It consists of a single street with farms and houses on both sides.

The north end lies close to Sappemeer in the municipality of Midden-Groningen, and the south end lies in the municipality of Veendam.

[3] The village was founded in 1647 by the Burger Compagnie (Citizen's Company) to exploit the peat.

It was originally hailed as a progressive company and received a stimulation prize.

It processes 35,000 tons of manure a year, and is in ongoing dispute with their neighbours and the municipality of Veendam due to the stench.