MEPPEL

gemeente (commune), Drenthe provincie, east-central Netherlands. It is situated near the confluence of the Drentche Hoofd and Hoogeveensche canals and the Reest River, which empty into the Meppelerdiep before it flows into the IJsselmeer (Lake IJssel). Meppel is a marketing centre for peat and agricultural products from the surrounding area, including cereals, dairy products, and pigs. The commune's factories manufacture transport equipment, chemicals, printed materials, textiles, and leather products. Reserves of natural gas are found nearby, and Meppel has an electric-transformer station. A 15th-century church is an architectural feature of the town. The lakes of Beulakewijde and Belterwijde are located nearby. Forests lie to the southeast, and regional parkland is found to the north. Meppel is a highway and railway junction. Pop. (1994 est.) 24,427.