council, the directly elected legislative branch, and a Provincial Executive, the executive branch. The King's Commissioner, who is appointed by the national government, is chairman of both branches.[http://www.provinciegroningen.nl/servicelinks-provincie-groningen/english/provincial-council-and-provincial-executive/ Provincial Council and Provincial Executive] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140104053045/http://www.provinciegroningen.nl/servicelinks-provincie-groningen/english/provincial-council-and-provincial-executive/ |date=4 January 2014 }}, Province of Groningen. Retrieved on 28 January 2014. The Provincial Council of Groningen consists of 43 members and the Provincial Executive consists of the King's Commissioner and six deputies.{{in lang|nl}} [http://www.provinciegroningen.nl/gs/over-gedeputeerde-staten/ Over Gedeputeerde Staten], Province of Groningen. Retrieved on 28 January 2014. The government has its seat in the city of Groningen, which is the provincial capital.

René Paas, member of the Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA), has been the King's Commissioner since 18 April 2016.[http://www.parlement.com/id/vh361aznq5ee/f_j_rene_paas Mr.Drs. F.J. (René) Paas] (in Dutch), Parlement & Politiek, 2016. Retrieved 11 June 2016. He succeeded Max van den Berg who was the King's Commissioner in Groningen from 2007 to 2016.

In the provincial elections of 2011, the Labour Party became the largest party with nearly 25% of the votes and 12 seats in the Provincial Council. The next three largest parties are the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) and the Socialist Party (SP) with 6 seats each, and the Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA) with 5 seats.{{in lang|nl}} [http://www.verkiezingsuitslagen.nl/Na1918/Verkiezingsuitslagen.aspx?VerkiezingsTypeId=4 Verkiezingsuitslagen Provinciale Staten 1918 - heden] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131225121921/http://www.verkiezingsuitslagen.nl/Na1918/Verkiezingsuitslagen.aspx?VerkiezingsTypeId=4 |date=25 December 2013 }}, Electoral Council. Retrieved on 27 January 2014. In 2011, two months after the elections, the member of the Party for the North (PvhN) continued as an independent under the name Free Mandate.{{in lang|nl}} "[https://archive.today/20140615234807/http://www.dvhn.nl/nieuws/groningen/article8241751.ece/Lijsttrekker-breekt-met-Partij-voor-het-Noorden Lijsttrekker breekt met Partij voor het Noorden]", Dagblad van het Noorden, 2011. Retrieved on 16 June 2014.{{in lang|nl}} [http://www.provinciegroningen.nl/ps/leden/fracties/ Fracties], Province of Groningen. Retrieved on 16 June 2014. The next provincial elections are planned for 18 March 2015.{{in lang|nl}} [https://www.kiesraad.nl/artikel/provinciale-staten-overzichtspagina Provinciale staten], Kiesraad. Retrieved on 3 June 2014.

Following the 2011 elections, the Provincial Executive was formed by a coalition of the Labour Party, the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy, Democrats 66 (D66), and GreenLeft (GL).{{in lang|nl}} [http://www.provinciegroningen.nl/gs/over-gedeputeerde-staten/collegeprogramma-2011-2015/ Collegeprogramma 2011-2015], Province of Groningen. Retrieved on 28 January 2014. In 2013, GreenLeft left the coalition and was replaced by the ChristianUnion (CU).{{in lang|nl}} [http://www.gic.nl/nieuws/henk-staghouwer-nieuwe-gedeputeerde-in-groningen-christenunie-ver Henk Staghouwer nieuwe gedeputeerde in Groningen: ChristenUnie vervangt GroenLinks], Groninger Internet Courant, 2013. Retrieved on 27 January 2014. The Labour Party has three deputies, the other coalition parties have one deputy each.{{in lang|nl}} [http://www.provinciegroningen.nl/gs/leden-gedeputeerde-staten/ Leden Gedeputeerde Staten], Province of Groningen. Retrieved on 16 June 2014.

