Limburg received its name when it became a province of the United Kingdom of the Netherlands, although it existed previously, under different names and political configurations. From 1815 to 1839, Limburg was a border province of the United Kingdom of the Netherlands. When the Belgians and Limburgers rose up in resistance against the absolutist monarchy of the Dutch King William I, the province was divided into East Limburg (which came under Dutch rule with Maastricht as its capital) and West Limburg (which became part of Belgium with Hasselt as its new capital).

Since 1839, East Limburg has been the southernmost Dutch province, with its own very distinctive character. It is located in the southeastern part of the Netherlands, predominantly on the eastern shores of the river Meuse, which divides the provincial capital city of Maastricht. East Limburg is bordered by West Limburg to the west, French-speaking Belgium and the Limburgish-speaking Belgian area of Voeren to the south, Germany to the east, and the Dutch provinces of North Brabant and Gelderland to the north. The socio-economic trends that have impacted East Limburg in recent decades have led to a process of significant change and innovation, transforming the former political and economic disadvantages of the province’s national border position into natural benefits gained from its European location.

West Limburg is the easternmost province of Flanders, which is one of the three administrative regions of Belgium. West Limburg is located on the western shores of the river Meuse. The province borders East Limburg to the east, the Netherlands to the north, the Belgian province of Liège to the south, as well as Flemish Brabant and Antwerp to the west. Hasselt, the capital, of West Limburg, is situated in the western part of the province. Genk, one of the more eastern cities, is a vibrant economic centre. Hasselt University in Diepenbeek, the main education centre of West Limburg, and Maastricht University, the main university in East Limburg, have entered into a partnership which has led to the establishment of the transnational University Limburg (tUL).

In addition to their language, history and culture, both Limburgish regions are bound by many other common features. In official recognition of this fact, an exclusive charter is currently being prepared by both Limburgish provinces, entitled: Oos Wes, Limbörg Bès (‘East, West: Limburg is best’). This charter will express shared Limburgish values and qualities, as well as offering a framework for joint ventures that are considered important to both provinces.
East and West Limburg are also exploring merger options through an increase in the level of close collaboration in many other policy areas. In 2008, the governors of both provinces announced their intention to work towards the creation of a single, larger Limburgish region, so as to redress the historical mistake of the region’s national and political division.

The Euregio Meuse-Rhine is an organisation in which both Limburgish provinces collaborate with the Belgian province of Liège, the district of Aachen in Germany and former German cantons in Belgium. In conjunction with these partners, the Technological Top Region Europe (TTR Euregion) has been established to further this collaboration. In a similar vein, in order to combat transnational crime, the two Limburgish provinces and their Euregio partners also participate in the Justitiebureau Internationale Samenwerking (JIS) (‘Justice Department for International Collaboration’).

As a result of increasing European integration, the Limburgish region as a whole is also seeking to deepen its level of inter-Limburgish cooperation, e.g. through re-establishing connections with its historical partners in the Meuse-Rhine region.