Dialing code +31
ISO 2 code NL
ISO 3 code NLD
Capital Amsterdam
Main Language Dutch
Currency Euro (EUR)
GDP $670.2 billion 19th
Population 16,645,000 60th

Geography

Continent Europe
Location Western Europe bordering the North Sea between Belgium and Germany
Land 41,526 km2 136th
Terrain Mostly coastal lowland and reclaimed land (polders); some hills in southeast
Climate Temperate; marine; cool summers and mild winters
Natural Hazards Mostly coastal lowland and reclaimed land (polders); some hills in southeast
Note: Located at mouths of three major European rivers (Rhine Maas or Meuse and Schelde)

Neighbouring Countries

Belgium Germany

History

The Dutch United Provinces declared their independence from Spain in 1579; during the 17th century they became a leading seafaring and commercial power with settlements and colonies around the world. After a 20-year French occupation a Kingdom of the Netherlands was formed in 1815. In 1830 Belgium seceded and formed a separate kingdom. The Netherlands remained neutral in World War I but suffered invasion and occupation by Germany in World War II. A modern industrialized nation the Netherlands is also a large exporter of agricultural products. The country was a founding member of NATO and the EEC (now the EU) and participated in the introduction of the euro in 1999.
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Demographics

Life Expectancy 79.4 years 26th
Median Age 40.4 years 23rd
Birth Rate 10.4 births/1,000 population 171st
Death Rate 8.74 births/1,000 population 82nd
Sex Ratio 0.76 male(s)/female 116th
Literacy 99.0% 34th
Population

16.6 million

Transportation

Roadways 135470 km 34th
Railways 2811 km 56th
Airports 27 122nd
Waterways 6215 km 21st
Heliports 1 82nd
Airports paved 1 135th

Economy

Currency Euro (EUR)
GDP $670.2 billion 19th
GDP per capita (PPP) $40300 16th