{{election table|title=2015 provincial election{{in lang|nl}} [http://www.verkiezingsuitslagen.nl/Na1918/Verkiezingsuitslagen.aspx?VerkiezingsTypeId=4 Verkiezingsuitslagen Provinciale Staten 1918 - heden] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131225121921/http://www.verkiezingsuitslagen.nl/Na1918/Verkiezingsuitslagen.aspx?VerkiezingsTypeId=4 |date=25 December 2013 }}, Electoral Council. Retrieved 19 June 2016.}}

|-

!colspan="2" align="left"| Party

! Votes

! %

! Seats

|-

|style="color:inherit;background:{{party color|Socialist Party (Netherlands)}}"|

|align="left"| Socialist Party

| 39,093

| 16.19

| 8

|-

|style="color:inherit;background:{{party color|Labour Party (Netherlands)}}"|

|align="left"| Labour Party

| 29,711

| 12.30

| 6

|-

|style="color:inherit;background:{{party color|Christian Democratic Appeal}}"|

|align="left"| Christian Democratic Appeal

| 27,160

| 11.25

| 5

|-

|style="color:inherit;background:{{party color|Democrats 66}}"|

|align="left"| Democrats 66

| 23,422

| 9.70

| 4

|-

|style="color:inherit;background:{{party color|People's Party for Freedom and Democracy}}"|

|align="left"| People's Party for Freedom and Democracy

| 22,089

| 9.15

| 4

|-

|style="color:inherit;background:{{party color|ChristianUnion}}"|

|align="left"| Christian Union

| 21,124

| 8.75

| 4

|-

|style="color:inherit;background:{{party color|Party for Freedom}}"|

|align="left"| Party for Freedom

| 19,340

| 8.01

| 3

|-

|

|align="left"| Groninger Belang

| 15,869

| 6.57

| 3

|-

|style="color:inherit;background:{{party color|GreenLeft}}"|

|align="left"| GroenLinks

| 15,701

| 6.50

| 3

|-

|style="color:inherit;background:{{party color|Party for the Animals}}"|

|align="left"| Party for the Animals

| 9,078

| 3.76

| 2

|-

|

|align="left"| Party for the North

| 5,173

| 2.14

| 1

|-

|colspan="7" style="background: #C0C0C0"|

|-

|

|align="left"| Other parties

| 13,719

| 5.68

| 0

|-

!colspan="2"| Total

! 241,479

! 100

! 43

|}

File:A7-groningen-tijnje-004.jpg near the city of Groningen]]

In the province of Groningen, there are three national roads ({{langx|nl|rijkswegen}}), which are maintained by Rijkswaterstaat.{{in lang|nl}} [http://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/wegen/vraag-en-antwoord/wat-voor-wegen-zijn-er-in-nederland-en-wie-is-de-wegbeheerder.html Wat voor wegen zijn er in Nederland en wie is de wegbeheerder?] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140315201236/http://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/wegen/vraag-en-antwoord/wat-voor-wegen-zijn-er-in-nederland-en-wie-is-de-wegbeheerder.html |date=15 March 2014 }}, Rijksoverheid. Retrieved on 15 March 2014.{{in lang|nl}} [http://www.rijkswaterstaat.nl/wegen/feiten_en_cijfers/wegenoverzicht/index.aspx Wegenoverzicht] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140315201141/http://www.rijkswaterstaat.nl/wegen/feiten_en_cijfers/wegenoverzicht/index.aspx |date=15 March 2014 }}, Rijkswaterstaat. Retrieved on 15 March 2014. The motorway A7 (E22) connects the city of Groningen with the provinces of Friesland and North Holland in the west and with Winschoten and Germany in the east. The motorway is interrupted for the ring road of the city of Groningen, where it is the expressway N7.{{in lang|nl}} [http://www.rijkswaterstaat.nl/wegen/feiten_en_cijfers/wegenoverzicht/a7/index.aspx A7] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140315201320/http://www.rijkswaterstaat.nl/wegen/feiten_en_cijfers/wegenoverzicht/a7/index.aspx |date=15 March 2014 }}, Rijkswaterstaat. Retrieved on 15 March 2014. The motorway A28 (E232) starts at the city of Groningen and runs south connecting it with the provinces of Drenthe, Overijssel, Gelderland, and Utrecht.{{in lang|nl}} [http://www.rijkswaterstaat.nl/wegen/feiten_en_cijfers/wegenoverzicht/a28/index.aspx A28] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140315201137/http://www.rijkswaterstaat.nl/wegen/feiten_en_cijfers/wegenoverzicht/a28/index.aspx |date=15 March 2014 }}, Rijkswaterstaat. Retrieved on 15 March 2014. The expressway N33 runs south from Eemshaven, via Appingedam and Veendam, to Drenthe.{{in lang|nl}} [http://www.rijkswaterstaat.nl/wegen/feiten_en_cijfers/wegenoverzicht/n33/index.aspx N33] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140315201134/http://www.rijkswaterstaat.nl/wegen/feiten_en_cijfers/wegenoverzicht/n33/index.aspx |date=15 March 2014 }}, Rijkswaterstaat. Retrieved on 15 March 2014. Other roads are overseen by the province (N roads), municipalities, or water boards.

