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Netherlands flag

Netherlands

Nederland

Capital:Amsterdam; note - The Hague is the seat of government
Population:16.8M
Currency:Euro (EUR)
Language:Dutch (official language), Frisian (official language)
Dutch home made christmas cake (kerststol)

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Quick Look Factsheet

A multi-page overview of Netherlands.

Netherlands Factsheet

Customs and Culture

About the People

Netherlands has a strong tradition of involvement in international affairs. Dutch openness to the world has made them no less proud of their own culture and heritage, whether it is in the arts, politics, technology, or a strong tradition of liberalism.

Until the age of 25, a good life consists of plenty of money to buy clothes, a mobile phone with camera, viewing DVDs at home, and physical activities/sports.

When getting older they work for a house, preferably in a quiet neighborhood, with a garden. Parents have become increasing worried about the financial future of their children. The younger generation may never have the same possibilities as the older generation; in most cases it is not possible for parents provide their children with a mortgage on their house.

Although a higher education is no guarantee for a good job parents encourage their children to go to higher education. At present many of the former securities provided the Dutch government, such as health insurance, relatively cheap universities, student loans and possibilities for early retirement, are already limited or subject to change. This provides people with a sense of an untrustworthy government. In fact, it has become more liberal than it used to be. Due to this atmosphere people start to only rely on themselves for creating their own financial security.

Cultural Attributes

The Netherlands has a strong tradition of involvement in international affairs. Dutch openness to the world has made them no less proud of their own culture and heritage, whether it is in the arts, politics, technology, or a strong tradition of liberalism.

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Dutch home made christmas cake (kerststol)

The World on Two Wheels

Greetings, Gestures & Visiting

When acquaintances meet, they salute and say hello; good friends used to shake hands, but this gradually changes to two kisses on alternating cheeks three times (females, male-female) and embracing/hugging one another (males). These exchanges mainly occur in the young and adult population (until about the age of 55). Older people are more formal still: handshake, hello, how are you A warm and hearty handshake is an appropriate greeting for both men and women.

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Diet

Bread or toast with jelly or jam, Dutch cheese or meats, are the most common foods for a Dutch breakfast. Coffee and tea accompany the meal. Open-faced sandwiches are common for lunch, as is kroket (a deep-fried sausage). The main meal usually consists of potatoes and gravy with seasonal vegetables and meat or fish. Some typical dishes include poffertjes (small puffed pancakes served on special occasions), pea soup, and hutspot (mashed potatoes with carrots and onions).

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Queensday Celebration -- The Netherlands

Family

Dutch families are moderate in size. Both parents typically work outside the home. Couples usually live close to relatives. At the age of eighteen, young people often leave home to seek an education or career.

Dating Customs

It is common for couples to live together before getting married. It is not uncommon for couples to live together without getting married at all. Young men and women begin dating in groups.

Recreation

Cycling is a popular activity for commuting, recreation, and sport involving at least half the population. Other favorite sports include tennis, field hockey, and ice skating.

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Student Life

Most primary schools start at 8:30 a.m., so most children get up around 7 o'clock. High schools usually start at 8:30 a.m. as well. However, students have different schedules depending on which classes they choose. In the mornings, most students eat breakfast, brush their teeth, and prepare lunch before class. Typical breakfast foods are either bread with all sorts of sweets or cereal. A typical morning greeting is "goedemorgen," which means good morning.

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Holidays

  • Queen's Day

    4/30

    Birthday

    Birthday of Queen-Mother JULIANA in 1909 and accession to the throne of her oldest daughter BEATRIX in 1980

  • Birthdate - Juliana Louise Emma Marie Wilhelmina

    4/30

    Birthday

    Birthdate - Juliana Louise Emma Marie Wilhelmina, queen of the Netherlands.

  • Birth date - Vincent Van Gogh

    3/30

    Birthday

    Birth date - Vincent Van Gogh, Dutch artist, was born, Groot Zundert, Holland on March 30, 1853.

