gemeente (municipality), northern Netherlands (Netherlands, The), on the small Geeuw River. Sneek was founded in 1294 on the shores of the Middelzee (an arm of the sea that once covered the area, since drained) and was chartered in 1456. It has developed as the water-sports (especially yachting) centre for the Frisian lake district. Sneek is also an important market for cattle and dairy products and has some light industries. Landmarks include the Waterpoort (gate; 1613), the town hall (1760), and the Frisian Museum of Shipping. Pop. (2007 est.) 33,106.