Ommelanden

The ommelanden (In English: surrounding lands) are the parts of Groningen province that surround Groningen city. Usually mentioned as synonym for the province in the expression Stad en Ommeland (city and ommeland). The area was Frisian-speaking, but under the influence of the Saxon city of Groningen most of the area turned to speaking a Lower Saxon dialect. A reminder of the Frisian past is the ommelander-flag which looks a lot like the Frisian provincial flag but has more and narrower stripes and more red hearts. The area is made up of the following regions: Westerkwartier, Hunsingo, Fivelingo, Groningen City and Gorecht, Hogeland, Woldstreek and Westerwolde.