Netherlands

Location:

Western Europe, bordering the North Sea, between Belgium and Germany

Border Countries:

Belgium 450 km, Germany 577 km

Terrain:

mostly coastal lowland and reclaimed land (polders); some hills in southeast

Geography:

located at mouths of three major European rivers (Rhine, Maas or Meuse, and Schelde)

Capital:

Amsterdam

About Netherlands

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. A modern, industrialized nation, the Netherlands is also a large exporter of agricultural products. The country was a founding member of NATO and the EEC (now the EU), and participated in the introduction of the euro in 1999.

Population:

16,645,313 (July 2008 est.)

Language:

Dutch (official), Frisian (official)

Religion:

Roman Catholic 30%, Dutch Reformed 11%, Calvinist 6%, other Protestant 3%, Muslim 5.8%, other 2.2%, none 42% (2004 survey)

Phone Service:

highly developed and well maintained

Currency:

euro (EUR)

Climate:

temperate; marine; cool summers and mild winters

Natural Hazards:

flooding