The Province of Groningen has a population of around 585.000 citizens, spread out over 10 municipalities. The Province of Groningen has a rich and longstanding history, which stretches back to the early medieval period and - as recent archaeological diggings have shown - even further back. Today we are a dynamic, resourceful and innovative province, with nature reserves and recreational areas.
Surrounded by green lies the economic center of the province: the city of Groningen, home to around 200.000 citizens. Here you find the city's famous state university, several colleges of higher education, the university medical centre, the headquarters of Gasunie and a large number of authorities and service providers.
Moreover, with its main port Eemshaven and the harbour area of Delfzijl the Province of Groningen has a thriving economic growth potential at its disposal. A further major pillar of the Province's economy is agriculture.
Energy is one of the Province's key concerns. Say Groningen and you will immediately think of energy and natural gas.
But energy is more than natural gas alone. At present we are working on the production of sustainable energies.
The Province closely cooperates with the provincial municipalities, its neighbouring provinces and foreign state authorities. The three Northern Netherlands provinces Groningen, Drenthe and Fryslân have joined forces in a cooperative partnership named Samenwerkingsverband Noord-Nederland (SNN). Furthermore, the Province takes part in international cooperative partnerships with Northern Germany and Sweden.