- Population:
- 18,229,000
- Religion:
- Non-Religious
The Netherlands was part of the Holy Roman Empire before gaining independence from Spain in the 16th century. It became a major colonial and trading power during the Dutch Golden Age. After German occupation in World War II, the country rebuilt into a prosperous European nation, known for its innovation, democracy, and global economic influence.
The Netherlands, officially the Kingdom of the Netherlands, is a country located in Western Europe, with territories in the Caribbean. The European part of the Netherlands shares borders with Germany to the east, Belgium to the south, and has a western and northern coastline along the North Sea. Covering an area of approximately 41,543 square kilometers, it has a population of about 17.5 million people as of 2023. The capital city is Amsterdam, while The Hague serves as the seat of government. The official language is Dutch, with Frisian also recognized in the province of Friesland. The Netherlands operates as a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system. The economy is highly developed and diversified, with key sectors including agriculture, trade, finance, and technology. The Netherlands is known for its flat landscape, extensive canal systems, tulip fields, windmills, and cycling routes. The country is a founding member of international organizations such as the European Union, NATO, and the World Trade Organization.
