It is a part of the municipality of Borger-Odoorn, and lies about 21 kilometres (13 mi) north of Emmen.

[4] The glass industry played a big part in the development and growth of the village.

In 1967 the second factory closed as a result of dwindling sales, with glass packaging being replaced by cardboard and plastics.

[6] In remembrance to the role the glassworks played, a statue, "de Glasblazer" ("the Glassblower"), was unveiled and placed on the Noorderdiep in 1974.

[7] The Dutch Reformed church was built in 1853 in neoclassic style and has an open tower.