File:20080430 Hoofdstation Groningen NL.jpg in 2008]]

File:Noordelijke nevenlijnen.png, which partially reopened in 2011)]]

Public transport falls under the rules for government procurement in the European Union. Tenders for regional bus and railway services are selected by the province of Groningen. Qbuzz is contracted for bus services in the period 2009–2015 and Arriva for railway services in the period 2005–2020.{{in lang|nl}}, [http://www.provinciegroningen.nl/beleid/verkeer-en-vervoer/openbaar-vervoer/ Openbaar vervoer], Province of Groningen. Retrieved on 17 March 2014. Nederlandse Spoorwegen operates the railway services from Groningen railway station southward to Drenthe and beyond.

The railway network in the Netherlands is maintained by ProRail.{{in lang|nl}} [http://www.prorail.nl/over-prorail/wat-doet-prorail Wat doet ProRail], ProRail. Retrieved on 17 March 2014. There are six railways located partially or entirely in the province of Groningen. The railway station Groningen connects several of these railways.{{in lang|nl}} [http://www.sporenplan.nl/html_nl/sporenplan/ns/ns_normaal/gn.html Leeuwarden - Groningen], Sporenplan. Retrieved on 8 March 2014.

File:Groningen Airport Eelde overview.jpg is located in Eelde in the province of Drenthe]]

The international airport that serves Groningen is Groningen Airport Eelde, which is located in Eelde in the province of Drenthe. The airport is co-owned by the provinces of Groningen and Drenthe and the municipalities of Groningen, Assen, and Tynaarlo.{{in lang|nl}} [http://www.groningenairport.nl/over-groningen-airport-eelde/de-organisatie/bestuur-management-team/ Bestuur & Management Team], Groningen Airport Eelde. Retrieved on 17 March 2014. Its summer destinations are Antalya, Faro, Girona, Gran Canaria, Heraklion, Kos, Palma de Mallorca, and Tenerife. Its winter destinations are Innsbruck and Salzburg.[http://www.groningenairport.nl/en/travel-information/destinations/ Destinations] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140308150100/http://www.groningenairport.nl/en/travel-information/destinations/ |date=8 March 2014 }}, Groningen Airport Eelde. Retrieved on 8 March 2014. Starting on 5 June 2014, there will also be flights to London.{{in lang|nl}} "[http://www.dvhn.nl/nieuws/drenthe/article10740183.ece/Airport-Eelde-krijgt-vlucht-naar-Londen Airport Eelde krijgt vlucht naar Londen] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407173844/http://www.dvhn.nl/nieuws/drenthe/article10740183.ece/Airport-Eelde-krijgt-vlucht-naar-Londen |date=7 April 2014 }}", Dagblad van het Noorden, 2014. Retrieved on 3 April 2014. For other international destinations, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is the nearest airport. The general aviation airports in the province are Oostwold Airport in Oostwold[http://www.oostwold-airport.nl/en/home-2.html Home] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120714032443/http://www.oostwold-airport.nl/en/home-2.html |date=14 July 2012 }}, Oostwold Airport. Retrieved on 8 March 2014. and Stadskanaal Airfield in Stadskanaal.{{in lang|nl}} [http://www.ehst.nl/ Vliegveld Stadskanaal], Stadskanaal Airfield. Retrieved on 8 March 2014.

