Netherlands

Netherlands

The Netherlands is a country located in Northwestern Europe. It is bordered by Germany to the east, Belgium to the south, and the North Sea to the northwest, with maritime borders in the North Sea with those countries and the United Kingdom.

Geography

The Netherlands is known for its flat topography, characterized by extensive lowlands, with about 50% of its land lying less than one meter above sea level. Many areas are reclaimed from the sea and are protected by dikes. This has resulted in a landscape characterized by large expanses of rivers, flat grassland and cultivated fields, with scattered towns and cities.

History

The history of the Netherlands is a tale of constantly changing cultures. The earliest human inhabitants were tribes of Celts and Germanic peoples. In the 1st century BC, the region was conquered by the Roman Empire. After the fall of Rome, the area was a part of several different kingdoms and empires, including the Holy Roman Empire and the Kingdom of Burgundy.

Economy

The Netherlands has a developed economy, ranking 17th of 186 countries according to the IMF. It is known for its high standard of living, stable industrial relations, and moderate unemployment and inflation. The country is one of the world's top exporters of goods, and it is known for its highly mechanized agricultural sector.

Culture

Dutch culture has been shaped by its seafaring history and the harsh landscape. The Dutch are known for their liberal policies toward issues like drugs and prostitution, and they have a tradition of tolerance and diversity. In terms of cultural exports, the Netherlands is famous for its painters, such as Rembrandt and Van Gogh.

Government

The Netherlands is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system. Its government has been characterized by its sober, pragmatic and compromise-based approach. The monarch is the head of state, but the role is largely ceremonial. The executive power is formed by the Council of Ministers, the deliberative organ of the Dutch cabinet.

See also

• History of the Netherlands
• Geography of the Netherlands
• Economy of the Netherlands
• Culture of the Netherlands
• Government of the Netherlands

European Union

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  EU-Netherlands (orthographic projection)

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  EU-Netherlands

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  BES islands location map

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  5500vc ex leg

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  Bronze Age Elp

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  Germania 70

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  Frisia 716-la

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  Franks expansion

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  Rorik by H. W. Koekkoek

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  Graftombe Ridder Arnold van der Sluijs

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  Carlos V en Mühlberg, by Titian, from Prado in Google Earth