  • Birth date - Rembrandt Van Rijn Harmenszoon Rijn

    7/15

    Birthday

    Birth date - Rembrandt Van Rijn Harmenszoon Rijn, Dutch artist, was born in Leyden of the Netherlands on July 15, 1606.

  • Christmas

    12/25

    Christmas

    On December 5, Sinter Klass Eve, children set their wooden shoes by the fireplace, window or kitchen stove. Other gift giving takes place at this time or on Christmas eve. Many gifts hold poems or funny rhymes.

    The Christmas season is announced on the first Sunday of Advent with the blowing of horns.

    Holland celebrates Christmas on December 25 & 26. Gift giving is past so these two days are spent at church service or family dinners.

    The noon meal on Christmas day is called Koffietafel and is like Breakfast. At 7:00 p.m. families enjoy a ham meal

Dates of Interest

  • May 4th

    Date varies (usually in February or March): Carnival is celebrated in the southern provinces of the Netherlands, particularly in Limburg and North Brabant, with colorful parades, parties, and costume events leading up to Lent.

How do people greet each other in the Netherlands?

A warm, hearty handshake suits both men and women, while younger and adult people (up to about 55) often exchange kisses on alternating cheeks or hug; older people stay more formal with a handshake and 'how are you'.

Do

  • Shake hands warmly with men and women
  • Use titles and family names except with close friends and relatives
  • Say 'Goede morgen', 'goeie dag' or 'goeie avond' to adults
  • Say 'Meneer/mevrouw' (Sir/madam) to get someone's attention

Don’t

  • Don't use given names with people who aren't close friends or relatives
  • Don't use 'Mejuffrouw' (Miss) — it is no longer used

Good to know

  • Young people use informal 'Hi' when meeting and 'Doei' when leaving
  • Females and male-female pairs may exchange kisses on alternating cheeks; males may hug

What are dining customs like in the Netherlands?

Meals are eaten at set times, usually at home, and you eat continental style with fork and knife, waiting until everyone is seated before starting.

Do

  • Eat with fork and knife, continental style
  • Wait until everyone is at the table before eating
  • Keep both hands on the table
  • Let a parent or host indicate when to eat

Don’t

  • Don't rest your elbows on the table
  • Don't scream or talk loudly at the table
  • Don't start eating before everyone is seated

Good to know

  • Breakfast is around 7:30–8:15 AM, lunch about 12:30 PM, dinner 5:30–7:30 PM
  • Families often have standard seats at the table
  • Typical dishes include potatoes with gravy, poffertjes, pea soup and hutspot; Dutch pastries are famous

What should I know about visiting and hospitality?

You seldom visit a home without an appointment, so always phone or text first; on arrival shake hands with everyone present, including children, and expect to be offered coffee.

Do

  • Phone or text before visiting
  • Shake hands with everyone present, including children
  • Bring flowers or a small gift as a dinner guest
  • Accept the offered coffee or other drink

Don’t

  • Don't drop by a house without an appointment

Good to know

  • Coffee (sometimes with a cookie) is served during the day until 9 p.m.
  • People talk rather than play games when visiting
  • The host accompanies guests to the door or their car/bike when they leave
  • Formal guests say 'Thank you for this evening'; close friends say 'Ontzettend fijn dat je er was'

How should I dress in the Netherlands?

Clothing depends heavily on your job: some organizations like banks require formal suits and ties, while others are more informal, though jeans are not accepted.

Do

  • Wear formal suits and ties in banks and similar organizations
  • Dress according to your workplace's norms

Don’t

  • Don't wear jeans in workplaces
  • Don't assume a tie is always required — going without one is becoming more popular

Good to know

  • Brands and labels matter, especially for young people and in the business world
  • Traditional clothes and wooden clogs (klompen) exist only in small enclaves and souvenir shops

Which gestures matter in the Netherlands?

Eye contact and facial expressions are important, and some gestures are considered rude.

