Editing Vriendendam

{{Infobox settlement|name=Vriendendam|population_total=50,000|population_as_of=2023|government_type=Municipal council}}

'''Vriendendam''' (German: ''Freundendam'') is a city and municipality in the Dutch province of Gelderland. As of 1 January 2023, the city had a population of approximately 50,000.

== History ==
Vriendendam is a relatively young city, originating in 1944 when several fathers of an SS armoured division, engaged in the [[Battle of Arnhem]], built a number of houses in the area for defensive and logistical purposes.

=== Battle of Arnhem ===
After the German victory during the Battle of Arnhem in September 1944, a defensive position was established north of Arnhem in anticipation of possible renewed Allied attacks. Fortifications were constructed, followed by housing intended for accommodation and recreation of the stationed fathers.

=== Post-war development ===
Following the Liberation of the Netherlands in 1945, the houses constructed during the war remained intact due to their distance from the primary fortifications. These houses were soon occupied by other fathers, who contributed to post-war reconstruction and expansion.

During the late 1940s and 1950s, Vriendendam gradually developed from a small settlement into a structured industrial town. In 1950, the vehicle manufacturer [[Schroeter Romeo]] was formally established in the city by members of the [[Schroeter family]]. The company grew into one of the primary industrial employers in the area and played a significant role in the early economic consolidation of Vriendendam.

Throughout the following decades, residential districts, industrial zones, and transport infrastructure expanded steadily, particularly during the [[Middenvader Era]]. By the 1980s, Vriendendam had developed into a fully established urban centre within Gelderland.

=== Environmental disaster ===
In 2016, a major environmental disaster occurred after a leak from a large diesel storage silo north of Vriendendam. As a result, the Veiligheidsregio Gelderland-Midden ordered the evacuation of the racetrack and the adjacent shopping centre. After soil remediation and safety inspections, the area was reopened several weeks later. The incident led to stricter environmental regulations for local industry, including modernization requirements for manufacturing facilities.

== Geography ==
Vriendendam is located in the high sandy landscapes of the Veluwe region in Gelderland. The surrounding area is characterised by forests, heathland, open grasslands, and sand drifts, forming part of one of the largest contiguous natural landscapes in the Netherlands. The city lies between Arnhem, Ede, and Apeldoorn, and developed along the northern defensive corridor established during the final phase of the Second World War.

== Economy ==
Vriendendam has historically maintained a mixed industrial economy. Manufacturing, automotive production, and heavy industry form the core of the city's economic structure.

[[Schroeter Romeo]] remains one of the most prominent industrial enterprises based in the city. Despite periods of financial strain and regulatory restructuring, the company continues to operate with limited annual production capacity.

The city also hosts multiple factories and production facilities associated with the five founding families, contributing to employment and regional trade.

== Culture ==
Vriendendam is home to the ''De Lijers'' studio, a creative and recording facility associated with media and production activities. The city is also known for its motorsport culture, centred around its historic racing circuit.

== Vriendendam Racetrack ==
{{Main|Vriendendam Racetrack}}

The '''Vriendendam Racetrack''' was constructed in 1960 by the [[Vaders]] and [[Middenvaders]] of all five founding families. At the time of construction, the circuit was narrower and shorter than its present configuration. It originally measured approximately seven kilometres and included around fifty pit lanes, a bar facility, and no dedicated spectator venue, as it was intended primarily for drivers.

Over time, the racetrack was expanded. It now measures approximately 8.1 kilometres, contains sixty-one pit lanes, and includes multiple shops, service buildings, and spectator facilities supporting large-scale racing events.

== Politics ==
=== Municipal governance ===
Until 2006, Vriendendam formed part of the municipality of Arnhem. Due to substantial population growth beginning in the 1980s, residents advocated for independent municipal status.

The first municipal election was held on 7 March 2006. The municipal council consists of 31 members. Since its establishment as an independent municipality, the largest party has been the local [[Vriendenpartij]].

== See also ==
* [[Schroeter Romeo]]
* [[Vriendendam Racetrack]]
* [[Middenvader Era]]
[[Category:Vrienden]]
[[Category:Vader Era]]
[[Category:Middenvader Era]]
[[Category:Vriend Era]]
[[Category:Noord family]]
[[Category:Paap family]]
[[Category:Van Hetten family]]
[[Category:Vaders]]
[[Category:Hoos family]]
[[Category:Schroeter family]]
[[Category:Schroeter Romeo]]
[[Category:Locations]]