Of all regions in the Netherlands, Amsterdam and Haarlemmermeer were hit hardest economically in the third quarter by the outbreak of COVID-19. The latter region was hit the hardest, with a contraction of about 20 percent compared to last year, while the Amsterdam economy contracted by 6 to 7 percent in the same period. This is according to data published by Statistics Netherlands on Wednesday.
It is not surprising that Haarlemmermeer was hit the hardest. Schiphol Airport is located in that municipality. Many other companies that focus on aviation are also located in this region.
Haarlemmermeer also scored the worst in the second quarter. Then it was a contraction that was between 27 and 29 percent. After the airport area, Amsterdam did the worst. The city had to contend with a decline in the number of tourists, among other things.
Some parts of the province of Groningen were also hit hard in the third quarter. This was not only due to the corona crisis, but also to the reduction in gas extraction in that area.
Every region saw its economy shrink
Although the Dutch economy performed better in the third quarter than in the previous quarter, every region in the Netherlands suffered from a contraction compared to last year. In most parts, however, this was limited to less than 2 percent.
In Flevoland, the Veluwe, parts of Zeeland, the Green Heart and Southwest Drenthe, among others, there was even a contraction of less than 1 percent. This was because major industries in these areas performed well. This includes energy companies, wholesalers, insurers and slaughterhouses.
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