Hasselt is a city about 7 km north of Zwolle, in the Dutch province of Overijssel. It received city rights in 1252. It became a member of the Hanseatic League around 1350. The city suffered an economic downfall from about 1550 on, as other cities proved to be better situated and equipped for trade and commerce. Hasselt is the capital city of the municipality Zwartewaterland. In 2001 The municipalities Hasselt, Genemuiden and Zwartsluis are united in one municipality Zwartewaterland.