Written and Fact-checked by Whereig Editors | Last Updated On: May 27, 2026
The Netherlands is divided into 12 provinces, which are the highest level of administrative division in the country. The provinces are not exactly equivalent to counties, but they are the closest equivalent. The 12 provinces are:
The Netherlands is a Western European country bordered by Germany, Belgium, and the North Sea. The country is divided into 12 provinces for administrative governance and regional development. Amsterdam is the constitutional capital, while The Hague serves as the seat of government.
The country includes coastal lowlands, river deltas, reclaimed polders, canals, forests, agricultural plains, and densely populated urban regions spread across northwestern Europe. Different provinces are known for trade, agriculture, technology, tourism, shipping, and cultural heritage.
Key Facts
- Constitutional capital: Amsterdam
- Seat of government: The Hague
- Total population: 18,200,000 (Official estimate 2025)
- Total area: 41,865 km² (16,164 sq miles)
- Currency: Euro (€ , EUR)
- Bordering countries: Germany, Belgium
- Total Provinces: 12
- Total Municipalities: 340+
List of Provinces and Capitals of the Netherlands
Total provinces shown: 12 | Combined population: 18,200,000 | Combined area: 41,865 km²
| # | Province Name | Capital City | Region Area | Area (km²) | Population (Latest Census) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Drenthe | Assen | Northeastern Netherlands | 2,680 | 510,000 |
| 2 | Flevoland | Lelystad | Central Polder Region | 2,412 | 450,000 |
| 3 | Friesland | Leeuwarden | Northern Coast | 5,753 | 660,000 |
| 4 | Gelderland | Arnhem | Eastern Netherlands | 5,136 | 2,150,000 |
| 5 | Groningen | Groningen | Northern Netherlands | 2,960 | 590,000 |
| 6 | Limburg | Maastricht | Southern Netherlands | 2,209 | 1,130,000 |
| 7 | North Brabant | 's-Hertogenbosch | Southern Netherlands | 5,082 | 2,650,000 |
| 8 | North Holland | Haarlem | Western Coast | 4,092 | 3,000,000 |
| 9 | Overijssel | Zwolle | Eastern Netherlands | 3,421 | 1,200,000 |
| 10 | South Holland | The Hague | Western Urban Region | 3,419 | 3,900,000 |
| 11 | Utrecht | Utrecht | Central Netherlands | 1,560 | 1,400,000 |
| 12 | Zeeland | Middelburg | Southwestern Coast | 2,934 | 395,000 |
Largest Provinces by Area
- Friesland - 2,221 sq mi (5,753 km²)
- Gelderland - 1,983 sq mi (5,136 km²)
- North Brabant - 1,962 sq mi (5,082 km²)
- North Holland - 1,580 sq mi (4,092 km²)
- Overijssel - 1,321 sq mi (3,421 km²)
- South Holland - 1,320 sq mi (3,419 km²)
- Groningen - 1,143 sq mi (2,960 km²)
- Zeeland - 1,133 sq mi (2,934 km²)
Most Populous Provinces
- South Holland - Population: 3,900,000 (Official Estimate 2025)
- North Holland - Population: 3,000,000 (Official Estimate 2025)
- North Brabant - Population: 2,650,000 (Official Estimate 2025)
- Gelderland - Population: 2,150,000 (Official Estimate 2025)
- Utrecht - Population: 1,400,000 (Official Estimate 2025)
- Overijssel - Population: 1,200,000 (Official Estimate 2025)
- Limburg - Population: 1,130,000 (Official Estimate 2025)
- Friesland - Population: 660,000 (Official Estimate 2025)
Smallest Provinces by Area
- Utrecht - 602 sq mi (1,560 km²)
- Limburg - 853 sq mi (2,209 km²)
- Flevoland - 931 sq mi (2,412 km²)
- Drenthe - 1,035 sq mi (2,680 km²)
- Zeeland - 1,133 sq mi (2,934 km²)
- Groningen - 1,143 sq mi (2,960 km²)
Provinces by Geographic Grouping
- Central Netherlands: Utrecht
- Central Polder Region: Flevoland
- Eastern Netherlands: Gelderland, Overijssel
- Northeastern Netherlands: Drenthe
- Northern Coast: Friesland
- Northern Netherlands: Groningen
- Southern Netherlands: Limburg, North Brabant
- Southwestern Coast: Zeeland
- Western Coast: North Holland
- Western Urban Region: South Holland
Landlocked Provinces
- Drenthe
- Flevoland
- Gelderland
- Limburg
- North Brabant
- Overijssel
- Utrecht
Provinces with Coastline
- Friesland
- Groningen
- North Holland
- South Holland
- Zeeland
Provinces Sharing Borders with Other Countries
- Germany: Drenthe, Gelderland, Groningen, Limburg, Overijssel
- Belgium: Limburg, North Brabant, Zeeland
Major Urban Centers by Province
| Province | Major City | Known For |
|---|---|---|
| North Holland | Amsterdam | Tourism, finance, and culture |
| South Holland | Rotterdam | Europe's largest port |
| Utrecht | Utrecht | Transport and education hub |
| North Brabant | Eindhoven | Technology and innovation |
| Gelderland | Arnhem | Forests and river landscapes |
| Friesland | Leeuwarden | Frisian culture and waterways |
Sources
- Statistics Netherlands (CBS)
- World Bank - Netherlands Data
- CIA World Factbook - Netherlands
- Encyclopaedia Britannica - Netherlands
- Government of the Netherlands
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