Netherlands

Netherlands, officially the Kingdom of the Netherlands, is a country in Northwestern Europe. It is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy. The capital is Amsterdam, while the seat of government is in The Hague. The monarch is the head of state and the prime minister is the head of government.

It borders Belgium to the south and Germany to the east, with a North Sea coastline to the north and west. Much of the land lies below sea level, protected by dikes, polders, and dunes. The country is divided into 12 provinces.

About 17.5 million people live in the Netherlands. The official language is Dutch; Frisian is recognized in Friesland, and English is widely spoken. The country has a high standard of living and a diverse, international society.

The economy is highly developed, with major sectors in services, trade, and manufacturing, and a strong agricultural sector, particularly in greenhouse horticulture. The Port of Rotterdam is Europe’s largest port; Amsterdam is a major financial center. The Netherlands uses the euro and is part of the European Union, the Schengen Area, NATO, and the OECD.

Culturally, the country is known for its historic art, design, and architecture, windmills, tulips, and cycling culture. It has a tradition of liberal social policies and a long trading history tied to its colonial past.