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Drachten (The Netherlands)

Fryslân province

Shipmate Flagchart : http://www.shipmate.nl/flags.htm
adopted 1986; Design: Fryske Rie foar Heraldyk.

Drachten village
Drachten CoA

See also:

Drachten village

Drachten is the seat of Smallingerland municipality, Fryslân province. Drachten was formed in the 17th century from the two villages North and South Drachten. The two villages were separated by a canal, but the canal was reclaimed early in the 20th century to facilitate transportation between the two parts. Drachten has grown from 10,000 inhabitants in 1950 to over 40,000 inhabitants now. Samllingerland has a population of over 50,000. Drachten has grown into an important centre with city-like characteristics for a large area. The natural surroundings include a unique combination of landscapes with lakes, woods, and grasslands.
The older part of Drachten has been renovated recently to represent the original style from 1921. This neighborhood is called
"Papegaaienbuurt" (Parrot neighborhood), because of all the bright colors. <and probably because there's some gossiping going on :-)> The main reason for its growth is the Philips filial; unlike Stadskanaal Drachten has attracted many more firms and is not as dependent on one firms for employment.
Nicknames: "Turven" (peat-blocks); "kjeallesturten" (calf's tails); "boltsjes" (small loaves); "bôllen" (loaves).
Drachten wa