Edam

Edam, town in the western Netherlands, in North Holland Province, on the IJsselmeer near Amsterdam. In 1357, William V of Bavaria, count of Holland, granted the town civic rights. In the 17th century Edam was a shipping and shipbuilding centre, but when large silt deposits formed in the harbour commercial traffic moved to other ports, and shipbuilding declined. Edam's church of St Nicholas (completed in the 14th century, and restored after a fire in 1602) is noted for its stained-glass windows and carved woodwork.

Cheesemaking is the principal industry of Edam, and the town gives its name to the fresh-milk cheese processed in North Holland. Leather, cordage, and sails are also manufactured here, and tourism is a growth industry too. Population (1994 estimate; with nearby Volendam) 25,603.