Land reclamation in the Netherlands

Land reclamation in the Netherlands has a long history. As early as in the 14th century, the first reclaimed land had been settled. Much of the modern land reclamation has been done as a part of the Zuiderzee Works since 1919.

According to a 2007 study by Calvin College Michigan (USA), about 65% of the country would be under water at high tide if it were not for the existence and the country's use of dikes, dunes and pumps. Land reclamation in the 20th century added an additional 1,650 square kilometres (640 sq mi) to the country's land area. Of the country's population, 21% lives in the 26% of the land located below mean sea level.