Netherlands

Capital of Netherlands: Amsterdam
Population of Netherlands: 16,847,007
Total area of Netherlands: 41,543 km2

The Netherlands is a small country called the Kingdom of the Netherlands and is located in North Central Europe. Its flag consists of three horizontal stripes of red, followed by white, followed by blue. Its coat of arms consists of two golden lions holding a banner of blue, consisting of a lion. There is red drapery and a crown on top with the motto on the bottom. The motto means “I will maintain”.

Netherlands population

The Netherland’s largest city is Amsterdam and the country has a total population of more than 16.4 million people. It is a highly populous country with a dense population. The population increased greatly in the 1900s. Currently the fertility rate is 1.66 children per woman. The expected age of death is between 78 and 79 years of age. Most of the population is Dutch (80 percent) with Indonesian, German, Turkish, Moroccan and other minorities living there. The Dutch in the north are the tallest people in the world. The Netherlands is highly urbanized with the largest urban area being called the Randstad.  

History of Netherlands

Originally, the Netherlands were part of a group of provinces under Spain and the Roman Empire. Because of the Union of Utrecht, the modern-day Netherlands were born. After an 80 year war, the provinces were considered independent. They operated together as a federation but remained their own sovereignty in 1581-1795. It formed a vast Dutch Empire throughout the world. Its capital was Amsterdam. The French dominated the Dutch country in the early 1800s because of Napoleon Bonaparte. The entire area was called Holland. The area declined and the country became under the French Empire. It became the Kingdom of the Netherlands in 1815. It was considered neutral during WWI. It was invaded by Nazi Germany in WWII. Many Dutch Jews went to concentration camps. The Netherlands also fought the Japanese in WWII. After the war, it helped found the Benelux, NSTO and the European Union. It is a liberal country with the recent acquisition of three islands in the Caribbean.

Netherland Tourism

The Netherlands is a country that thrives on tourism. Each year, around ten million foreigners visit the country’s many famous tourist destinations. Its capital city Amsterdam is well known for its networks of canals, historical sites, the red light district and coffee shops. Tourists can find a lot of things to do in Netherlands such as touring the historical landmarks: the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijks National Museum, the Rembrandt House Museum and the Anne Frank House. For those craving for night life, Netherlands is home to De Wallen, the well known red light district which many tourists visit. The cannabis coffee shops are similarly popular because it is rare that cannabis coffee is sold without prosecution. Netherlands is among the few that has it available. Other famous destinations in the country include The Hague, the Madurodam Miniature City, the Rotterdam, the Valkenburg, the Zaanse Schans Gardens and the Volendam fishing village.

The Dutch generally practice egalitarianism in society and the people are characterized mainly as individualistic, modern, independent and modest. They value many things but above all else, they put a high price on education, ambition and hard work. They are a proud people who have high respect and for their culture and heritage. The manners of the Dutch are often seen as frank and they have a no nonsense personality. They follow basic etiquette and manners but they prefer a more informal set up. Be careful however when you greet Dutch acquaintances. Never shout at them in greeting. It is impolite.