It was formed from the merger of Heerhugowaard and Langedijk on 1 January 2022.

[4][2] It is bordered by Bergen to the west, Alkmaar to the south, Koggenland to the east, Opmeer to the northeast and Hollands Kroon and Schagen to the north.

It consists of 16 main population centres, the largest of which is Heerhugowaard.

The first elections for the municipality were held on 24 November 2021, with the following elected:[5] Peter Rehwinkel became acting mayor of the new municipality on 1 January 2022,[6] with the appointment of M.F.

[7] The regular municipal elections of March 2022 were not held in Dijk en Waard.