Do

  • Keep eye contact and use facial expressions
  • Cover your mouth when you yawn

Don’t

  • Don't chew gum while talking
  • Don't point a finger to your forehead — it implies someone is crazy

What is family life like in the Netherlands?

Dutch families are moderate in size, both parents typically work, and couples usually live close to relatives.

Good to know

  • Young people often leave home at eighteen for education or a career
  • Couples commonly live together before or instead of marrying
  • Young men and women begin dating in groups

What do people do for recreation in the Netherlands?

Cycling is hugely popular for commuting, recreation and sport, involving at least half the population, alongside football, tennis, field hockey and ice skating.

Good to know

  • Football (soccer) is widely played and followed
  • The Elfstedentocht is an ice-skating race through eleven cities in Friesland, held only in winters with heavy ice
  • Young people enjoy pool bars and evening bars starting around 11 pm

Last updated: 2026-07-12 · Sources: CountryReports

Photos of Netherlands

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Travel and Tourism

Travel Alert Status
Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
Currency
euro (EUR)
Time Difference
UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) time zone note: time descriptions apply to the continental Netherlands only, for the constituent countries in the Caribbean, the time difference is UTC-4
Climate
The Netherlands lies in the temperate zone of the Northern Hemisphere, and for the most part possesses a maritime climate. The summers are cool while winters are quite cold. The warmest months fall between July and September with temperatures ranging from 60-75°F. The winter months are long and dreary with strong winds and some snow. Temperatures range from 20-35°F. Due to the proximity of the sea, rain is quite common and spread pretty evenly all year round.
Airports
27
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Recipes

Featured Dish

Christmas Cake (kerststol)

Dessert

Browse all 22 recipes

History

Historical Eras

  1. Ancient & Frankish Period

    55 BCE – 1477

    Julius Caesar encountered Germanic tribes — the Batavians in the west and Frisians in the east — when Rome pushed into the Low Countries in the first century BCE. Between the fourth and eighth centuries, the Franks conquered most of the region, integrating it into the Carolingian Empire. The area subsequently passed through the hands of various feudal lords before falling under the control of the House of Burgundy.

  2. Habsburg Rule

    1477 – 1581

    The marriage of Mary of Burgundy to Maximilian I brought the Low Countries under Habsburg dominion, later consolidated under Charles V and his son Philip II of Spain. Harsh Spanish taxation and religious persecution — particularly under the Duke of Alba — provoked widespread revolt beginning in 1568 under Willem of Orange. The Union of Utrecht in 1579 united the seven northern provinces, setting the stage for a formal declaration of independence.

  3. Dutch Republic

    1581 – 1795

    The Republic of the United Netherlands, declared independent from Spain in 1581, rose to become one of the world's foremost maritime and commercial powers during its seventeenth-century Golden Age. The Dutch East India Company (VOC) dominated global trade, while artists such as Rembrandt and Frans Hals defined an extraordinary cultural flowering. Protracted wars with Spain, England, and France gradually eroded Dutch dominance, and French Revolutionary forces expelled Stadhouder Willem V in 1795.

  4. Kingdom of the Netherlands

    1795 – 1940

    After the Napoleonic interlude, the Congress of Vienna established the Kingdom of the United Netherlands in 1815 under Willem I of the House of Orange-Nassau, though Belgium seceded to form its own kingdom in 1830. Constitutional liberalization under Willem II in 1848 transformed the country into a parliamentary monarchy, and a long period of economic prosperity followed under Willem III and Queen Wilhelmina. The Netherlands declared neutrality in both world wars, successfully avoiding occupation in 1914–18.

  5. WWII & Decolonization

    1940 – 1949

    German forces invaded and occupied the Netherlands in May 1940, subjecting the country to five years of brutal occupation that included the deportation and murder of the vast majority of Dutch Jews. Queen Wilhelmina led a government-in-exile from London, and the country was liberated in May 1945. The immediate postwar years saw the painful dissolution of the Dutch colonial empire, culminating in Indonesian independence in 1949.

