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.
Official name: Kingdom of the Netherlands
Capital: Amsterdam
Seat of government: The Hague
Form of government: Parliamentary democracy (cabinet of Prime Minister and Ministers) within a constitutional monarchy
Head of State: King Willem-Alexander, King of the Netherlands, Prince of Orange-Nassau
Administrative structure: The kingdom consists of four entities. The Netherlands and three territories in the Caribbean: Aruba and Curaçao and St. Maarten
Special municipalities: The overseas islands of Bonaire, Saba and St. Eustatius, all three of which are situated in the Caribbean
Surface area: 41,543 km2
Location: Western Europe, bordering Germany, Belgium and the North Sea
Monetary unit: Euro
Number of inhabitants in 2019: 17,282,163 (December 2019, CBS 2020)
Languages: Dutch, Frisian. On the overseas islands also English and Papiamento
Number of provinces: 12
Number of inhabitants per km2: 513 (January 2019, CBS 2020)
