Overijssel

Lore & Background

Overijssel was formerly known as Oversticht and also included most of the modern-day province of Drenthe. In 1336, it was made part of Guelders, though it was ceded to the Bishopric of Utrecht in 1347. The Bishops ceded the Oversticht to the Emperor Charles V in 1528, who styled himself Lord of Overijssel, after the Latin name of Oversticht that was known since 1233: Transysla or Transisalania, or Over-IJssel, i.e. the other side of the river IJssel. The people joined with the other Dutch and rebelled against Charles' heir Philip II. After a brief occupation by the forces of the Bishop of Münster (1672–74), Overijssel received a new form of government which granted the stadtholders more power. Widespread resistance against the increased power throughout the provinces eventually led to the formation of the Batavian Republic in 1795. At first organised into its own département, it was merged with Drenthe in 1798 to form Ouden IJssel, which was renamed Overijssel in 1801. The French annexed the Batavian Republic in 1810, and Overijssel was organised into the new French département of Bouches-de-l'Yssel. After the defeat of Napoleon in 1814, the kingdom of the Netherlands and the former province of Overijssel were recreated. Overijssel was occupied by Nazi Germany during World War II from May 1940 until its liberation in April 1945. The Noordoostpolder was part of Overijssel from 1962 until 1986, when it became part of the newly created province of Flevoland.

Reader's Guide

Overijssel comprises three regions: Kop van Overijssel in the northwest, Salland in the centre, and Twente in the east. Major cities include Zwolle, Almelo, Deventer, Hengelo, Enschede, and Kampen. The highest point is the summit of the Tankenberg at 85 metres; the lowest point is in the Mastenbroek Polder at 2 metres below sea level. Important rivers include the IJssel, Zwarte Water, Overijsselse Vecht, Dinkel, Regge, and Reest. Major channels include the Twentekanaal, Overijssels Kanaal, Kanaal Almelo-De Haandrik, Kanaal Almelo-Nordhorn, and Dedemsvaart. The province enjoys an oceanic climate. The King's Commissioner is Andries Heidema (CU) since 11 July 2018. The Provincial Council consists of 47 members elected every four years. The economy is highly industrialized, with a GDP of 43.2 billion € in 2018. Transport includes the A1, A28, A35/N35 motorways, and other major roads.

Did You Know?

• The name Overijssel comes from the perspective of the Episcopal principality of Utrecht, which held the territory until 1528.
• Overijssel had a population of about 1,184,000 as of January 2023.
• The province has many orthodox Calvinist communities, most strongly in Staphorst.
• The highest point in Overijssel is the Tankenberg at 85 metres above sea level.