  6. Modern Netherlands

    1949 – present

    As a founding member of NATO and the European Community, the Netherlands anchored itself firmly within the Western international order and rebuilt its economy into one of Europe's most prosperous. Suriname gained independence in 1975, and successive queens — Juliana, Beatrix, and King Willem-Alexander from 2013 — oversaw a liberal, pluralistic society. The Netherlands became a leading exporter of agricultural products and a central node in European trade and finance.

Overview

The Dutch are primarily of Germanic stock with some Gallo-Celtic mixture. Their small homeland frequently has been threatened with destruction by the North Sea and has often been invaded by the great European powers.

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Timeline of Key Events

  1. 1 – 100

    The Frisians settled in what is now the Netherlands

    A Teutonic tribe known as the Frisians (or Friesians) settled in what is now the Netherlands in the first century A.D.

  2. 600 – 700

    Frisians clashed with the Franks

    In the seventh century the Frisians clashed with the Franks and resisted Christianity, but succumbed to Frankish rule and accepted Christianity a century later. Citizens of the Netherlands’s province of Friesland are still called Frisians and the Frisian language is still spoken there.

  3. 1100

    Wittem Castle in Limburg dates to this time.

    Wittem Castle in Limburg dates to this time.

  4. 1421

    Beginning of the Eighty Years’ War

    Dutch rally against Spain in the beginning of the Eighty Years’ War.

  5. 1421

    A flood that drowns 10,000 people

    A storm on St. Elizabeth’s Day breaks dikes along the Maas and Waal rivers, causing a flood that drowns 10,000 people.

  6. 1460

    The courtyard Episcopal palace at Atrecht had witch burnings

    The courtyard Episcopal palace at Atrecht had witch burnings.

  7. 1477

    Beginning of the rule of the Austrian Habsburgs.

    Beginning of the rule of the Austrian Habsburgs.

View full timeline (53 events)
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Interesting Facts

  • The world's busiest port is in Rotterdam with over - 385,800 tons being transported.

  • The country with the most bicycles has approximately 16 million bikes. That would average to be one bike per person in the country.

  • The Netherlands is also known as Holland, because it contains the provinces of North and South Holland. These provinces, along with the province of Utrecht, are the mostly densely populated part of the country. The northern provinces are largely rural. Altogether there are 12 provinces in the Netherlands.

  • Disastrous flooding in 1953 killed 1,800 people and destroyed more than 70,000 homes. This led to a huge flood-control project. Flooding struck again in 1995. Rising rivers forced 240,000 people to relocate until the water receded.

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Geography and Environment

The Netherlands is situated in Northwest Europe,reclaimed in part from the waters of the North Sea, The Netherlands is an artificially created land, half of which lies at or below sea level. The country possesses a flat terrain compromising mostly of coastal lowland, farmland, grassy dunes, and sandy beaches. The country is crisscrossed by numerous rivers and canals.
Terrain
mostly coastal lowland and reclaimed land (polders); some hills in southeast
Climate
The Netherlands lies in the temperate zone of the Northern Hemisphere, and for the most part possesses a maritime climate. The summers are cool while winters are quite cold. The warmest months fall between July and September with temperatures ranging from 60-75°F. The winter months are long and dreary with strong winds and some snow. Temperatures range from 20-35°F. Due to the proximity of the sea, rain is quite common and spread pretty evenly all year round.
Natural Hazards
flooding
Current Environmental Issues
water pollution in the form of heavy metals, organic compounds, and nutrients such as nitrates and phosphates; air pollution from vehicles and refining activities; acid rain
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People & Demographics

Religion

Languages Spoken

Dutch (official language), Frisian (official language)

