View source for Groningen (province)

{{Short description|Northeasternmost province of the Netherlands}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2014}}
{{Infobox settlement
<!-- See Template:Infobox settlement for additional fields and descriptions -->| name               = Groningen
| official_name      = Province of Groningen<br />{{native name|nl|Provincie Groningen}}<br />{{native name|gos|Provìnzie Grunnen}}<br />{{native name|fy|Provinsje Grinslân}}
| native_name        = {{native name|nl|Groningen}}<br/>''Grunnen'' ([[Gronings]])<br/>''Grinslân'' ([[West Frisian language|West Frisian]])
| settlement_type    = [[Provinces of the Netherlands|Province]]
| image_flag         = Flag of Groningen.svg
| flag_alt           = 
| image_shield       = File:Groningen provincie wapen.svg
| shield_size        = 115px
| shield_alt         = 
| nickname           = 
| motto              = 
| anthem             = "[[Grönnens Laid]]"<br/>{{small|"Song of Groningen"}}<br/>{{center|[[File:Nl Grönnens Laid.ogg]]}}
| image_map          = Groningen in the Netherlands.svg
| map_caption        = Location of Groningen in the Netherlands
| image_map1         = P01-GR-positiekaart2-gemlabels.png
| map_caption1       = Topography map of Groningen
| coordinates        = {{coord|53|15|N|6|44|E|type:adm1st|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type   = [[Country]]
| subdivision_name   = [[Netherlands]]
| established_title  = 
| established_date   = 
| founder            = 
| seat_type          = Capital<br/>{{small|(and largest city)}}
| seat               = [[Groningen]]
| government_footnotes = 
| leader_party       = [[Christian Democratic Appeal|CDA]]
| leader_title       = [[King's Commissioner]]
| leader_name        = [[René Paas]]
| leader_title1      = Council
| leader_name1       = [[States of Groningen]]
| unit_pref          = Metric
| area_footnotes     = &nbsp;(2023)<ref name="AC">[https://allecijfers.nl/provincie/groningen/#100-onderwerpen Statistieken provincie Groningen - Gegevens over meer dan 100 onderwerpen!], AlleCijfers.nl</ref>
| area_rank          = [[Provinces of the Netherlands|7th]]
| area_total_km2     = 2,955
| area_land_km2      = 2,316
| area_water_km2     = 639
| elevation_footnotes = 
| elevation_m        = 
| population_as_of   = 1 January 2023
| population_footnotes = 
| population_total   = 596,075<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://opendata.cbs.nl/statline/#/CBS/nl/dataset/37230ned/table?ts=1587953758155|title=CBS Statline|website=opendata.cbs.nl}}</ref>
| population_rank    = [[Provinces of the Netherlands|9th]]
| population_density_km2 = 257
| population_density_rank = [[Provinces of the Netherlands|9th]]
| population_demonym = 
| timezone1          = [[Central European Time|CET]]
| utc_offset1        = +1
| timezone1_DST      = [[Central European Summer Time|CEST]]
| utc_offset1_DST    = +2
| postal_code_type   = 
| postal_code        = 
| area_code_type     = 
| area_code          = 
| iso_code           = [[ISO 3166-2:NL|NL-GR]]
| demographics_type1 = GDP
| demographics1_footnotes = <ref>{{cite web | url=https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/databrowser/view/tgs00003/default/table?lang=en | title=EU regions by GDP, Eurostat|access-date=18 September 2023}}</ref>
| demographics1_title1 = Total
| demographics1_info1 = €25.636 billion
| demographics1_title2 = Per capita
| demographics1_info2 = €44,000
| blank_name_sec2    = [[Human Development Index|HDI]] (2021)
| blank_info_sec2    = 0.930<ref name="GlobalDataLab">{{Cite web|url=https://hdi.globaldatalab.org/areadata/shdi/|title=Sub-national HDI - Area Database - Global Data Lab|website=hdi.globaldatalab.org|language=en|access-date=2018-09-13}}</ref><br/>{{color|green|very high}} · [[List of provinces of the Netherlands by Human Development Index|5th of 12]]
| website            = {{URL|www.provinciegroningen.nl}}
| image_blank_emblem = Groningen 2015.svg
| blank_emblem_type  = [[Brandmark]]
| blank_emblem_size  = 120px
}}

