Netherlands
Region
🌍 Europe
Population
👥 18
Currency
💱 Euro
Languages
🗣️ Dutch
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Welcome to the Netherlands, a land of charming windmills, vibrant tulip fields, and historic canals! Discover picturesque cities like Amsterdam with its world-class museums and lively atmosphere, or explore the royal grandeur of The Hague. Cycle through scenic countryside, indulge in delicious Dutch cheese, and experience the warmth of Dutch hospitality. From charming villages to bustling metropolises, the Netherlands offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity for an unforgettable journey.
Official NameSource: REST Countries
Kingdom of the Netherlands
Continent
Europe
DemonymSource: REST Countries
Dutch
Independence
1579 (declared independence from Spain)
Top-Level Domain
.nl
Calling CodeSource: REST Countries
+31
Time ZoneSource: REST Countries
UTC+01:00
Capital CitySource: REST Countries
Amsterdam
ISO Alpha-2
NL
ISO Alpha-3
NLD
UN Code
528
Geographic Coordinates
52.5,5.75
Area (km²)Source: REST Countries
41,850#135 of 249
PopulationSource: REST Countries
18,171,612#71 of 247
Population Density (per km²)
530.95
Highest Point (m)
321 meters (Vaalserberg)
Lowest Point (m)
-6.76 meters (Zuidplaspolder)
Land Use
Approximately 50% arable land.
Irrigated Land
Approximately 1,700 sq km (2012)
Coastline Length
451 km
Climate
Temperate maritime; mild summers and cool winters.
Natural Resources
Natural gas, petroleum, peat, limestone, salt, arable land.
Bordering CountriesSource: REST Countries
Belgium, Germany
Major Rivers
Rhine, Meuse (Maas), IJssel
Major Lakes
IJsselmeer
Government Type
Constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy
Administrative Divisions
12 provinces
Legal System
Civil law system based on Roman law
Chief of State
King Willem-Alexander
Head of Government
Prime Minister Mark Rutte
Cabinet
Council of Ministers
Elections
Elections for the House of Representatives held every four years.
Judicial Branch
Supreme Court (Hoge Raad der Nederlanden)
Legislative Branch
Bicameral States General (Staten-Generaal) consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Major Political Parties
People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), Labour Party (PvdA), Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA), Party for Freedom (PVV), Democrats 66 (D66), GreenLeft (GroenLinks).
CurrencySource: REST Countries
Euro
GDP, Nominal (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
1,332.77#18 of 211
GDP, PPP (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP, PPP (current international $) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
1,579.41#27 of 201
GDP per Capita (US$)Source: World Bank: GDP per capita (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
73,683.92#16 of 211
GDP - Agriculture (%)Source: World Bank: Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
1.68
GDP - Industry (%)Source: World Bank: Industry (including construction), value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
17.68
GDP - Services (%)Source: World Bank: Services, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
70.41
Inflation Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Inflation, consumer prices (annual %) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
3.26#90 of 191
Labor Force (people)Source: World Bank: Labor force, total (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
10,347,056
Unemployment Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Unemployment, total (% of total labor force) (modeled ILO estimate) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
3.87#119 of 185
Public Debt (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Central government debt, total (% of GDP) (1994)Checked September 29, 2026
54.21
Budget
The Netherlands' budget includes revenues and expenditures for various governmental functions.
Exports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Exports of goods and services (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
1,075.13#6 of 192
Imports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Imports of goods and services (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
925.62#8 of 192
Foreign Reserves
Information on foreign reserves is available from the Dutch Central Bank.
Currency Exchange
Currency exchange rates can be found at major banks and online financial platforms.
GDP by Sector
Services 73.1%, Industry 24.3%, Agriculture 2.6% (2022).
Major Industries
Agro-food, chemicals, petroleum refining, electrical machinery and equipment, tourism.
Major Export Partners
Germany, Belgium, France, UK, Italy.
Major Import Partners
Germany, Belgium, China, US, UK.
Society
Literacy Rate (%)
99%.
Birth Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Birth rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
9.2
Death Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Death rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
9.6
Net Migration Rate
3.5 migrants per 1,000 population (2022).
Median Age
46.1 years (2022).
Urban Population (%)Source: World Bank: Urban population (% of total population) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
95.94#15 of 214
Urbanization Rate
0.41% annual rate of change (2020-2025 est.).
Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: Life expectancy at birth, total (years) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
82#35 of 214
HIV/AIDS Prevalence
Less than 0.1% (2021).
Health Expenditures (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Current health expenditure (% of GDP) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
10.01
Ethnic Groups
Dutch 77.9%, EU 6.1%, Turkish 2.4%, Surinamese 2.4%, Moroccan 2.2%, Indonesian 1.8%, other 7.2% (2021).
Religions
Catholic 23.6%, Protestant 14.8%, Muslim 5.1%, other 5.6%, unaffiliated 50.9% (2021).
LanguagesSource: REST Countries
Dutch
Education
Education System
The Netherlands has a well-developed education system with primary, secondary, and higher education institutions.
School Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: School life expectancy, primary to tertiary, both sexes (years) (2018)Checked September 29, 2026
18.6
Government Education Spending
The Netherlands invests a significant percentage of its GDP in education, around 4-5%.
Primary Education Access
—
Secondary Education Access
—
Higher Education Access
—
Major Universities
Major universities include the University of Amsterdam, Leiden University, and Utrecht University.
Culture
Cultural Overview
Dutch culture is characterized by tolerance, pragmatism, and a focus on social equality and innovation. Art, design, and cycling are prominent.
National HolidaysSource: Nager.Date
- Nieuwjaarsdag (2026-01-01)
- Goede Vrijdag (2026-04-03)
- Eerste Paasdag (2026-04-05)
- Tweede Paasdag (2026-04-06)
- Koningsdag (2026-04-27)
- Bevrijdingsdag (2026-05-05)
- Hemelvaartsdag (2026-05-14)
- Eerste Pinksterdag (2026-05-24)
- Tweede Pinksterdag (2026-05-25)
- Eerste Kerstdag (2026-12-25)
- Tweede Kerstdag (2026-12-26)
Popular Music
Popular music genres include Dutch pop, hip hop, electronic dance music (EDM), and classical music.
Traditional Food
Traditional foods include stamppot, bitterballen, and stroopwafels.
Sports
Popular sports include football (soccer), cycling, speed skating, and field hockey.
Major Festivals
Major festivals include King's Day celebrations, the Amsterdam Gay Pride parade, and various music festivals.
Famous People
Famous people include Vincent van Gogh (artist), Rembrandt (artist), and Anne Frank (author).
Cultural Heritage Sites
The Netherlands has many cultural heritage sites, including windmills, canals, and historic city centers.
UNESCO Sites
The Netherlands has numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Canal Ring Area of Amsterdam and the Kinderdijk windmills.
Annual Tourist Visits
Millions of international tourist visits annually.
Tourism Overview
Popular tourist destination; known for canals, windmills, tulips, and museums.
Top Tourist Attractions
Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House, canals of Amsterdam, Keukenhof Gardens.
Famous Cities
Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht, Eindhoven.
National Parks
Several national parks, including De Hoge Veluwe and Lauwersmeer.
Protected Areas
Significant areas designated for environmental protection and conservation.
Best Time to Visit
The Netherlands offers pleasant experiences year-round, but the shoulder seasons of spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) are particularly delightful. Spring bursts with vibrant tulip fields, ideal for scenic drives and photography, while cities like Amsterdam, Utrecht, and Rotterdam are perfect for exploring museums and canals. Summer (July to August) brings warmer weather, making it excellent for enjoying the coastlines and beaches in Zeeland or the Wadden Islands, as well as outdoor festivals and cycling through the countryside. Autumn provides a cozy atmosphere for city breaks and visiting historic sites with fewer crowds. Winter (November to March) can be magical for its festive markets and ice skating opportunities, though outdoor activities are limited. Overall, aim for late spring or early autumn for the best balance of weather and activities.
Tourist Visa Info
Schengen Visa required for many nationalities; check specific requirements based on citizenship.
Visa Requirements Overview
Tourist visa requirements for the Netherlands depend significantly on your nationality. Citizens of many countries, including those within the Schengen Area, the European Union, the United States, Canada, and Australia, can enter the Netherlands for short stays (typically up to 90 days within a 180-day period) without a visa. However, individuals from other countries may need to apply for a Schengen visa in advance. It's crucial to check the specific requirements based on your passport. Always ensure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay and that you have proof of sufficient funds and return travel arrangements.
Travel Advisory
Generally safe; exercise normal precautions.
Healthcare
Healthcare Quality
The Netherlands typically ranks very high in healthcare quality.
