Rapid growth
By the middle of the nineteenth century, Emmen’s population was less than 3,000. At about that time, however, large-scale peat extraction got under way in the high moorlands. This attracted workers from far and wide, and new villages were established where the peat had been removed. Very soon, the population in the area rose to 20,000, and at the height of these activities (during the early nineteenth century) rose to 40,000. The 1930s, however, marked an end to large-scale peat extraction; poverty and unemployment were the result. After the Second World War, the rapid industrialisation of the population centre Emmen provided new employment opportunities, which was accompanied by another population boom. Emmen developed into a modern, urban centre offering a wide variety of facilities and lovely residential areas next to a wooded landscape. Its unique urban planning design received international attention and earned Emmen the designation, open, green city.Many little villages in the immediate vicinity such as Noordbarge, Zuidbarge, Westenesch, Weerdinge and Barger-Oosterveld have now become part of the city. The newer residential areas of the city are: Emmermeer, Angelslo, Emmerhout, Bargeres and the Rietlanden.
Living
Emmen has over 45,000 houses. Typical of the city and its residential areas is their open, green character. Emmen’s fifth large residential area, the Rietlanden, still has some building locations available but is approaching its full capacity. Meanwhile, plans for the new residential development, Delftlanden, are in the advanced stages.