'''Groningen''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|ɡ|r|oʊ|n|ɪ|ŋ|ə|n}} {{respell|GROH|ning|ən}}, {{IPAc-en|UKalso|ˈ|ɡ|r|ɒ|n|ɪ|ŋ|ə|n}} {{respell|GRON|ing|ən}};<ref>{{Cite American Heritage Dictionary|Groningen|access-date=1 May 2019}}</ref><ref>[https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/us/Groningen "Groningen"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190501201340/https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/us/Groningen |date=1 May 2019 }} (US) and {{Cite Oxford Dictionaries|Groningen|access-date=1 May 2019}}</ref> {{IPA|nl|ˈɣroːnɪŋə(n)|lang|Nl-Groningen 2.oga}}; {{langx|gos|Grunn}}; {{langx|fy|Grinslân}} {{IPA|fy|ˈɡrẽːslɔ̃ːn|}}) is the northeasternmost [[provinces of the Netherlands|province]] of the [[Netherlands]]. It borders on [[Friesland]] to the west, [[Drenthe]] to the south, the [[Germany|German]] state of [[Lower Saxony]] to the east, and the [[Wadden Sea]] to the north. As of January 2023, Groningen had a population of about 596,000,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://opendata.cbs.nl/statline/#/CBS/nl/dataset/37230ned/table|title=CBS StatLine|website=opendata.cbs.nl}}</ref> and a total area of {{convert|2955|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}}.

Historically the area was at different times part of [[Frisia]], the [[Francia|Frankish Empire]], the [[Holy Roman Empire]], and the [[Dutch Republic]], the precursor state of the modern Netherlands. In the 14th century, the city of [[Groningen]] became a member of the [[Hanseatic League]].

The provincial capital and the largest city in the province is the [[Groningen|city of Groningen]] (231,299 inhabitants<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://opendata.cbs.nl/statline/#/CBS/nl/dataset/70072ned/table|title=CBS Statline|website=opendata.cbs.nl}}</ref>). Since 2016, [[René Paas]] has been the [[King's Commissioner]] in the province. A [[coalition]] of [[GroenLinks]], the [[Labour Party (Netherlands)|Labour Party]], [[ChristianUnion]], [[People's Party for Freedom and Democracy]], [[Democrats 66]], and [[Christian Democratic Appeal]] forms the executive branch. The province is divided into 10 municipalities.

The land is mainly used for [[agriculture]]. There are [[port|seaports]] in [[Delfzijl]] and [[Eemshaven]]. The [[Groningen gas field]], one of the world's largest, was discovered in 1959. The province is home to the [[University of Groningen]] and [[Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Groningen|Hanze University of Applied Sciences]].

== History ==
[[File:Groningen (afbeeldinge der stadt Groningen met omliggende fortressen) - Haubois, 1652.jpg|thumb|1652 map of the city of [[Groningen]] and the surrounding [[fortification]]s]]
[[File:Canadian soldiers during the Battle of Groningen.jpg|thumb|Canadian soldiers during the [[Battle of Groningen]] in April 1945]]

Groningen was originally a part of [[Frisia]]. It became a part of the [[Francia|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 [[Prince-Bishopric of Utrecht|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]].<ref name="hanseaticleague">[http://toerisme.groningen.nl/en/about-groningen/city-of-groningen/hanzecity Hanseatic city] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140811202543/http://toerisme.groningen.nl/en/about-groningen/city-of-groningen/hanzecity |date=11 August 2014 }}, Toerisms Groningen. Retrieved on 27 January 2014.</ref> 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 [[Siege of Groningen (1594)|was conquered]] from the Spanish by the [[Dutch Republic|Republic of the Seven United Provinces]], precursor state of the Netherlands, to which it belonged henceforth.

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.<ref>[http://www.canadiansoldiers.com/history/battlehonours/northwesteurope/groningen.htm Groningen], Canadiansoldiers.com. Retrieved on 8 April 2014.</ref>

East Groningen was the scene of a particularly fierce [[Class conflict|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]]).<ref>{{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.</ref>

