Frisia

(Friesland; frisian Fryslan)

   One of the seven sover eign provinces constituting the union of the United Republic since 1579–1581. Until 1748, the Frisian capital of Leeuwarden accom modated the court of the stadtholder of the northern provinces. Friesland remained a province under the monarchy (under the con stitution of 1815), yet with a character of its own because of the Frisianlanguage. The Frisian anthem is the song “De Alde Friezen” (1829), written by Eeltsje Halbertsma. In 1997, the province name was officially changed in Fryslan. Although the number of farms has decreased considerably (by increase of scale and due to declining profits) during the 20th century, the province (nowadays with about 643,000 inhabitants) still shows an agricultural character. Tourism (water sport) and business activities have also become important sources of earnings. The present main cities are, after the provincial capital, Drachten, Sneek, Heerenveen (Frisian It Hearrenfean), and the harbor city of Harlingen (Frisian Harns).

   See also Skating; Upstalboom.