Maastricht [Netherlands]
Origin
Since 1955, this city has maintained special relations with Liège, as well as three other cities as part of the Meuse-Rhine Euro-region, referred to as the MAHHL cities (Maastricht, Aachen, Hasselt, Heerlen et Liège).
Description
Maastricht is the biggest city and administrative centre of the Dutch Limburg Province. It draws its name from the Latin "Mosae Trajectum" (passage of the Meuse) of which its modern Dutch name is a direct derivative. Today, it is a busy city with a population of approximately 120,000. Its twice-weekly market and its shops with attractive show windows attract many visitors from Belgium and Germany.
The city is very dynamic in cultural terms, with plenty of theatres, museums and galleries. It also welcomes the internationally-renowned "TEFAF" antiques exhibition.
Furthermore, in particular thanks to its university and research institutes, the city is an important economic and scientific centre.