== Geography ==
[[File:Groningen 6.70672E 53.23944N.jpg|thumb|Satellite image of Groningen]]
[[File:Overzicht van de molen, gezien vanaf het weiland - Fransum - 20420708 - RCE.jpg|thumb|The land is flat and 80% of it is used for agriculture]]
[[File:Grainrepublic.jpg|thumb|[[Wheat]] field near [[Nieuw-Beerta]] in the [[Oldambt (region)|Oldambt]]]]
[[File:Wadlopen bij Pieterburen 02a.jpg|thumb|[[Mudflat hiking|Mudflat hikers]] 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 (district)|Leer]] and [[Emsland]] in the state [[Lower Saxony]], and to the north the [[North Sea]], [[Ems (river)|Ems]], and [[Dollart]]. The [[Extreme points of the Netherlands|northernmost point of the Netherlands]] is on [[Rottumerplaat]]<ref name="extremepoints">{{in lang|nl}} [http://www.oudestafkaarten.nl/uitersten.htm Uitersten], Oude stafkaarten verzamelen. Retrieved on 2 June 2014.</ref> at {{coord|53|33|18|N|6|28|41|E|region:NL-GR}}; the [[Extreme points of the Netherlands|easternmost point of the Netherlands]] is in [[Bad Nieuweschans]]<ref name="extremepoints"/> at {{coord|53|10|49|N|7|13|40|E|region:NL-GR}}.

Groningen is the [[Provinces of the Netherlands|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 [[urban area|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.<ref name="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.</ref>

The land in Groningen is flat. A large area of the province is below sea level.<ref>[http://www.rug.nl/about-us/who-are-we/discover-groningen/groningenprovince/ Groningen province], [[University of Groningen]], 2012. Retrieved on 14 April 2014.</ref> The Hasseberg near [[Sellingen]] of {{convert|14.6|m|ft|abbr=on}} above sea level is the highest point.<ref>{{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.</ref>

The [[Groningen gas field]] near [[Slochteren]] is the [[List of natural gas fields|8th largest]]<ref>Rafael 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.</ref> [[natural gas field]] in the world. Since 1986, the exploitation of this gas field [[List of earthquakes in the Netherlands#Induced earthqakes|has caused earthquakes]] in the region with [[Moment magnitude scale|magnitude]]s up to 3.6.<ref name="earthquakes">{{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.</ref>

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

=== Subdivisions ===
The province of Groningen is also called '''''Stad en Ommelanden''''', meaning "'''City and Surrounding Lands'''", referring to the eponymous city of [[Groningen]] as well as the "[[Ommelanden|surrounding lands]]" of [[Fivelingo]], [[Hunsingo]], [[Oldambt (region)|Oldambt]], [[Westerkwartier]], and [[Westerwolde (region)|Westerwolde]].<ref>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.</ref>

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.<ref>[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.</ref>

The province is also divided into ten [[List of municipalities of the Netherlands|municipalities]], each with its own local government. Currently, [[Groningen]] is the most populated and most densely populated municipality,<ref name="munpops"/><ref name="munareas"/> containing the largest city.<ref name="munareas"/>

{| class="wikitable sortable"
!Municipality !! Population<ref name="munpops">{{Dutch municipality population|dataref}}</ref>!! Total Area<ref name="munareas">{{Dutch municipality total area|dataref}}</ref>!! Population density<ref name="munpops"/><ref name="munareas"/> !! COROP Region
|-
|[[Eemsdelta]] || align="right" | || align="center" | || align="center" | || Delfzijl and surroundings
|-
|[[Groningen]] || align="right" | {{formatnum:{{Dutch municipality population|Groningen}}}} || align="center" | {{convert|{{Dutch municipality total area|Groningen}}|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on}} || align="center" | {{convert|{{Dutch municipality population density|Groningen}}|/km2|/sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on}} || Rest of Groningen
|-
|[[Het Hogeland]] || align="right" | <!--{{formatnum:{{Dutch municipality population|Het Hogeland}}}}--> || align="center" | <!--{{convert|{{Dutch municipality total area|Het Hogeland}}|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on}}--> || align="center" | <!--{{convert|{{Dutch municipality population density|Het Hogeland}}|/km2|/sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on}}--> || Rest of Groningen
|-
|[[Midden-Groningen]] || align="right" | <!--{{formatnum:{{Dutch municipality population|Midden-Groningen}}}}--> || align="center" | <!--{{convert|{{Dutch municipality total area|Midden-Groningen}}|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on}}--> || align="center" | <!--{{convert|{{Dutch municipality population density|Midden-Groningen}}|/km2|/sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on}}--> || Rest of Groningen
|-
|[[Oldambt (municipality)|Oldambt]] || align="right" | {{formatnum:{{Dutch municipality population|Oldambt}}}} || align="center" | {{convert|{{Dutch municipality total area|Oldambt}}|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on}} || align="center" | {{convert|{{Dutch municipality population density|Oldambt}}|/km2|/sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on}} || East Groningen
|-
|[[Pekela]] || align="right" | {{formatnum:{{Dutch municipality population|Pekela}}}} || align="center" | {{convert|{{Dutch municipality total area|Pekela}}|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on}} || align="center" | {{convert|{{Dutch municipality population density|Pekela}}|/km2|/sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on}} || East Groningen
|-
|[[Stadskanaal]] || align="right" | {{formatnum:{{Dutch municipality population|Stadskanaal}}}} || align="center" | {{convert|{{Dutch municipality total area|Stadskanaal}}|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on}} || align="center" | {{convert|{{Dutch municipality population density|Stadskanaal}}|/km2|/sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on}} || East Groningen
|-
|[[Veendam]] || align="right" | {{formatnum:{{Dutch municipality population|Veendam}}}} || align="center" | {{convert|{{Dutch municipality total area|Veendam}}|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on}} || align="center" | {{convert|{{Dutch municipality population density|Veendam}}|/km2|/sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on}} || East Groningen
|-
|[[Westerkwartier (municipality)|Westerkwartier]] || align="right" | <!--{{formatnum:{{Dutch municipality population|Westerwolde}}}}--> || align="center" | <!--{{convert|{{Dutch municipality total area|Westerwolde}}|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on}}--> || align="center" | <!--{{convert|{{Dutch municipality population density|Westerwolde}}|/km2|/sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on}}--> || Rest of Groningen
|-
|[[Westerwolde (municipality)|Westerwolde]] || align="right" | <!--{{formatnum:{{Dutch municipality population|Westerwolde}}}}--> || align="center" | <!--{{convert|{{Dutch municipality total area|Westerwolde}}|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on}}--> || align="center" | <!--{{convert|{{Dutch municipality population density|Westerwolde}}|/km2|/sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on}}--> || East Groningen
|}

