Drenthe [key], province, c.1,030 sq mi (2,670 sq km), NE Netherlands, bordering Germany in the east. Assen is the capital, and Emmen is the chief industrial center. The province is comprised largely of heath country where farming is pursued. Manufactures include food products, textiles, and metal goods. An oil industry has gradually developed near Schoonebeek. Long subject to the bishops of Utrecht, Drenthe passed (1536) to Emperor Charles V. It was part of the United Provinces of the Netherlands from 1581, but was not entitled to a seat in the States-General until 1796.
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