A metropolis in the northern Netherlands
Groningen is a historically significant city in the Netherlands, founded almost a thousand years ago in 1040. Due to its location, Groningen can be called a northern metropolis. The city was built on a small sandy hill in the Hondsrug area, 9 meters above sea level. In the 14th century, Groningen began to take on its urban form, with wooden buildings gradually giving way to stone ones.
Groningen is located in the northeast of the country, in the heart of a significant agricultural region that supplies the country with milk, meat, potatoes, and sugar beets. The city attracts visitors with its open spaces, the beauty and tranquility of its countryside life, and a variety of opportunities for both active and relaxing recreation. Furthermore, Groningen enjoys ideal conditions for maritime and overland trade.
In the fourteenth century, Groningen became a member of the Hanseatic League (1282-1669), which included merchants and companies primarily from Germany, Scandinavia, Russia (Novgorod), England, Poland, the Baltic states, and the Netherlands. During the Wars of Religion (1568-1648), Groningen became part of the Netherlands, and the Netherlands (then known as the "Seven United Provinces") gained independence from the Kingdom of Spain and formed one of the first republics in Europe. In 1672, Groningen withstood the onslaught of the army of a German bishop; since then, this event is celebrated every year on August 28. From 1795 to 1813, Groningen was under the rule of the French crown. Since 1813, the House of Orange has ruled the Netherlands. On April 30, when the country celebrates Queen"s Day, the color orange is everywhere. From May 1940 to April 1945, Groningen was occupied by Nazi Germany; May 5 marks Liberation Day. The day before, May 4, is Remembrance Day, a day to remember those who died during the war.
The city"s symbols are the white-green-white flag and the double-headed eagle. The city council has 39 members representing 10 parties. The municipality is headed by five deputy mayors, most of whom are representatives of left-wing parties from four different organizations. The mayor, Mr. Rehwinkel, is the chairman of the city council and head of the local government.
Groningen is an important administrative center in the northern Netherlands; by population, it is the eighth largest city in the country. At the beginning of the 20th century, Groningen asserted itself as the third most important commercial and industrial city in the country. The city"s infrastructure and the region"s characteristics contribute to the successful development of entrepreneurship. A well-developed transport network provides connections with all parts of the country, as well as with Germany (motorways A28 and A7). The presence of an airport, a railway, and three important seaports in Delfzijl, Eemshaven, and Lauwersoog makes Groningen an attractive platform for developing international relations. Groningen has an employed population of 134,000, of which 35,000 live in the suburbs. The unemployed population is 8,000 people (7.6%). The national unemployment rate is 5.4%. Most Groningen residents work at the university, university hospital, and trade organizations.
Groningen is a city of unity and diversity. In the suburb of Beijum, people of 89 different nationalities peacefully coexist. In 2011, Groningen celebrated "Pink Saturday," a day when men and women of non-traditional sexual orientations expressed their right to self-identification.
Groningen boasts a vibrant scientific and cultural life. In 1612, the provincial government issued a decree establishing a Scientific University (Scientific Academy), marking a significant milestone in the history of both the city itself and the province of the same name. The University of Groningen (the National Scientific University) is important not only within the province but also nationally and internationally. Groningen is known as a student city, and the University of Groningen is one of the most prestigious educational institutions. The city is also home to a University of Applied Sciences, a school of fine arts and design, a music academy, and numerous other educational institutions. Together, the two universities enroll 53,000 students, offering 175 degree programs.
The University of Applied Sciences (Hanze University) is the largest institution of higher education in the northern part of the country. Students, including those from abroad, can choose from over 70 degree programs in virtually every field. The nine faculties of the National University of Science are located in over 150 buildings throughout the city and its surrounding area. The Groningen University of Applied Sciences is the third largest university in the country after the University of Amsterdam and the University of Utrecht. Groningen is rightfully considered the "youngest" city in the Netherlands, as, thanks to its large student population, half of its population is under 35. As a university city, Groningen is also known as a hub for research, energy development, information technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship. In other words, Groningen is a true "city of talent."
Groningen values the arts highly, and true talent is always supported. Every year, Groningen hosts festivals such as the Eurosonic pop music festival, the Noordelicht photography festival, and the Noorderzon performing arts festival. The city"s numerous museums offer something new and exciting for everyone. Every year, approximately 500,000 people visit theaters, 975,000 cinemas, 313,000 explore city museums, and 107,000 visit the Martini Tower or take river boat tours.
Groningen"s architecture is striking in its beauty. In the last quarter of the 20th century, a trend was adopted to create a "compact city" with an emphasis on the versatility of the city center. Groningen offers a variety of opportunities for living, working, entertainment, and leisure. It is a city with a rich history that has left its mark on almost every corner. The Grote Markt is known for its large number and variety of shops and boutiques, where even the most discerning shopper will find everything they need. Three times a week, markets unfold on the city"s two central squares – the Grote Markt and the Vismarkt. After a busy day, you can relax in one of the many cafes, pubs, or restaurants.
Groningen has won several awards, such as "Best City in the Netherlands" (2006 and 2007), "Best City for Cyclists" (2002), and "Safest City in the Netherlands" (2004).
Groningen"s population is growing—in 2010, it reached 187,622. This high demographic figure is achieved through a continuous flow of migration and a high birth rate.
Many students from Groningen contribute to the development of the city with their innovative ideas, ingenuity and broad-mindedness.
The average expenditure portion of income per capita is 17,900 euros, per family – 27,500 euros.
The municipal budget of Groningen for 2011 is 786 million euros, 25% of which is allocated to social security and employee benefits, 18% to education, 17% to urban renewal, 7% to cultural and sports development, 6% to health care, 6% to economic development and 20% to other needs.
In June 1989, Groningen became a sister city of Murmansk. This relationship is based on joint educational, medical, social, cultural, and economic projects and is managed by representative services in both cities. Over this period, the friendly relations between the cities have brought thousands of people together.
Link to the official website of the city of Groningen – https://groningen.nl/internationals