File:090529 Academiegebouw Groningen NL.jpg in the city of Groningen]]

The University of Groningen in the city of Groningen was founded in 1614[http://www.rug.nl/about-us/who-are-we/ Who are we?], University of Groningen, 2013. Retrieved on 28 January 2014. and is the only research university (universiteit) in the province. On 1 September 2013, it had 29,407 students and 5,238 full-time equivalent of staff members.[http://www.rug.nl/about-us/where-do-we-stand/facts-and-figures/ Key Figures], University of Groningen, 2014. Retrieved on 6 April 2014. The university has ten faculties: Arts, Behavioural and Social Sciences, Economics and Business, Law, Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Medical Sciences, Philosophy, Spatial Sciences, Theology and Religious Studies, and University College Groningen.[http://www.rug.nl/about-us/organization/faculties/ Faculties], University of Groningen. Retrieved on 6 April 2014.

The Hanze University of Applied Sciences, the NHL University of Applied Sciences, and the Stenden University of Applied Sciences in the city of Groningen are the province's publicly funded universities of applied sciences (hogescholen).

The Dagblad van het Noorden is a regional daily newspaper based in the city of Groningen and is owned by NDC Mediagroep. It was founded in 2002 by merging the Nieuwsblad van het Noorden, the Groninger Dagblad, and the Drentse Courant."[http://www.trouw.nl/tr/nl/5009/Archief/archief/article/detail/2498454/2001/10/02/Dagblad-van-het-Noorden.dhtml Dagblad van het Noorden]" (in Dutch), Trouw, 2001. Retrieved on 14 April 2014. In 2015, the newspaper had a circulation of 96,515.[http://www.rtvnoord.nl/nieuws/161033/Abonneeverlies-Dagblad-van-het-Noorden-vlakt-af Abonneeverlies Dagblad van het Noorden vlakt af] (in Dutch), RTV Noord, 2016 Retrieved 3 June 2016.

RTV Noord is a regional public broadcaster of radio and television based in the city of Groningen, with Radio Noord and TV Noord.[http://www.rtvnoord.nl/content/pdf/Jaarverslag-RTVNoord-2012.pdf Jaarverslag 2012] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140323024003/http://www.rtvnoord.nl/content/pdf/Jaarverslag-RTVNoord-2012.pdf |date=23 March 2014 }} (in Dutch), RTV Noord, 2013. Retrieved on 13 April 2014. Their radio station has 121,000 daily listeners and a market share of 28% (2012) and their TV station has 171,000 daily viewers and a market share of 26.7% (2012).[http://www.orn.nl/omroepen/rtv-noord/ RTV Noord] (in Dutch), Omroep Reclame Nederland. Retrieved on 2 September 2014.[http://www.nu.nl/media/3490852/bereik-regionale-omroepen-blijft-dalen.html Bereik regionale omroepen blijft dalen] (in Dutch), Nu.nl, 2013. Retrieved on 2 September 2014.

People from the province of Groningen:

• Gronings dialect
• Hoogholtje bridge

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category|Groningen (province)}}

{{Wikivoyage|Groningen (province)}}

• {{Official website|name=Province of Groningen}}, official government website
• [http://toerisme.groningen.nl/en/ Nothing Tops Groningen], official tourism website
• {{Wikisource-inline|list=
• Groningen in Holland and its People (1874)
• Groningen (province) in The New International Encyclopædia (1905)

}}

{{Groningen Province}}

{{Provinces of the_Netherlands}}

{{Burgundian Circle}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Groningen (Province)}}

Category:Provinces of the Netherlands

Category:West Frisia

Category:Lordships of the Holy Roman Empire