Overijssel [key], province (1994 pop. 1,044,600), c,1,500 sq mi (3,885 sq km), E central Netherlands; it borders on Germany in the east. Zwolle is the capital; other cities include Almelo, Deventer, Enschede, Kampen, and Zutphen. The province is drained by the IJssel River and several canals. It is generally sandy but supports extensive stock raising, orchard cultivation, and dairying. The province's chief manufactures include textiles, clothing, and machinery. The lordship of Overijssel belonged in the Middle Ages to the bishop of Utrecht but was sold (1527) to Emperor Charles V. It joined (1579) the Union of Utrecht and became one of the United Provs. of the Netherlands.
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