Netherlands

Netherlands is a small country on the North Sea in northwestern Europe. It is bordered by Belgium and Germany. The Netherlands is often called Holland, but this name officially refers only to the western part of the country.

The people of the Netherlands call themselves Nederlanders. They are also known as the Dutch.

A Short Background

The 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 a brutal 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 EC, and participated in the introduction of the euro in 1999.

Population:

15,981,472 (July 2001 est.)

Ethnic groups:

Dutch 91%, Moroccans, Turks, and other 9% (1999 est.)

Religions:

Roman Catholic 31%, Protestant 21%, Muslim 4.4%, other 3.6%, unaffiliated 40% (1998)

Languages:

Dutch

Currency:

Euro (EUR)

Currency code:

EUR

Exchange rates:

1 EURO to US Dollar : 1,1962 (April 2004)

Location:

Western Europe, bordering the North Sea, between Belgium and Germany

Geographic coordinates:

52 30 N, 5 45 E