The Hague (nearly) a half million residents strong

The Municipality of The Hague will soon pass the 500,000 mark. The city was able to reach this milestone because its population has grown by 3% annually since 2002. The Hague Municipal Executive does not want to let the moment go by unnoticed.

Population counter in Atrium

Starting on 15 August at 9.00 hrs. a population counter in the Atrium of The Hague City Hall will record the number of each new resident making his home in the city until it reaches 500,000. The counter was put into operation by Deputy Mayor Ingrid van Engelshoven (Education, Public Services) together with city residents.

Over the coming weeks the city’s rising population will be displayed at other spots in the city: at The Hague’s Central Station, the Spuiplein, Grote Marktstraat, Leyweg and on the Strijkijzer.

Mayor Jozias van Aartsen is expected to welcome the 500,000th resident of the city on Thursday, 1 September.

Growth of The Hague

The Hague is the third largest city in the Netherlands. The city already passed the 500,000 mark in 1950 and the population peaked between 1957 and 1966 with more than 600,000 inhabitants. However, just as in many other big cities the number of residents thereafter declined sharply as families with children fled the cities for the suburbs and commuter towns where they could have more space.

The Hague’s population began to grow again in 2002. The city was given more space to develop new residential areas. The Hague also stands out as the international city of peace and justice, which brings with it a large number of international residents. All of this is contributing towards reaching the half-million mark.