Friesland
The Friesland province occupies the north-western end of the Netherlands, including a number of islands in the North Sea. The mainland of Friesland boasts a wide outlet on the Wadden Sea and is rich in rivers, waterways and lakes, used predominantly for transport and irrigation. The region is substantially different from the rest of the country in terms of culture, and especially language. The West Frisian language is closely related to English and considered a token of cultural identity for the Frisians. In terms of economy, the province ranks among the poorest in the Netherlands. It's largely rural, with a couple of high technology companies having their seats here. Tourism is represented by watersports on some of the southern lakes, as well as numerous hiking and cycling trails through the countryside. The province is also known for its many windmills, which are symbolic for the whole country, but are most frequently encountered in Friesland. The capital, Leeuwarden, is a reputable university centre.