gemeente (municipality), southeastern Netherlands (Netherlands, The). Chartered in 1243, it was a domain of the dukes of Jülich from 1400 to 1794. It was then controlled by the French until 1814 and by the Belgians from 1830 to 1839. The municipality's industries include the manufacture of chemicals, electronic components, and automobiles. The area's once productive coal mines are now closed. Most employment is provided in the service sector. Churches from the 14th, 15th, and 17th centuries remain, and there is a regional museum. Pop. (2007 est.) Sittard-Geleen metro. area, 96,245.