Medical Cost
Medical costs are relatively high, with a universal healthcare system in place.
Number of Hospitals
Approximately 100 hospitals.
Universal Healthcare
The Netherlands has a universal healthcare system, providing access to healthcare for all residents.
Medical Services Overview
Comprehensive healthcare system offering a wide range of services, including primary care, specialized treatments, and mental health support.
Emergency Medical Access
Emergency medical services are readily accessible through the 112 hotline.
Emergency & Safety
Emergency Number (Police)
The emergency number for the police is 112.
Emergency Number (Ambulance)
The emergency number for the ambulance is 112.
Emergency Number (Fire)
The emergency number for the fire department is 112.
Crime Rate
The crime rate index is relatively low.
Safety Index
The safety index is relatively high.
Military Expenditure
Military expenditure is around 1.6% of GDP.
Emergency Services Overview
Emergency services, including police, ambulance, and fire departments, are readily available.
Safety Overview
The Netherlands is a very safe country for tourists, with low crime rates. Petty theft, such as pickpocketing, can occur in crowded tourist areas like Amsterdam's central station or busy markets; be mindful of your belongings. While most interactions are positive, be aware of potential street scams, though they are not widespread. It's always advisable to avoid displaying large amounts of cash or expensive electronics openly. Public transportation is reliable and generally safe. Stick to well-lit and populated areas after dark, as you would in any urban environment. Emergency services are efficient and readily available should you need them.
Military Branches
The Netherlands Armed Forces consist of the Royal Netherlands Army, the Royal Netherlands Navy, the Royal Netherlands Air Force, and the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee.
Infrastructure
Electricity Access
Electricity access is universal in the Netherlands.
Water Access
Water access is universal in the Netherlands.
Sanitation Access
Sanitation access is universal in the Netherlands.
Railways
The Netherlands has an extensive and well-maintained railway network.
Roadways
The Netherlands has a dense network of high-quality roadways.
Transportation System
The Netherlands has an efficient transportation system, including well-developed roads, railways, and public transit.
AirportsSource: OurAirports
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS), Eindhoven Airport (EIN), Groningen Airport Eelde (GRQ), Maastricht Aachen Airport (MST), Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM), De Kooy Airfield / Den Helder Naval Air Station (DHR)
Ports
Major ports include the Port of Rotterdam, one of the world's largest.
Public Transit
Public transit is widely available, including buses, trams, metros, and trains.
Technology & Communication
Internet Penetration (%)Source: World Bank: Individuals using the Internet (% of population) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
97.01#20 of 211
Mobile Subscriptions (per 100)
109 per 100 people (2022).
Tech Startups
Thriving tech startup ecosystem, particularly in Amsterdam and other major cities, focusing on fintech, AI, and cleantech.
Innovation Index
High ranking in global innovation indices; consistently a top innovator.
ICT Development Index
Very high; well-developed ICT infrastructure and usage.
TV Broadcast Stations
Numerous television broadcast stations, including public and private channels.
Radio Broadcast Stations
Extensive radio broadcasting, with diverse public and commercial stations.
Plug Type & Voltage
Type C & F, 230V, 50Hz
CO2 Emissions (t per capita)Source: World Bank: Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions excluding LULUCF per capita (t CO2e/capita) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
6.6#37 of 202
Air Quality Index
Generally good, but can be affected by traffic and industrial emissions. Monitoring and regulations are in place.
Water Pollution Level
Good, with high water quality standards and treatment. Some localized issues from agricultural runoff.
Renewable Energy Usage
Increasing, with strong focus on wind power, solar, and biomass. Government incentives and targets for renewable energy.
Environmental Issues
Air pollution (especially in urban areas), soil contamination, rising sea levels, and intensive agriculture impacts.
Natural Hazards
Flooding, due to low elevation and proximity to the sea; also, some seismic activity.
Waste Management
Highly developed, with significant recycling and waste-to-energy programs. Focus on reducing landfill use.
Environmental Agreements
Active participant in numerous international environmental agreements, including climate change and biodiversity conventions.
UN MembershipSource: REST Countries
Yes
Diplomatic Missions
Extensive network of embassies and consulates worldwide.
International OrganizationsSource: REST Countries
NATO, EU, Eurozone, OECD, Schengen Area
Major Treaties
Schengen Agreement, Paris Agreement, and various other international treaties.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to a very large number of countries.