=== Climate ===
The province of Groningen has an [[oceanic climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification]]: Cfb).

{{Weather box <!-- Infobox begins -->
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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
|Aug high C=22.7
|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
<!-- Mean daily temperature -->
|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
<!-- Average low temperatures -->
|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 humidity=90
|Feb humidity=89
|Mar humidity=85
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|Jun humidity=82
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|Oct humidity=88
|Nov humidity=92
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|year humidity=86
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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
|year sun=N/A
<!-- Average percent of possible sunshine. Number of daylight hours already factored into this number. Note that since this is possible sunshine, nighttime hours should not be included in this calculation. Will produce colors. -->
|Jan percentsun=N/A
|Feb percentsun=N/A
|Mar percentsun=36
|Apr percentsun=45
|May percentsun=45
|Jun percentsun=41
|Jul percentsun=42
|Aug percentsun=42
|Sep percentsun=39
|Oct percentsun=37
|Nov percentsun=23
|Dec percentsun=25
|year percentsun=N/A
<!-- Mandatory fields, source -->
|source 1= [[Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute]]<ref>{{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.</ref>
}}<!-- Infobox ends -->

== Demographics ==
{{Historical populations
|title       = Historical population
|type        = none
|align       = right
|percentages = pagr
|source      = [[Statistics Netherlands|CBS]]<ref>{{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.</ref><ref>{{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.</ref><ref>{{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.</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref>
|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 [[Provinces of the Netherlands|9th most populous province]] and [[Provinces of the Netherlands|8th most densely populated province]] of the Netherlands.<ref name="area"/><ref name="population">{{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.</ref> 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%).<ref>{{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.</ref>

==Religion==
In 2015, 18.7% of the population belonged to the [[Protestant Church in the Netherlands]] while 4.9% was [[Roman Catholic]], 1.3% was [[Islam|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)<ref name="religieus">[https://www.cbs.nl/nl-nl/nieuws/2016/51/helft-nederlanders-is-kerkelijk-of-religieus Helft Nederlanders is kerkelijk of religieus] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190714153332/https://www.cbs.nl/nl-nl/nieuws/2016/51/helft-nederlanders-is-kerkelijk-of-religieus |date=14 July 2019 }}, CBS, 22 december 2016</ref>
|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 = [[Catholic Church|Catholicism]]
|value4 = 4.9
|color4 = DarkOrchid
|label5 = Islam
|value5 = 1.3
|color5 = Green
}}

== Economy ==
[[File:Building University Medical Centre Groningen UMCG.png|thumb|The [[University Medical Center Groningen|University Medical Center]] is a major employer in Groningen]]
[[File:120815 Haven Delfzijl Gn NL.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5|Sea port of [[Delfzijl]] in 2012]]

