Kanaleneiland

Kanaleneiland
Kanaleneiland within Utrecht
Country Netherlands
Province Utrecht
City Utrecht
Area
 • Total 1.27 km2 (0.49 sq mi)
Population (2007)
 • Total 15,614
Website Southwest district (in Dutch)

Kanaleneiland is a district within the Southwest section of the Dutch city of Utrecht. It was created in the massive expansion of the city in the 1960s. Today it is listed as one of 40 "problem neighborhoods" that require extra attention by the Dutch Ministry of Housing.[1]

Kanaleneiland's residents have low levels of employment, health, and education.[2] Approximately 76% of the population are not ethnically Dutch, most of them of being of Turkish and Moroccan origin, young, and distrustful of the ethnically Dutch police. Crime and racism are endemic.[3] This unique political climate is one that shaped the views of one of its ex-residents, national politician Geert Wilders.[4]

References

  1. ^ Renes, H. (2005) (in Dutch). Historische atlas van de stad Utrecht. Amsterdam: SUN. ISBN 908506189X. 
  2. ^ de Graaf, Laurens. "Kanaleneiland: The place to be!". Utrecht University. http://www.usg.uu.nl/download/Kanaleneiland%20reviewed1.pdf. Retrieved 2009-03-28. 
  3. ^ Digon, Rocio; Alptekin, Ekim (2002). "Kanaleneiland: Multicultural Neighborhood or ‘Ghetto?’ The Story of a Problem Neighborhood through the Eyes of Three Consecutive Owners of a Cafeteria". Humanity in Action. http://www.humanityinaction.org/docs/Digon__Alpteken,_2002.pdf. Retrieved 2009-03-28. 
  4. ^ Traufetter, Gerald (2008-03-27). "A Missionary with Dark Visions". Der Spiegel. http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,543627,00.html. Retrieved 2009-03-28.