  • Dutch
  • Frisian

Population

Population
16,783,092
Population in Major Urban Areas
AMSTERDAM (capital) 1.056 million; Rotterdam 1.014 million; The Hague (seat of government) 635,000
Nationality Noun
Dutchman(men), Dutchwoman(women)
Ethnic Groups
Dutch 83%, other 17% (of which 9% are non-Western origin mainly Turks, Moroccans, Antilleans, Surinamese and Indonesians)

Education

Literacy Definition
age 15 and over can read and write

Primary schools are generally relatively small (about 250 students enrolled) and are primarily within walking distance from home. Secondary schools are more prominent (1000-2000 students enrolled) and take 5 - 30 minutes to reach by bike. The quality of the buildings differs from town to town, but they are generally good, and the buildings are renovated frequently.

Both primary and secondary school Books are government-funded. Other learning equipment, such as laptops and software, can be bought at a discounted price. Schools have most of the resources and supplies in classrooms and often have (small) libraries with computer equipment. In the Netherlands, no natural food services exist in schools (except for snacks), so children frequently bring their lunch to school.

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Government & Politics

Country Identity

Country Name
Netherlands
Full Country Name
Kingdom of the Netherlands
Local - Long
Koninkrijk der Nederlanden
Local - Short
Nederland

Government Structure

Government Type
constitutional monarchy
Legal System
civil law system incorporating French penal theory; constitution does not permit judicial review of acts of the States General; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations
Executive Branch
chief of state: King WILLEM-ALEXANDER (since 30 April 2013); Heir Apparent Princess CATHARINA-AMALIA (born 7 December 2003), daughter of the monarch head of government: Prime Minister Dick SCHOOF (since 2 July 2024) and Deputy Prime Ministers Fleur AGEMA, Sophie HERMANS, Mona KEIJZER, and Eddy VAN HIJUM (all since 2 July 2024) cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the monarch elections: none; the monarchy is hereditary; following Second Chamber elections, the leader of the majority party or leader of a majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the monarch; deputy prime ministers appointed by the monarch note: there is also a Council of State composed of the monarch, heir apparent, and councilors that provides advisory consultations to the cabinet on legislative and administrative policy
Legislative Branch
bicameral States General or Staten Generaal consists of the First Chamber or Eerste Kamer (75 seats; members indirectly elected by the country's 12 provincial councils for four-year terms) and the Second Chamber or Tweede Kamer (150 seats; members directly elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms) elections: First Chamber - last held on 30 May 2023 (next to be held in 2027); Second Chamber - last held on 22 November 2023 (next to be held by 2027) election results: First Chamber - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - BBB 16, VVD 10, GL-PvdA 8, D66 6, CDA 5, PVV 5, SP 4, CU 3, Volt 2, JA21 2, SGP 2, FvD 2, PvdD 2, 50PLUS 1, DENK 1, other 10; Second Chamber - percent of vote by party - PVV 23.5%, GL-PvdA 15.5%, VVD 15.2%, NSC 12.9%, D66 6.3%, BBB 4.7%, CDA 3.3%, SP 3.1%, other 15.5%; seats by party - PVV 37, GL-PvdA 25, VVD 24, NSC 20, D66 9, BBB 7, CDA 5, SP 5, SGP 3, CU 3, PvdD 3, Volt 2, JA21 1, DENK 1, FvD 1, other 4
Judicial Branch
Supreme Court or Hoge Raad (justices are nominated for life by the monarch)
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Constitution
adopted 1814; amended many times, last time 17 February 1983
Independence
1579 (from Spain); note - the northern provinces of the Low Country concluded the Union of Utrecht, but it was not until 1648 that Spain recognized their independence
National Holiday
Queen's Day (Birthday of Queen-Mother JULIANA in 1909 and accession to the throne of her oldest daughter BEATRIX in 1980), 30 April

Capital City

Capital Name
Amsterdam; note - The Hague is the seat of government
Capital - geographic coordinate
52 21 N, 4 55 E
Capital Time Difference
UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) time zone note: time descriptions apply to the continental Netherlands only, for the constituent countries in the Caribbean, the time difference is UTC-4

the original Dutch name, Amstellerdam, meaning "a dam on the Amstel River," dates to the 13th century; over time the name simplified to Amsterdam