The city of Groningen is the economic center of the province.<ref name="economy">{{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.</ref> In the 14th century, the city became a member of the [[Hanseatic League]].<ref name="hanseaticleague"/> Currently some of the city's major employers<ref name="economy"/> are [[University Medical Center Groningen]] with 12,141 employees,<ref>[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.</ref> [[University of Groningen]] with 5,591 employees,<ref>[http://www.rug.nl/about-us/where-do-we-stand/facts-and-figures/ Key figures], [[University of Groningen]], 2016. Retrieved 28 January 2017.</ref> [[Groningen|Municipality of Groningen]] with 3,063 employees,<ref>[http://www.os-groningen.nl/images/stories/rapport/Thema15_concern_burgercontacten.pdf Concern en burgercontacten] (in Dutch), [[Groningen|Municipality of Groningen]]. Retrieved 28 January 2017.</ref> [[Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (Netherlands)|Education Implementation Service]] (DUO) with 2,000 employees,<ref>"[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.</ref> and [[Gasunie]] with 1,748 employees.<ref>[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.</ref>

The other economically important area is the [[Ems (river)|Ems]] [[River delta|delta]] with the sea ports of [[Delfzijl]] and [[Eemshaven]].<ref name="economy"/><ref name="seaports">[http://www.groningen-seaports.com/DeHavens/tabid/2115/language/en-US/Default.aspx The ports], Groningen Seaports. Retrieved on 27 January 2014.</ref> 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.<ref>[http://www.groningen-seaports.com/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=AOKNcBtNPm0%3d&tabid=2158&language=nl-NL Facts & Figures 2015], Groningen Seaports. Retrieved 28 January 2017.</ref> The chemical industry near Delfzijl is located at the Chemie Park in [[Farmsum]], with factories of [[AkzoNobel]], [[Lubrizol]], and [[Teijin Aramid]].<ref>{{in lang|nl}} [http://www.chemieparkdelfzijl.nl/nl/over-chemie-park Over Chemie Park], Chemie Park Delfzijl. Retrieved on 8 April 2014.</ref> Both [[GDF Suez]]<ref>{{in lang|nl}} [http://www.gdfsuez.nl/activiteiten/onze-centrales/eemscentrale.aspx Eemscentrale], [[GDF Suez]]. Retrieved on 8 April 2014.</ref> and [[Vattenfall]]<ref>[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.</ref> have a natural [[gas-fired power plant]] in Eemshaven, and [[Essent]]<ref>{{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.</ref> 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.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

In 1959, the [[Groningen gas field]] near [[Slochteren]] was discovered,<ref>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.</ref> and the [[Nederlandse Aardolie Maatschappij BV|NAM]] started to exploit the field in 1963.<ref name="earthquakes"/> This caused [[Dutch disease]] and [[List of earthquakes in the Netherlands#Induced earthqakes|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.<ref>{{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.</ref>

== Culture ==

=== Language ===
[[File:WIKITONGUES- Theo speaking Gronings.webm|thumb|A Gronings speaker, recorded in the [[Netherlands]].]]
Groningen is home to the [[Dutch Low Saxon|Low Saxon]] [[dialect]] called ''[[Gronings dialect|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.

=== Cuisine ===
[[File:Groninger metworst.JPG|thumb|Traditional [[droge worst]] (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]].

=== Museums ===
[[File:Groninger Museum 2.jpg|thumb|[[Groninger Museum]] 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.<ref>{{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.</ref><ref>{{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.</ref> 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.<ref>{{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.</ref>

=== Heritage sites ===
<gallery>
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]]
</gallery>

=== Sports ===
[[File:Euroborg121210.png|thumb|[[Euroborg]] 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]].<ref>{{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.</ref> Their home stadium [[Euroborg]] has a capacity of 22,550 seats.<ref>{{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.</ref> In the [[2012–13 Eredivisie|2012–2013 competition]], FC Groningen became 7th of the 18 teams.<ref>{{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.</ref> [[SC Veendam]] played in the [[Eerste Divisie]], but filed for bankruptcy in 2013.<ref>{{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.</ref>

The city of Groningen is also the base of basketball club [[GasTerra Flames]], volleyball club [[Lycurgus (volleyball club)|Lycurgus]], and [[korfball]] club [[Nic.]]<ref>{{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.</ref>

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]].<ref>{{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.</ref>

