Netherlands, located in NW Europe, is also called as Holland. It is known for its canals, tulip fields, windmills and cycling routes.
Netherlands literally means a flat land and a low-lying country. The capital is Amsterdam and the seat of Government is The Hague.
Top Facts at a Glance
Dutch men are the tallest in Europe
Netherlands has the highest number of part-time workers in Europe
It is a city of highest no Sports Clubs
The Dutch never appreciate any kind of 'surprise visits'. They are sticklers for plans
They are the world's biggest coffee drinkers.
We now take a section wise look at the interesting facts about Netherlands.
Business
The Dutch were first to discover Australia and New Zealand
Dutch inventions include compact disc, microscope, telescope, mercury thermometer, the artificial heart
Netherlands is 4th largest investor in US
The Hague is the administrative center of Netherlands and also the 'legal capital of the world'.
It has the following:
International Court of Justice
Permanent Court of Arbitration
International Criminal Tribunal
International Criminal Court
Special Tribunal for Lebanon
Famous Dutch companies include Heineken, KPMG, Unilever and Philips.
There are more than 80 International Organizations and NGOs located in Hague.
People
The Dutch enjoy the longest lifespan in the world.
Netherlands has highest population density in the world.
Home Births are a common norm in Netherlands.
A Typical Dutch Countryside
Netherlands is known for high-quality living and is the second happiest country in the world(after Finland).
The Dutch are the most physically active and give preference to cycling, walking and playing different sports.
Agriculture
Agricultural land is divided into grassland, arable farming, and horticultural land. Horticulture is carried under glass and is one of the well-developed industries.
Dutch dairy farming is one of the best in the world and the yield per cow is one of the highest in the world.
Netherlands is the world's first producer and exporter of Tulips. It has vast beautiful acres of Tulips farms.
It is also called the 'Flower Shop of the World'. Tulip festivals are abound throughout the country in spring.
The City
Almost half of Netherlands is below sea level, but various polders and dikes makes the land more available. The climate plays a major role for keeping a harmonious vibe.
The Dutch Government Policy regarding environment and reducing pollution is one of the most ambitious. Citizens normally commute by public transport or cycles,industries are regulated to produce cleaner production process.
Culture and Arts
Dutch paintings and artists are well-known all over the world.
They are well-renowned sculptors.
Netherlands is famous for its museums(Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam and Van Gogh Museum).
Yes, the relationship of this country with water is unlike any other country and is a fascinating fact in itself. We take a look.
Netherlands and Water
Waterschap, the oldest existing regional water control board, is a Democratic body, which dates back to the 13th Century.
Most type of bridges are found in NL. The Dutch drinking water goes through 20 steps of purification.
Canals are a common norm in Netherlands and are used for defense and transportation.
There are over 10,000 houseboats in NL.
A Few More Facts
The NL is the founding member of the NATO, EU and OECD.
It is the only country with a National Dog.
Every New Year's Eve, fireworks worth 65 million Euros are spent.