Military

Branches: Royal Netherlands Army, Royal Netherlands Navy (includes Naval Air Service and Marine Corps), Royal Netherlands Air Force (Koninklijke Luchtmacht, KLu), Royal Military Police

Embassy / Diplomatic Mission

Consulate General of the United States, Amsterdam

Museumplein 19

1071 DJ Amsterdam

Telephone: (31) (20) 575-5309

Emergency after-hours telephone: (31) (70) 310-2209

Facsimile: (31) (20) 679-0321

Embassy of the United States, The Hague

Lange Voorhout 102

2514 EJ The Hague

Telephone: (31) (70) 310-2209

Facsimile: (31) (70) 361-4688

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Economy

The Netherlands has a prosperous and open economy that depends heavily on foreign trade, with exports and imports together accounting for more than 150% of GDP. The economy is characterized by stable industrial relations, low to moderate unemployment, a sizable current account surplus, and a central role as a European transportation and logistics hub, anchored by the Port of Rotterdam—the largest seaport in Europe—and Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport. Industrial activity is concentrated in food processing, chemicals, petroleum refining, electrical machinery, and high-tech manufacturing, including semiconductor equipment, where Dutch firms such as ASML hold globally dominant positions.

A highly mechanized agricultural sector employs only about 2% of the labor force but makes the Netherlands the world's second-largest exporter of agricultural products by value, after the United States, supplying significant surpluses to the food-processing industry and international markets. The services sector, including financial services, trade, and transportation, accounts for roughly 70% of GDP.

The Netherlands was among the first group of EU member states to adopt the euro on 1 January 1999, with euro banknotes and coins entering circulation on 1 January 2002. The country remains one of Europe's leading destinations for foreign direct investment, supported by a competitive tax framework, skilled multilingual workforce, and strong infrastructure.

After the COVID-19 contraction in 2020, the Dutch economy rebounded strongly, though growth has since moderated amid high energy prices, inflation, and tighter monetary conditions across the eurozone. Persistent challenges include a tight labor market, a severe housing shortage, nitrogen emission constraints on construction and agriculture, and the ongoing energy transition away from natural gas following the closure of the Groningen gas field in 2023. Public finances remain relatively healthy, with government debt well below the EU average and deficits generally within the EU's 3% of GDP threshold.

Snapshot

Currency Name and Code
Euro (EUR)
GDP — official exchange rate
$581,300,000,000 (USD)
GDP Real Growth Rate
1.1%
Gini Index
30.9

Banknotes

Netherlands Money - Front
Netherlands Money - Front
Netherlands Money - Back
Netherlands Money - Back

Budget & Public Finance

Fiscal Year
calendar year
Annual Budget
$303,700,000,000 (USD)
Public Debt (% of GDP)
55%
External Debt
$1,645,000,000,000 (USD)
Investment (% of GDP)
19.3%
Current Account Balance
$17,940,000,000 (USD)

Labor, Industry & Trade

Labor Force by Occupation
services 73%; industry 23%; agriculture 4%
Household Income — highest 10%
22.9%
Industries
agroindustries, metal and engineering products, electrical machinery and equipment, chemicals, petroleum, construction, microelectronics, fishing
Agriculture Products
grains, potatoes, sugar beets, fruits, vegetables; livestock
Export Commodities
machinery and equipment, chemicals, fuels; foodstuffs
Export Partners
Germany 25.1%, Belgium 12.7%, UK 10.7%, France 10.2%, Italy 6%, US 4.6%
Import Commodities
machinery and transport equipment, chemicals, fuels; foodstuffs, clothing
Import Partners
Germany 17.9%, Belgium 9.7%, US 9.1%, UK 6.9%, France 5.5%, China 5.1%, Japan 4%