== Politics ==
{{Update|section|date=June 2015}}
{{See also|Provincial Council of Groningen}}
[[File:Groningen Provinciehuis 1266.jpg|thumb|upright|Seat of the provincial government in the city of [[Groningen]]]]

A provincial government in the Netherlands consists of a [[States-Provincial|Provincial Council]], the directly elected legislative branch, and a [[Gedeputeerde staten|Provincial Executive]], the executive branch. The [[King's Commissioner]], who is appointed by the national government, is chairman of both branches.<ref name="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.</ref> The [[States of Groningen|Provincial Council of Groningen]] consists of 43 members and the Provincial Executive consists of the King's Commissioner and six deputies.<ref>{{in lang|nl}} [http://www.provinciegroningen.nl/gs/over-gedeputeerde-staten/ Over Gedeputeerde Staten] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170716140406/https://www.provinciegroningen.nl/gs/over-gedeputeerde-staten/ |date=16 July 2017 }}, Province of Groningen. Retrieved on 28 January 2014.</ref> 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.<ref>[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.</ref> He succeeded [[Max van den Berg]] who was the King's Commissioner in Groningen from 2007 to 2016.<ref name="branches"/>

In the [[Dutch provincial elections, 2011|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 (Netherlands)|Socialist Party]] (SP) with 6 seats each, and the [[Christian Democratic Appeal]] (CDA) with 5 seats.<ref name="elections">{{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.</ref> 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.<ref>{{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.</ref><ref>{{in lang|nl}} [http://www.provinciegroningen.nl/ps/leden/fracties/ Fracties], Province of Groningen. Retrieved on 16 June 2014.</ref> The next provincial elections are planned for 18 March 2015.<ref>{{in lang|nl}} [https://www.kiesraad.nl/artikel/provinciale-staten-overzichtspagina Provinciale staten], Kiesraad. Retrieved on 3 June 2014.</ref>

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).<ref>{{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.</ref> In 2013, GreenLeft left the coalition and was replaced by the [[ChristianUnion]] (CU).<ref>{{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.</ref> The Labour Party has three deputies, the other coalition parties have one deputy each.<ref>{{in lang|nl}} [http://www.provinciegroningen.nl/gs/leden-gedeputeerde-staten/ Leden Gedeputeerde Staten], Province of Groningen. Retrieved on 16 June 2014.</ref>

{{election table|title=[[Dutch provincial elections, 2015|2015 provincial election]]<ref>{{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.</ref>}}
|-
!colspan="2" align="left"| Party
! Votes
! %
! Seats
|-
|style="color:inherit;background:{{party color|Socialist Party (Netherlands)}}"|
|align="left"| [[Socialist Party (Netherlands)|Socialist Party]]
| 39,093
| 16.19
| 8
|-
|style="color:inherit;background:{{party color|Labour Party (Netherlands)}}"|
|align="left"| [[Labour Party (Netherlands)|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 (Netherlands)|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
|}

== Transportation ==

=== Roads ===
[[File:A7-groningen-tijnje-004.jpg|thumb|The [[A7 motorway (Netherlands)|N7 expressway]] near the city of Groningen]]

In the province of Groningen, there are three national roads ({{langx|nl|rijkswegen}}), which are maintained by [[Rijkswaterstaat]].<ref name="watvoorwegen">{{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.</ref><ref>{{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.</ref> The motorway [[A7 motorway (Netherlands)|A7]] ([[European route E22|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.<ref>{{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.</ref> The motorway [[A28 motorway (Netherlands)|A28]] ([[European route E232|E232]]) starts at the city of Groningen and runs south connecting it with the provinces of Drenthe, [[Overijssel]], [[Gelderland]], and [[Utrecht]].<ref>{{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.</ref> The expressway N33 runs south from Eemshaven, via Appingedam and Veendam, to Drenthe.<ref>{{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.</ref> Other roads are overseen by the province (N roads), municipalities, or [[water board (Netherlands)|water boards]].<ref name="watvoorwegen"/>

=== Public transport ===
[[File:20080430 Hoofdstation Groningen NL.jpg|thumb|[[Groningen railway station]] in 2008]]
[[File:Noordelijke nevenlijnen.png|thumb|Railways in the northern provinces of the Netherlands in 2006 (without the [[Stadskanaal–Zuidbroek railway]], 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.<ref>{{in lang|nl}}, [http://www.provinciegroningen.nl/beleid/verkeer-en-vervoer/openbaar-vervoer/ Openbaar vervoer], Province of Groningen. Retrieved on 17 March 2014.</ref> [[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]].<ref>{{in lang|nl}} [http://www.prorail.nl/over-prorail/wat-doet-prorail Wat doet ProRail], [[ProRail]]. Retrieved on 17 March 2014.</ref> There are six railways located partially or entirely in the province of Groningen. The railway station Groningen connects several of these railways.<ref name="sporenplan">{{in lang|nl}} [http://www.sporenplan.nl/html_nl/sporenplan/ns/ns_normaal/gn.html Leeuwarden - Groningen], Sporenplan. Retrieved on 8 March 2014.</ref>

