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Geography

Utrecht is the smallest province of the Netherlands, and is located right in the heart of the country. All European capitals, such as London and Paris, are within easy reach by land, water or air. There are 2 million transits in Utrecht annually.

Capital

Utrecht

Governor(Queen's Commissioner)

B. Staal

Landspace and Population

The province has 1,1 million inhabitants with an area of 514 square miles (1,331 square km).

History and Culture

The history of the province of Utrecht is closely linked with that of the city of Utrecht, its capital. Utrechts's known history dates back to 47 AD when the Romans built a military fort on the site that is now called"Domplein"(Cathedral Square). Today, it is a bustling university city, brimming with character and historic finds. In the Middle Ages, Utrecht was the largest city and bishopric of what is now called the Netherlands. The city's former glory is reflected in its many monumental buildings. More than 600 years old, the Dom Tower is the most striking landmark. Outside this city, the province offers a rich cultural heritage, bearing many traces of far-off days. The river Vecht is studded with romantic summer houses and country seats. Then there are the lovely country estates and manors on the picturesque waterway Langbroekerwetering. Utrecht also has many fine old castles and manor houses founded by wealthy Amsterdam merchant in the"Golden Age"(1650-1720).

Economy and Industry

In 2000, the total GDP of Utrecht was US$ 36.85 billion and per capita GDP was US$b33,500. The city of Utrecht is the fourth largest city in the Netherlands, after Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Hague and also the second most important industrial city. Hoog Catharijne is the largest commercial center in Europe. During the past years the province of Utrecht had an average economic growth of 5%. Unemployment rate is the lowest of all European regions. An important knowledge-based sector in this province is Information and Communications Technology (ICT), accounting for approximately 6% of all jobs. Today in Utrecht, life science companies are among the fastest growing. Utrecht is home to 40 biotechnology, pharmaceutical and medical technology companies that employ more than 2,100 people. Utrecht University is best known for its expertise in the field of genomics, proteomics and bio-informatics.

Establishment of Sister Province/State Relationship

On Jan., 22nd, 2002, Mr. ZHEN Senlin, Governor of GD and Beelaerts van Blockland, Queen's Commissioner of Utrecht signed the Agreement to establish the GD-Utrecht Sister Province Relationship in Guangzhou.

Friendly Exchanges

GD has had exchanges with Utrecht in exhibition, education, environmental protection, agriculture, economy and trade. Chiatai Macro in Guangzhou is the joint venture among SHV of Utrecht, Chiatai Group of Thailand and Future Bright Group of Guangzhou; The Zhongshan University, GD Department of Environmental Protection entered into collaboration projects with Utrecht. The GD Provincial leadership had made several study trips to Utrecht to learn about the agricultural commercialization and legislation of environmental protection. Besides, the Provincial Husbandry Company runs an office in Utrecht. On the other hand Utrecht and the Dutch Chamber of Commerce jointly set up the Holland House in Guangzhou.

Editor: Wing