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Netherlands

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The Netherlands (Nederland in Dutch) is a country in the northwest of Europe. It borders the North Sea, Belgium and Germany. It is also referred to by the collective name of its two main provinces: Holland.

Facts

File:Flag netherlands small.gif File:Arms netherlands small.gif

Flag: António Martins, FOTW Flags Of The World website (Full size)

Coat of Arms: "Je Maintiendrai" (French, "I will maintain") (Full size)

Official nameKingdom of the Netherlands (Koninkrijk der Nederlanden)
Capital cityAmsterdam, The Hague (seat of government)
Land area37,330 sq km (14,413 sq mile)
Inhabitants16,000,000
Population density428 per sq km (1110 per sq mile)
CurrencyEuro (prior to 1999: guilder)
Time zoneGMT+1
National anthemWilhelmus


History

For a more complete story, see History of the Netherlands.

After gaining formal independence from Spain in 1648, the Dutch, as the Republic of the Seven United Netherlands, grew to become one of the major seafaring and economic powers of the 17th century, referred to as the Golden Age in the Netherlands, establishing colonies and trade posts all over the globe.

After being incorporated in the French empire under Napoleon, a Dutch kingdom was formed with present-day Belgium and Luxembourg in 1815. The Belgians soon gained independence however (1830), as did Luxembourg. During the 19th century, the Netherlands were somewhat behind on the neighbouring countries.

After remaining neutral in World War I, the country was occupied by Germany in May 1940, to be fully liberated only in 1945. After the war, the Dutch economy prospered again, being a member of the economic Benelux and European Economic Community unions. The Netherlands also became a member of NATO.

As of 2002, the country's head of state is Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, who ascended to the throne in 1980. Prime-minister since 1994 is Wim Kok, of the Dutch Labour Party (Partij van de Arbeid), although he will be replaced after the elections held on May 15, 2002. These elections were won by the Christian Democrats (Christen Democratisch Appel), followed by the new Lijst Pim Fortuyn party, whose leader Pim Fortuyn had been assassinated just a week prior to the elections.

Politics

For a more complete overview, see Politics in the Netherlands and Dutch monarchy

The Netherlands have been a constitutional monarchy since 1815, after it had been a republic from 1648 to 1806 (it was occupied by France between 1806 and 1815).

Head of state is Queen Beatrix of the House of Orange-Nassau. Formally, she appoints the members of the government. In practice, a coalition government is made after the results of the elections are known (a process which might take several months), after which the government formed in this way is officially appointed by the queen.

The parliament consists of two houses. Elections for the 150 members of the Lower House (Tweede Kamer, or Second Chamber) take place every four years, or earlier when the Lower House has taken a no-confidence motion against the government. The less important Senate (Eerste Kamer) is chosen every four years after the provincial elections by the just chosen members of the provincial parliaments.

Political scientists consider the Netherlands a classic example of a consociational state.

Geography

See also Geography of the Netherlands and National parks (Netherlands)

http://meta.wikipedia.com/upload/nl-map.jpg Map: The World Factbook CIA

A remarkable aspect of the Netherlands is the flatness of the country. About half the country is less than 1 meter above sea level, and some parts of it are actually below sea level. The highest point, the Vaalserberg, in the southmost point of the country, is 321 m high. Many low areas are protected by dikes and sea walls. Parts of the Netherlands, for example the whole of Flevoland, have been reclaimed from the sea - these areas are known as polders.

The country is artificially split in two by three rivers Rhine (Rijn), Waal and Meuse (Maas).

The predominant wind direction in the Netherlands is southwest, which causes a moderate maritime climate, with cool summers and mild winters.

The Netherlands are divided into 12 administrative regions, called provinces (provincies):

All provinces are divided in a great number of municipalities (gemeenten), which basically consist of one village, town or city, although recent politics have led to a great number of mergers between smaller municipalities or with cities. See also Cities of the Netherlands.

A number of islands in the Caribbean Sea are dependencies of the Netherlands: the Netherlands Antilles, a group of five islands and Aruba, formely part of the Antilles.

People

See also People of the Netherlands.

The Netherlands are one of the most densely populated countries in the world, with more than 400 inhabitants per square km.

There are two official languages, Dutch and Frisian. The latter is only spoken in the northern province of Friesland, and it is the language which most resembles English.

The main religions are Catholicism (18% in 1999) and Protestantism (15%). 63% of the Dutch don't consider themselves to be members of a church. The part of the country south of the three rivers is (or was) generally Catholic, with the northern part Protestant (mostly of the Dutch Reformed Church).

The Dutch are known as a tolerant people. Their image abroad is mainly based on trade, tulips, windmills, wooden shoes, cheese and Delftware pottery. More recently the socially libertine Dutch policies on recreational drugs, prostitution, gay marriage and euthanasia have received international attention; Amsterdam is widely perceived abroad as a 'naughty' city. See also Netherlands/Drugs policy.

Culture

See also Culture.

Many famous painters originate from the Netherlands. The 17th century, when the Dutch republic was prosperous, produced many great painters, such as Rembrandt van Rijn, Johannes Vermeer, Jan Steen and many others. Famous Dutch painters of the 20th century are Vincent van Gogh and Piet Mondriaan. M. C. Escher is a well-known graphics artist.

The Netherlands is the country of Erasmus of Rotterdam and Spinoza, and all of Descartes' major work was done there.

In the Golden Age, Dutch literature flowered as well, with Joost van den Vondel, P. C. Hooft as the two most famous names. Important 20th century authors include Harry Mulisch, Jan Wolkers and Simon Vestdijk. The Diary of Anne Frank was also written in the Netherlands.

Public holidays

Other topics

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