VOLENDAM

town, Edam-Volendam gemeente (commune), Noord-Holland provincie, northwestern Netherlands, on Lake IJssel. Its harbour was sealed off as part of an inland lake, preparatory to the drainage of Markerwaard Polder (see IJsselmeer Polders), and the town's once-flourishing fishing industry has subsequently declined. Tourism is now the principal economic factor. Visitors and artists are attracted by the quaint buildings, some lake dwellings on piles seaward of the dike, and the picturesque traditional costumes of Volendam's fishermen. Neighbouring Marken Island has a similar appeal. Pop. (1992 est.) including Edam, 24,968.