Seaport city (pop., 2001 est.: 44,776), southwestern Netherlands.
As a medieval trading town, its importance lay in its position controlling the approach to Antwerp . In 1572 it was the first Netherlands town to rebel against Spanish rule. It was turned into a naval base by Napoleon during the French occupation (17951814). The city was heavily damaged during World War II, when the area was flooded in 1944 by the Allies to clear the way to Antwerp. Since rebuilt, it is now a commercial port, fishing harbour, seaside resort, and naval base.