Meppel

Meppel (Dutch pronunciation: [ˈmɛpəl] ; Drents: Möppelt) is a city and municipality in the Northeastern Netherlands. It constitutes the southwestern part of the province of Drenthe. Meppel is the smallest municipality in Drenthe, with a total area of about 57 km2 (22 sq mi). As of 1 July 2021, it had a population of 34,506 with over 30,000 inhabitants within city limits. While it is a small city, it has a rich trading history. Agriculture and shipbuilding were important sources of income for Meppel. The market also played an important regional role. The city owes its regional tourist appeal to its accessibility via the canals for pleasure boats and its characteristic, densely built-up old town center with its squares. People born in Meppel are occasionally referred to as Meppeler Muggen in Dutch; this translates as 'mosquitoes from Meppel'. The nickname comes from a traditional folk tale. The people of Meppel thought the church tower was on fire, but after closer inspection, they realised it was only a swarm of mosquitoes.