last edited Dec 11, 2019
Overview of the Netherlands
Quick Overview
One of the flattest countries in the world, the "Kingdom of the Netherlands"—its official name—has one of the lowest average altitudes globally. A quarter of its territory lies below sea level (the North Sea).
Key Facts
- Latitude/longitude: 52.21' N, 5.55' E.
- Local time:
- Capital: Amsterdam (though the government is based in The Hague).
- Nature of the state: constitutional monarchy.
- Official language: Dutch, plus Frisian in the province of Friesland.
- Currency: euro.
- Population: 17,151,228 inhabitants (2018).
- Area: 41,543 km².
- Density: 413 inhabitants/km².
- Highest point: Vaalserberg (322 m).
- Lowest point: Zuidplaspolder (-7 m).
- Coastline: 451 km.
- Driving: on the right.
- Flag: [drapeau: Pays-Bas]
Tourism
With 19.014 million visitors in 2018 (nearly double the number in 2010), the Netherlands ranks among Europe’s top tourist destinations. However, while tourism contributes 6% to the Dutch GDP, it remains highly concentrated.
Nearly two-thirds of all visitors head to Amsterdam and its immediate surroundings—a city with a rich heritage, excellent air and rail connections, and "cannabis tourism", which draws many weekend visitors from neighboring countries. Germans, Belgians, Britons, and French (784,000 in 2016) make up the largest groups of tourists. Outside Amsterdam and its outskirts, tourist pressure drops significantly, with some regions like Limburg attracting very few visitors.
Travel Essentials
- Destination: beginner-friendly.
- By air: France-Amsterdam round trip for 90/180 €.
- Entry requirements: ID card or passport.
- Currency to bring: euros.
- Exchange rate:
- Backpacker daily budget: 60 to 80 € per person.
- Accommodation: camping or youth hostel.
- Getting around: car or train + bike.
- Risks: none health-wise and very low security risks.
- Best time for climate/crowds/prices: from late April to late September, avoiding school holidays and long weekends—especially May-June and September.
- Interests (out of ): Nature / ; Adventure ; Culture ; Relaxation/Holidays
Useful Addresses
Tourist Office: available online.
Socio-Economic Statistics
- "Quality of life": 10/188 (rank in 2018)
- GDP per capita: $53,900 (2017)
- Average monthly income: $4,020 (2012)
- Inflation: +1.3% (2017)
- "Official" unemployment: 4.9% (2017)
- Population below poverty line: 8.8% (2015)
- Life expectancy: 81.5 years (2018)
- Migration rate per 1,000 inhabitants: +1.9 (2017)
- Population growth: +0.38% (2018)
- Literacy rate: 100% (2019)
- Urban population: 91.5% (2018)
- Press freedom: 3/180 (rank in 2018)
- Political regime: democracy (11/167 in 2018)
Sources: World Bank, Human Development Indicators, RSF, The Economist, The World Factbook