About the Netherlands

The Netherlands, a country known for its tall people, windmills, tulips, clogs, canals and flatness, as well as its progressiveness and directness. A country with more than 17 million inhabitants, living on just 41.543 square kilometres!

Perhaps you are here because of a job transfer or because you have family living here. Whatever your reasons, we welcome you to the Netherlands! 

How well do you know the Netherlands?

How well do you know this small country in northern Europe? For instance, did you know that Amsterdam was founded in 1275, but the Kingdom of the Netherlands did not exist until 1814? Or that the country was the first in the world to launch a scheduled air service and to allow same-sex marriage? Do you want to brush up on your knowledge of the Dutch and their country?

Facts about the Netherlands

Here are some quick facts to help you on your way:

• Population: 17,8 million
• Official national language: Dutch 
• Official regional languages: West Frisian, English and Papiamento
• Average life expectancy: 81,1 years
• Motto: “Je maintiendrai” (I will uphold)
• Anthem: Wilhelmus
• Capital: Amsterdam
• Government: Unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy
• Seat of government: The Hague
• Monarch: King Willem-Alexander
• Currency: Euro
• Total land surface area: 33.948 square kilometres (of which, 11,1% is forested, and 21,96% is arable)

Here are some other interesting and fun facts about the Netherlands: 

• Orange is the Netherlands' national colour because of the house of Orange, the Dutch royal line.
• Orange carrots were bred in the Netherlands in the 16th century in honour of the house of Orange. Before then they were white, yellow, black, purple or red.
• The Netherlands has the highest concentration of museums in the world. 
• Amsterdam has 1.281 bridges and is entirely built on piles.
• The Netherlands' highest point is 322,7 metres above sea level (Vaalserberg) and the lowest 6,76 metres below sea level (Prince Alexander Polder).
• One third of the Dutch territory, roughly speaking, is actually below sea level, while another one third is very close to the official zero-measuring (NAP) level.
• The Netherlands is one of the most densely populated countries in the world.
• In the Netherlands there are twice as many bikes as cars with over 15.000 kilometres of cycle paths.
• Statistically, Dutch are among the tallest people in Europe.
• The Netherlands has the highest number of part-time workers in the EU (four out of 10 employees).
• The Netherlands is the world’s first producer and exporter of tulips.
• The Netherlands is the third largest agricultural exporter in the world. In fact, NL is the world's main producer of peppers, tomatoes and cucumbers.

Dutch holidays

How many public holidays are observed in the Netherlands? Are they observed across the whole country? Our guide to Dutch holidays explains all you need to know.

Dutch weather

What is the Dutch climate like? What kind of weather can you expect at different times of year? Does it really rain that much in the Netherlands? Read our guide to the Dutch weather to discover some temperature records and find out about typical conditions in all four seasons.

History of the Netherlands

When was the Kingdom of the Netherlands founded and by whom? When was Vincent van Gogh born? When did Dutch women get the vote? Here is a handy list of important dates in Dutch history.

Dutch government

The Netherlands is a unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy, consisting of a head of state (King Willem-Alexander) and a Council of Ministers. The Dutch parliament consists of two houses: The Senate (Eerste Kamer, 75 seats) and the House of Representatives (Tweede Kamer, 150 seats). Every four years elections are held. Find out more about the structure of the Dutch government.

Dutch elections & expat voting rights

There are five different types of elections held in the Netherlands, to vote in members of the Senate, the House of Representatives, provincial councils, municipal councils, and the European parliament. Unless you have Dutch citizenship, you will only be allowed to vote in EU elections (if you are from another European country) and municipal elections. Find out more about your voting rights as an expat in the Netherlands.

Dutch monarchy

The Kingdom of the Netherlands is a monarchy. The first King of the Netherlands was William I (Willem Frederik, Prince of Orange-Nassau, 1815-1840), and the country’s longest reigning monarch was Queen Wilhelmina, daughter of William III. She reigned from 1890 - 1948, 58 years in total. She was only 10 when she came to the Dutch throne in 1890.

Today, the reigning monarch of the Netherlands is King Willem-Alexander. His mother, Princess Beatrix (then Queen Beatrix) abdicated on April 30, 2013, making her son the youngest monarch in Europe. Read more about the monarchy of the Netherlands.

Maps of the Netherlands

Get a feel of the Netherlands' geography with our overview of some interesting and important maps of the Netherlands. 

Dutch flag

The flag of the Netherlands is red, white and blue; just turn the French one 90 degrees to the left! Learn more about the history and evolution of the Dutch flag, and its significance, in our dedicated guide. 

Pets in the Netherlands

Planning on bringing a pet with you to the Netherlands? Or adopting a dog or cat now that you're living here? Our guide to pets in the Netherlands looks at all the most important things pet owners should keep in mind about owning animals in the Netherlands - from pet insurance to pet passports.

Dutch food

Do you know your hutspot from your snert? What does a traditional Dutch breakfast look like, and what on earth goes inside a frikandel. Our guide to Dutch food explains everything you need to know about the culinary staples of the Netherlands.

Dutch drinks

Beer and jenever are some of the most popular drinks in the Netherlands. Learn more about the largest breweries in the Netherlands, and the exciting world of independent breweries, before diving into the history of jenever, the Dutch answer to gin.