Netherlands

National name

Koninkrijk der Nederlanden

Government

Constitutional monarchy.

Geography

The Netherlands, on the coast of the North Sea, is part of the great plain of north and west Europe, the Netherlands has maximum dimensions of 360 by 257 km and is low and flat except in Limburg in the southeast, where some hills rise up to 1056 ft. About half the country’s area is below sea level, making the famous Dutch dikes a requisite for the use of much of the land. All drainage reaches the North Sea, and the principal rivers Rhine, Maas (Meuse), and Schelde—have their sources outside the country.

Historical Background

The Dutch United Provinces declared their independence from Spain in 1579; during the 17th century, they became a leading seafaring and commercial power, with settlements and colonies around the world. After a 20-year French occupation, a Kingdom of the Netherlands was formed in 1815. In 1830 Belgium seceded and formed a separate kingdom. The Netherlands remained neutral in World War I, but suffered invasion and occupation by Germany in World War II.

Facts & Figures

Name

NETHERLANDS

Capital

Amsterdam

Government

Parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarch

Language

Dutch3

Religion

The Netherlands is one of the most secular countries in Western Europe, with only 39% being religiously affiliated (31% for those aged under 35), and fewer than 20% visiting church regularly.

Area

41,848 km2 (135th) 16,158 sq mi 

Population

16,648,800

Currency

Euro (€)5 6 (EUR)

GDP(PPP)

$658.228 billion

GDP(nominal)

$794.777 billion

National Anthem

Het Wilhelmus