Land reclamation in the Netherlands

Land reclamation in the Netherlands has a long history. As early as in the 14th century, the first reclaimed land had been settled. Much of the modern land reclamation has been done as a part of the Zuiderzee Works since 1919. Land reclamation in the 20th century added an additional 1,650 square kilometres (640 sq mi) to the country's land area.

It is estimated that about 65% of the country would be under water at high tide if it were not for the existence and the country's use of dikes, dunes and pumps. 26% of the Netherlands by area, and 21% by population, is located below the mean sea level.