{| class="wikitable" |
! Trajectory !! Railway stations in Groningen<ref name="sporenplan"/>
|-
| [[Groningen–Delfzijl railway|Groningen–Delfzijl]]
| [[Groningen railway station|Groningen]] – [[Groningen Noord railway station|Groningen Noord]] – [[Sauwerd railway station|Sauwerd]] – [[Bedum railway station|Bedum]] – [[Stedum railway station|Stedum]] – [[Loppersum railway station|Loppersum]] – [[Appingedam railway station|Appingedam]] – [[Delfzijl West railway station|Delfzijl West]] – [[Delfzijl railway station|Delfzijl]]
|- 
| [[Harlingen–Nieuweschans railway|Harlingen–Nieuweschans]]
| ''Friesland'' – [[Grijpskerk railway station|Grijpskerk]] – [[Zuidhorn railway station|Zuidhorn]] – [[Groningen railway station|Groningen]] – [[Groningen Europapark railway station|Groningen Europapark]] – [[Kropswolde railway station|Kropswolde]] – [[Martenshoek railway station|Martenshoek]] – [[Hoogezand-Sappemeer railway station|Hoogezand-Sappemeer]] – [[Sappemeer Oost railway station|Sappemeer Oost]] – [[Zuidbroek railway station|Zuidbroek]] – [[Scheemda railway station|Scheemda]] – [[Winschoten railway station|Winschoten]] – [[Bad Nieuweschans railway station|Bad Nieuweschans]]
|-
| [[Ihrhove–Nieuweschans railway|Ihrhove–Nieuweschans]]
| ''Germany'' – [[Bad Nieuweschans railway station|Bad Nieuweschans]]
|-
| [[Meppel–Groningen railway|Meppel–Groningen]]
| ''Drenthe'' – [[Haren (NL) railway station|Haren]] – [[Groningen Europapark railway station|Groningen Europapark]] – [[Groningen railway station|Groningen]]
|-
| [[Sauwerd–Roodeschool railway|Sauwerd–Roodeschool]]
| [[Sauwerd railway station|Sauwerd]] – [[Winsum railway station|Winsum]] – [[Baflo railway station|Baflo]] – [[Warffum railway station|Warffum]] – [[Usquert railway station|Usquert]] – [[Uithuizen railway station|Uithuizen]] – [[Uithuizermeeden railway station|Uithuizermeeden]] – [[Roodeschool railway station|Roodeschool]]
|-
| [[Stadskanaal–Zuidbroek railway|Stadskanaal–Zuidbroek]]
| [[Veendam railway station|Veendam]] – [[Zuidbroek railway station|Zuidbroek]]
|}

=== Airports ===
[[File:Groningen Airport Eelde overview.jpg|thumb|[[Groningen Airport Eelde]] 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]].<ref>{{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.</ref> Its summer destinations are [[Antalya Airport|Antalya]], [[Faro Airport|Faro]], [[Girona–Costa Brava Airport|Girona]], [[Gran Canaria Airport|Gran Canaria]], [[Heraklion International Airport|Heraklion]], [[Kos Island International Airport|Kos]], [[Palma de Mallorca Airport|Palma de Mallorca]], and [[Tenerife South Airport|Tenerife]]. Its winter destinations are [[Innsbruck Airport|Innsbruck]] and [[Salzburg Airport|Salzburg]].<ref>[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.</ref> Starting on 5 June 2014, there will also be flights to [[London Southend Airport|London]].<ref>{{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.</ref> For other international destinations, [[Amsterdam Airport Schiphol]] is the nearest airport. The [[general aviation]] airports in the province are [[Oostwold Airport]] in [[Oostwold, Oldambt|Oostwold]]<ref>[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.</ref> and [[Stadskanaal Airfield]] in [[Stadskanaal]].<ref>{{in lang|nl}} [http://www.ehst.nl/ Vliegveld Stadskanaal], [[Stadskanaal Airfield]]. Retrieved on 8 March 2014.</ref>

