Introducing the Netherlands
The Dutch way of thinking and working has been shaped by centuries of living in the low-lying delta of the Netherlands. Cooperation has deep roots in our culture. Through the ages, we have joined forces to find effective ways to tackle challenges like water, urbanisation, energy, food, health and security. By being inventive, pragmatic, and open to new opportunities and challenges, the Dutch has built a flourishing and resilient land. From this experience, the Netherlands recognises that global challenges can only be addressed by working together. Learning from the past to create a better future, the Dutch contribute their knowledge and expertise in achieving the sustainable development goals. We work collaboratively across sectors and borders to create inclusive sustainable solutions that benefit societies, protect our planet, and foster peace and prosperity around the world.
Facts & Figures
• Official name Kingdom of the Netherlands
• Form of government Parliamentary democracy (cabinet of Prime Minister and Ministers)
within a constitutional monarchy
• Head of State His Majesty King Willem-Alexander, King of the Netherlands,
Prince of Orange-Nassau
• Capital Amsterdam
• Seat of government The Hague
• Administrative structure The kingdom consists of four entities. The Netherlands
and three territories in the Caribbean: Aruba and Curaçao and St. Maarten. Number
of provinces 12. Special municipalities: The overseas islands of Bonaire, Saba and St.
Eustatius, all three of which are situated in the Caribbean.
• Surface area 33.800 km2
• Location Western Europe, by the North Sea, bordering Belgium and Germany
• Number of inhabitants 17.2 million (2019)
• Number of inhabitants per km2 509 (2019)
• Currency Euro
• Languages Dutch and Frisian (On the overseas islands also English and Papiaments)
• GDP per capita 49,079 euros (World Bank, 2018)
• 33% of Dutch GDP is derived internationally
• 1.3 bicycles for each person in the Netherlands
• Unemployment rate 3,4% (CBS, 2019)
• Harmonized inflation rate 2.7% (Statista, 2019)
• 90% of all Dutch people speak English
