Voorstede
Voorstede
Veurstadt | |
|---|---|
   Descending, from top: View of the Binnen Waterfront, warehouse district, and Voorstede city hall | |
.svg) Flag  Coat of arms | |
| Anthem: Onze stad tussen heide en zee | |
| Country | Vossem |
| Government | |
| • Body | Stadsraad van Voorstede |
| • First Mayor | Peter Vandenlange (Conservatieven) |
| • Governing parties | Conservatieven |
| Area | |
| • City | 1,255.22 km2 (484.64 sq mi) |
| Population (30 September 2016) | |
| • City | 4,822,445 |
| • Density | 3,800/km2 (10,000/sq mi) |
| • Metro | 9,107,429 |
| Demonym | Voors |
| Posta Code | 10000-11500 |
| Area Code | 010 |
| ISO 3166 code | VO-VO |
| Vehicle registration |
|
Voorstede is the capital city of Vossem, and the administrative seat of the Hoofstedelijk Gewest. It is the seat of the Vossian monarchy. Voorstede is the second largest city in the country in terms of both population and economic importance. The city straddles the river Ven shortly before it reaches the sea.
History
Geography
Demographics
Religion
Language
Government
The city and administrative area of Voorstede are governed by the Stadsraad van Voorstede ('City Council of Voorstede') which is elected by and represents residents of the capital administrative region in most aspects while the House of Deemse still retains some of its historical special privileges to this day, though the royal house tends to keep out of local politics and remain on the city council in a ceremonial role. The role of Council Speaker is traditionally held by the heir apparent after completing their studies and military service until the day they ascend to the throne.
The city government is made up of the Kleine Stadsraad (Little City Council), Grote Landsraad (Great Land Council) and then the offices of the Commisariaat (Commissariat). The city council is made up of representatives from Voorstede's boroughs and parishes, which are elected directly by Vossian citizens living in the boroughs and parishes. The Grote Landsraad is made up of representatives from the counties within the administrative are, which coincides with the medieval holdings of the Deemse hold. Each county is granted five representatives while Voorstede is granted fifteen. The Commissariat is the remnant of the old system of charters and guilds in the city, and represents special interests to the city and regional government. There are various commisariats representing everything from the press agencies, to the banking institutions, to the harbor, down to bakeries and bookshops.
The seat of the city and regional government are in Voorstede's city hall. The current building is the most recognizable example of Vossian Neo-Renaissance style architecture today. Its foundations lay on top of the city's previous city halls. Records and archaeological digs have confirmed three different structures on the sight dating back to the original settlement.
Boroughs
(For main article, see: Boroughs of Voorstede) As in most cities in Vossem, Voorstede is divided into boroughs, which in turn are made up of parishes. Each borough is made up of two or more parishes. The postal codes in Voorstede are based on these parishes, rather than the boroughs. The boroughs are in turn organized by zone, which decides which commune they are administered by, and which services are assigned where.
| Borough | Parishes | Zone |
|---|---|---|
| Oudestad |
|
1 |
| Buiten Waterfront |
|
1 |
| Binnen Waterfront |
|
1 |
| Westerpoort |
|
2 |
| Zuiderpoort |
|
2 |
| Oosterpoort |
|
2 |
| Noordoever |
|
2 |
| Buitenhof |
|
3 |
| Westerheide |
|
3 |
| Vennmond |
|
3 |