== Science and education ==
[[File:090529 Academiegebouw Groningen NL.jpg|thumb|Main building of the [[University of Groningen]] in the city of Groningen]]

The [[University of Groningen]] in the city of Groningen was founded in 1614<ref>[http://www.rug.nl/about-us/who-are-we/ Who are we?], [[University of Groningen]], 2013. Retrieved on 28 January 2014.</ref> 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.<ref>[http://www.rug.nl/about-us/where-do-we-stand/facts-and-figures/ Key Figures], [[University of Groningen]], 2014. Retrieved on 6 April 2014.</ref> 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.<ref>[http://www.rug.nl/about-us/organization/faculties/ Faculties], [[University of Groningen]]. Retrieved on 6 April 2014.</ref>

The [[Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Groningen|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 (''[[Vocational university#Netherlands|hogescholen]]'').

== Media ==
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]]''.<ref>"[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.</ref> In 2015, the newspaper had a circulation of 96,515.<ref>[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.</ref>

[[RTV Noord]] is a regional [[public broadcaster]] of radio and television based in the city of Groningen, with Radio Noord and TV Noord.<ref>[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.</ref> 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).<ref>[http://www.orn.nl/omroepen/rtv-noord/ RTV Noord] (in Dutch), Omroep Reclame Nederland. Retrieved on 2 September 2014.</ref><ref>[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.</ref>

== Notable residents ==

{|
| style="width:50%;vertical-align:top" |
;Politics
* [[Sicco Mansholt]], politician and president of the EC
* [[Dirk Jan de Geer]], prime minister
* [[Johan Remkes]], King's Commissioner and minister
* [[Henk Bleker]], state secretary
* [[Sharon Dijksma]], state secretary
* [[Diederik Samsom]], politician
* [[Klaas Knot]], president of De Nederlandsche Bank
* [[Pete Hoekstra]], US politician

;Arts
* [[Wim Crouwel]], graphic designer
* [[Cornelis Dopper]], conductor and composer
* [[Albert Eckhout]], painter
* [[Ede Staal]], singer-songwriter
* [[Jozef Israëls]], painter
* [[Freek de Jonge]], cabaret artist
* [[Gerrit Krol]], writer
* [[Wim T. Schippers]], artist, comedian, and actor
* [[Hendrik Willem Mesdag]], painter
* [[Willem Frederik Hermans]], writer
* [[Jan Altink]], painter
| style="width:50%;vertical-align:top" |
;Science
* [[Daniel Bernoulli]], mathematician
* [[Heike Kamerlingh Onnes]], physicist and Nobel laureate
* [[Johan Huizinga]], historian

;Sports
* [[Jurrie Koolhof]], football striker
* [[Jan Mulder (footballer)|Jan Mulder]], football player
* [[Arjen Robben]], footballer
* [[Renate Groenewold]], speedskater
* [[Ranomi Kromowidjojo]], swimmer
* [[Jaap Eden]], speedskater
* [[Laurens ten Dam]], road bicycle racing

;Other
* [[Abel Tasman]], explorer
* [[Wiebbe Hayes]], a soldier and national hero in the 17th century
* [[Lenie 't Hart]], animal rights activist
* [[Aletta Jacobs]], first woman to study medicine in the Netherlands
* [[Wubbo Ockels]], austronaut
* [[Ad van Luyn]], bishop emeritus of Rotterdam
|}

==See also==
* [[Gronings dialect]] 
* [[Hoogholtje bridge]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Groningen (province)}}
{{Wikivoyage|Groningen (province)}}
*{{Official website|name=Province of Groningen}}, official government website
*[http://toerisme.groningen.nl/en/ Nothing Tops Groningen] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140129185921/http://toerisme.groningen.nl/en |date=29 January 2014 }}, official tourism website
*{{Wikisource-inline|list=
** [[s:Holland and its People/Chapter XVI|Groningen]] in ''[[s:Holland and its People|Holland and its People]]'' (1874)
** [[s:The New International Encyclopædia/Groningen (province)|Groningen (province)]] in ''[[s:The New International Encyclopædia|The New International Encyclopædia]]'' (1905)
}}

{{Groningen Province}}
{{Provinces of the_Netherlands}}
{{Burgundian Circle}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Groningen (Province)}}
[[Category:Groningen (province)| ]]
[[Category:Provinces of the Netherlands]]
[[Category:West Frisia]]
[[Category:Lordships of the Holy Roman Empire]]