general information

Kingdom 

Capital: Amsterdam

Area: 41.500 km2

Population: 16,7 millions

Population density/km2: 402

Member of the EU since 1952

National holiday: April 30

National anthem: Wilhelmus van Nassau

• With 480 people per km2, the Netherlands have the highest population density in Europe after Malta. 

• In January 1995, 250 000 Dutch people had to be evacuated after the rising flood water weakened the dams.

• There are over 19.000 km of cycle paths in the Netherlands. 80% of the population of the Netherlands owns a bicycle. 

• Aalsmeer has the world's largest auctions of cut flowers, with 12 billion flowers sold a year. 50% are exported.

• More than half the area of the Netherlands lies below sea level.

• The Netherlands has around 1000 working windmills.

• 65% of Dutch people go on holiday at least once a year. They are the Europeans most likely to go on a trip during their free time. 

Officially the flattest country in Europe and the place where you can see windmills and canals around every corner. The best way to discover the Netherlands is by bicycle which is the main mode of transport in downtown Amsterdam. Most backpackers stay around the red-light district which is famous for its window shopping and coffee shops that serve cakes that might be a little different to your nana's recipes. Check out Rotterdam's clubs and party in Maastricht's vibrant streets. Perhaps some fresh cheese from the city of Edam will help you get over your hangover before you head down to Den Haag and Haarlem.