Purmerend is a city and municipality located in the western region of the Netherlands within the province of North Holland. It is situated among several polders, including the Purmer, Beemster, and Wormer.
The city experienced significant population growth starting in the 1960s, rising from approximately 10,000 residents to over 80,000 by 2020. This expansion has established Purmerend as a commuter town for many inhabitants who travel to Amsterdam for work, education, and leisure. The city is also considered part of the Randstad, which is one of the largest conurbations in Europe.