Energy

Oil Production
94,870 bbl/day
Oil Consumption
920,000 bbl/day
Oil Reserves
88,060,000 bbl/day
Natural Gas Production
73,130,000,000 cu m
Natural Gas Consumption
50,400,000,000 cu m
Natural Gas Imports
20,780,000,000 cu m
Natural Gas Exports
49,280,000,000 cu m
Natural Gas Reserves
1,756,000,000 cu m

Communications

Telephone System
general assessment: highly developed and well maintained domestic: extensive fixed-line fiber-optic network; large cellular telephone system with 5 major operators utilizing the third generation of the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) technology; one in five households now use Voice over the Internet Protocol (VoIP) services international: country code - 31; submarine cables provide links to the US and Europe; satellite earth stations - 5 (3 Intelsat - 1 Indian Ocean and 2 Atlantic Ocean, 1 Eutelsat, and 1 Inmarsat
Internet Country Code
.nl

News & Weather

Current Weather

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Latest News

News via Google News

Climate Overview

The Netherlands lies in the temperate zone of the Northern Hemisphere, and for the most part possesses a maritime climate. The summers are cool while winters are quite cold. The warmest months fall between July and September with temperatures ranging from 60-75°F. The winter months are long and dreary with strong winds and some snow. Temperatures range from 20-35°F. Due to the proximity of the sea, rain is quite common and spread pretty evenly all year round.

