Profile
Background and figures as recorded in the CIA World Factbook.
The Dutch United Provinces declared their independence from Spain in 1581; during the 17th century, they became a leading seafaring and commercial power, with settlements and colonies around the world. After 18 years of French domination, the Netherlands regained its independence in 1813. In 1830, Belgium seceded and formed a separate kingdom. The Netherlands remained neutral in World War I but suffered German invasion and occupation in World War II. A modern, industrialized nation, the Netherlands is also a large exporter of agricultural products.
- Capital
- Amsterdam
- Government
- parliamentary constitutional monarchy; part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
- Population
- 17,833,885
- Area
- 41,543 sq km
- Location
- Western Europe, bordering the North Sea, between Belgium and Germany
- Climate
- temperate; marine; cool summers and mild winters
- Natural resources
- natural gas; petroleum; peat; limestone; salt; sand and gravel…
- Languages
- Dutch (official); Frisian (official in Fryslan province)
- Religions
- Roman Catholic 20.1%; Protestant 14.8% (includes Dutch Reformed; Protestant Church of The Netherlands; Calvinist)…
- Independence
- 26 July 1581
- Administrative divisions
- 12 provinces (provincies, singular - provincie), 3 public entities* (openbare lichamen, singular - openbaar lichaam (Dut…
- Currency
- euros (EUR)
- Export partners
- Germany 16%; Belgium 15%; France 11%; Italy 6%…
- Import partners
- Germany 16%; Belgium 10%; China 10%; USA 10%…
Source: CIA World Factbook — a work of the US government, in the public domain