Flevopolder

The Flevopolder is an island polder forming the bulk of Flevoland, a province of the Netherlands. Created by land reclamation, its northeastern part was drained in 1955 and the remainder—the southwest—in 1968.

Flevopolder

The Flevopolder
Geography
Location	Flevoland
Coordinates	52°27′N 5°30′E
Area	970 km2 (370 sq mi)
Administration
Netherlands
Largest settlement	Almere (pop. 202,764)
Demographics
Population	317,000

Aerial view of Flevopolder

Unlike other major polders, it is surrounded by lakes and below-sea-level channels. By some definitions, it is the world's largest artificial island. Levees, dikes, and pumping were used to drain the land. The polder's name references the ancient Lake Flevo. The Flevopolder, along with the Noordoostpolder, forms the Flevoland province, which is located near Amsterdam in the southwest and Kampen, Overijssel in the northeast.

Boundaries

Unlike other major polders, such as Noordoostpolder and Wieringermeer, the Flevopolder is surrounded by bordering lakes or below-sea-level channels. These are the IJsselmeer, the Veluwemeer, Ketelmeer, and Gooimeer. By some definitions, it is the largest artificial island in the world.

History

Reclamation of its land

Levees and dikes were first built around the polder. However, unlike similar projects, the internal water was then drained by diesel and electric pumps.

Etymology

Its name refers to the ancient Lake Flevo.

Geography

Main article: Flevoland

The Flevopolder together with the Noordoostpolder forms the province of Flevoland, the most recent province to be added to the Netherlands. Its southwestern point is close to Amsterdam and its opposite end is close to Kampen, Overijssel. It has three highly dominant settlements in terms of distribution of population.