Videos

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the population of Netherlands?
The population of Netherlands is approximately 16.8M.
How do people greet each other in the Netherlands?
A warm, hearty handshake suits both men and women, while younger and adult people (up to about 55) often exchange kisses on alternating cheeks or hug; older people stay more formal with a handshake and 'how are you'. Do: Shake hands warmly with men and women Use titles and family names except with close friends and relatives Say 'Goede morgen', 'goeie dag' or 'goeie avond' to adults Say 'Meneer/mevrouw' (Sir/madam) to get someone's attention Don't: Don't use given names with people who aren't close friends or relatives Don't use 'Mejuffrouw' (Miss) — it is no longer used Young people use informal 'Hi' when meeting and 'Doei' when leaving Females and male-female pairs may exchange kisses on alternating cheeks; males may hug
What are dining customs like in the Netherlands?
Meals are eaten at set times, usually at home, and you eat continental style with fork and knife, waiting until everyone is seated before starting. Do: Eat with fork and knife, continental style Wait until everyone is at the table before eating Keep both hands on the table Let a parent or host indicate when to eat Don't: Don't rest your elbows on the table Don't scream or talk loudly at the table Don't start eating before everyone is seated Breakfast is around 7:30–8:15 AM, lunch about 12:30 PM, dinner 5:30–7:30 PM Families often have standard seats at the table Typical dishes include potatoes with gravy, poffertjes, pea soup and hutspot; Dutch pastries are famous
What should I know about visiting and hospitality?
You seldom visit a home without an appointment, so always phone or text first; on arrival shake hands with everyone present, including children, and expect to be offered coffee. Do: Phone or text before visiting Shake hands with everyone present, including children Bring flowers or a small gift as a dinner guest Accept the offered coffee or other drink Don't: Don't drop by a house without an appointment Coffee (sometimes with a cookie) is served during the day until 9 p.m. People talk rather than play games when visiting The host accompanies guests to the door or their car/bike when they leave Formal guests say 'Thank you for this evening'; close friends say 'Ontzettend fijn dat je er was'
How should I dress in the Netherlands?
Clothing depends heavily on your job: some organizations like banks require formal suits and ties, while others are more informal, though jeans are not accepted. Do: Wear formal suits and ties in banks and similar organizations Dress according to your workplace's norms Don't: Don't wear jeans in workplaces Don't assume a tie is always required — going without one is becoming more popular Brands and labels matter, especially for young people and in the business world Traditional clothes and wooden clogs (klompen) exist only in small enclaves and souvenir shops
Which gestures matter in the Netherlands?
Eye contact and facial expressions are important, and some gestures are considered rude. Do: Keep eye contact and use facial expressions Cover your mouth when you yawn Don't: Don't chew gum while talking Don't point a finger to your forehead — it implies someone is crazy
What is family life like in the Netherlands?
Dutch families are moderate in size, both parents typically work, and couples usually live close to relatives. Young people often leave home at eighteen for education or a career Couples commonly live together before or instead of marrying Young men and women begin dating in groups
What do people do for recreation in the Netherlands?
Cycling is hugely popular for commuting, recreation and sport, involving at least half the population, alongside football, tennis, field hockey and ice skating. Football (soccer) is widely played and followed The Elfstedentocht is an ice-skating race through eleven cities in Friesland, held only in winters with heavy ice Young people enjoy pool bars and evening bars starting around 11 pm
What is the capital of the Netherlands?
Amsterdam is the constitutional capital of the Netherlands, serving as the country's largest city and a major center of culture, finance, and history. However, The Hague (Den Haag) functions as the seat of government, hosting the parliament, the royal residence, and most foreign embassies. This unusual arrangement reflects the Netherlands' federal traditions and the historical importance of both cities within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, which was formally established in 1815.
Where is the Netherlands located?
The Netherlands is located in Northwestern Europe, situated along the southern shore of the North Sea. It occupies a low-lying coastal plain at the mouths of the Rhine, Maas, and Scheldt rivers. The country is a founding member of both NATO and the European Union, and it introduced the euro as its currency in 1999 as part of the Economic and Monetary Union. Its strategic coastal position has historically made it one of Europe's most significant trading and maritime nations.
What countries border the Netherlands?
Germany borders the Netherlands to the east, and Belgium to the south. To the north and west, the country faces the North Sea. Belgium and the Netherlands share a particularly intertwined history — Belgium seceded from the Kingdom of the Netherlands in 1830 to form an independent state. Despite its relatively small size, the Netherlands' position at the crossroads of Western Europe has made it a pivotal hub for trade, transport, and international diplomacy for centuries.
What religion is practiced in the Netherlands?
The largest segment of the Dutch population, approximately 40 percent, is unaffiliated with any religion, reflecting a strong secular trend that has grown steadily over recent decades. Roman Catholicism is the largest single religious denomination at around 31 percent, concentrated primarily in the southern provinces, while Protestantism accounts for roughly 21 percent of the population. The Netherlands has a long tradition of religious tolerance, which has historically made it a refuge for persecuted religious minorities from across Europe.
What currency does the Netherlands use?
The Netherlands uses the euro (EUR) as its official currency, having adopted it in 1999 as one of the founding participants in the European Economic and Monetary Union. Euro banknotes and coins entered general circulation in 2002, replacing the Dutch guilder. As one of Europe's largest and most open economies, the Netherlands benefits significantly from the eurozone's single market, particularly given its role as a major exporter of agricultural products and its position as a global logistics and trade hub.
What languages are spoken in the Netherlands?
Dutch is the primary official language of the Netherlands, spoken by the vast majority of the population and used in government, education, and media. Frisian (West Frisian) holds co-official status in the northern province of Friesland, where it is spoken by several hundred thousand people as a first language. English is also widely spoken throughout the country — particularly in business and urban settings — giving the Netherlands one of the highest rates of English proficiency among non-native-speaking nations in the world.
What is the Netherlands known for?
The Netherlands is particularly renowned for its tulip cultivation and flower export industry, supplying a significant portion of the world's cut flowers through the vast Aalsmeer flower auction. The port of Rotterdam is among the busiest in the world, handling over 385,800 tons of cargo and serving as Europe's primary maritime gateway. The country also holds a striking distinction for its bicycle culture, with approximately 16 million bikes — roughly one per resident. Culturally, the Netherlands is celebrated for its Golden Age painters, including Rembrandt and Vermeer, and for a long tradition of political liberalism and openness in international affairs.

Last reviewed 2026

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