The history of Almere is a relatively young municipality in the Netherlands, established in 1976. The city emerged from the Flevopolder, which was drained in the 1950s and 1960s. The development of Almere began with the construction of housing and infrastructure, aimed at alleviating the housing shortage in the Randstad. Important events in Almere's history include the opening of the first houses in 1976, the growth of the population in the 1980s and 1990s, and the city status Almere acquired in 1984. Geographically, Almere is located on the IJmeer and Gooimeer lakes, making it an attractive location for water sports and recreation. Culturally, Almere has developed into a centre for arts and culture, with events such as the Almere Haven Festival and the Almere City Run. The city also has several architectural milestones, such as the modern city hall and unique residential areas designed by well-known architects.