Moving to Netherlands: visas, cost of living & immigrant guide

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Population

17,280,397

Population Growth Rate

0.44%

Urban Population

83.200000

Population in Major Urban Areas

AMSTERDAM (capital) 1.056 million; Rotterdam 1.014 million; The Hague (seat of government) 635,000

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Age Structure

16.560000

Median Age

41.800000

Birth Rate - births/1,000 population

11

Death Rate - deaths/1,000 population

8.48

Total Fertility Rate - children born/woman

1.78

Contraceptive Prevalance Rate - female 12-49

69%

Contraceptive Prevalence Rate - female 12-49

69%

Mean Age for Mother's First Birth (age 25-49)

28.9

Mother's mean age at first birth

28.9

Sex Ratio at Birth - male/female

1.050000

Net Migration Rate - migrant(s)/1,000 population

1.99

Ethnic Groups

Dutch 83%, other 17% (of which 9% are non-Western origin mainly Turks, Moroccans, Antilleans, Surinamese and Indonesians)

Nationality Noun

Dutchman(men), Dutchwoman(women)

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Literacy - total population

99%

Literacy - male

99%

Literacy - female

99%

Literacy Definition

age 15 and over can read and write

Education Expenditures - percent of GDP

5.9%

Total School Life Expectancy - (primary to tertiary)

18.000000

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Life Expectancy at Birth

81.010000

Infant Mortality Rate

3.690000

Infant Mortality Rate - total deaths/1,000 live births

3.690000

Maternal Mortality Rate - deaths/100,000 live births

6

Physicians Density - physicians/1,000 population

3.92

Hospital Bed Density - beds/1,000 population

4.7

Health Expenditures - percent of GDP

12%

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

18.8%

Drinking Water Source - percent of urban population improved

100.000000

Sanitation Facility Access - percent of urban population improved

100.000000

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Economic Overview

• Trade: The Netherlands has a long history of international trade dating back to its strategic location and its tradition as a maritime nation. Today, it remains one of the world's top exporters of goods and services. Rotterdam, Europe's largest port, is central in facilitating trade flows, particularly in Europe. Highly Developed
• Infrastructure: The Dutch economy benefits from a well-developed infrastructure, including an extensive network of roads, railways, waterways, and airports. This infrastructure supports domestic economic activities and facilitates international trade and logistics. Innovation and
• Technology: The Netherlands is known for its innovative and knowledge-based economy. It is home to several world-renowned technology companies and research institutions. The government actively promotes research and development through investment in education, science parks, and innovation hubs. Agriculture and
• Agribusiness: Despite being a relatively small country, the Netherlands is one of the world's leading agricultural producers, particularly in sectors such as horticulture, dairy, and floriculture. The country is known for its advanced agricultural techniques and sustainable practices. Financial
• Services: Amsterdam is a central financial hub in Europe, hosting the headquarters of several multinational financial institutions and serving as an important center for banking, insurance, and asset management activities.
• Manufacturing: The manufacturing sector in the Netherlands is diverse and includes machinery, electronics, chemicals, and food processing. The country is known for its high-quality manufacturing and engineering capabilities.
• Tourism: The Netherlands attracts millions of tourists annually, drawn by its rich cultural heritage, picturesque landscapes, and vibrant cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht. Tourism plays a significant role in the Dutch economy, contributing to job creation and revenue generation. Sustainability and Renewable
• Energy: The Netherlands is committed to sustainability and renewable energy initiatives, with ambitious targets for reducing carbon emissions and increasing the share of renewable energy in its energy mix. Investments in wind power, solar energy, and sustainable transportation are driving the transition towards a greener economy.
• Challenges: Like many other advanced economies, the Netherlands faces challenges such as an aging population, labor market reforms, and adapting to technological disruptions. External factors such as geopolitical tensions and trade uncertainties can also impact the Dutch economy.

Industries

agroindustries, metal and engineering products, electrical machinery and equipment, chemicals, petroleum, construction, microelectronics, fishing

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$49,300.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

1.8%

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GDP - Gross Domestic Product (PPP)

$945,480,000,000 (USD)

GDP Per Capita

$49,300.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

1.8%

GDP - official exchange rate

$750,800,000,000 (USD)

GDP - composition, by end use

• consumption: 45% government
• consumption: 25.3% investment in fixed
• capital: 19% investment in
• inventories: -0.1% exports of goods and
• services: 83.6% imports of goods and
• services: -72.8%

GDP by Sector- agriculture

1.6%

GDP by Sector- Industry

18.8%

GDP by Sector- services

79.6%

Industrial Growth Rate

3.2%

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Inflation Rate

1.1%

Exchange Rate per US Dollar

euro (EUR)

Currency Name and Code

Euro (EUR)

Fiscal Year

calendar year

Commercial Bank Prime Lending Rate

2.3%

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Labor Force

7,860,000

Unemployment Rate

5.5%

Major Industries

agroindustries, metal and engineering products, electrical machinery and equipment, chemicals, petroleum, construction, microelectronics, fishing

Agriculture Products

grains, potatoes, sugar beets, fruits, vegetables; livestock

Population Below Poverty Line

10.5%

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Labor Force By Occupation- agriculture

2.3%

Labor Force By Occupation- industry

18.8%

Labor Force By Occupation- services

78.9%

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Annual Budget

$356,000,000,000 (USD)

Public Debt (% of GDP)

55%

Budget Surplus or Deficit - percent of GDP

-3.3%

Taxes and other revenues - percent of GDP

43.7%

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Full Country Name

Kingdom of the Netherlands

Country Name

Netherlands

Local - Long

Koninkrijk der Nederlanden

Local - Short

Nederland

Abbreviation

NL

Etymology- history of name

the country name literally means "the lowlands" and refers to the geographic features of the land being both flat and down river from higher areas (i.e., at the estuaries of the Scheldt, Meuse, and Rhine Rivers

only about half of the Netherlands is more than 1 meter above sea level)

Independence

26 July 1581 (the northern provinces of the Low Countries formally declared their independence with an Act of Abjuration; however, it was not until 30 January 1648 and the Peace of Westphalia that Spain recognized this independence)

National Holiday

• King's Day (birthday of King WILLEM-ALEXANDER), 27 April (1967)
• note - King's or Queen's Day is observed on the ruling monarch's birthday
• currently celebrated on 26 April if 27 April is a Sunday

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Government Type

parliamentary constitutional monarchy; part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands

Constitution

• history: many previous to adoption of the "Basic Law of the Kingdom of the Netherlands" on 24 August 1815; revised 8 times, the latest in 1983
• amendments: proposed as an Act of Parliament by or on behalf of the king or by the Second Chamber of the States General; the Second Chamber is dissolved after its first reading of the Act; passage requires a second reading by both the First Chamber and the newly elected Second Chamber, followed by at least two-thirds majority vote of both chambers, and ratification by the king; amended many times, last in 2018

Legal System:

civil law system based on the French system; constitution does not permit judicial review of acts of the States General

Executive Branch:

• chief of state: King WILLEM-ALEXANDER (since 30 April 2013)
• head of government: Caretaker Prime Minister Dick SCHOOF (since 3 June 2025)
• cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the monarch election/appointment
• process: the monarchy is hereditary; following Second Chamber elections, the monarch usually appoints the leader of the majority party or majority coalition as prime minister; deputy prime ministers are also appointed by the monarch
• note: Prime Minister Dick SCHOOF resigned on 3 June 2025 after a party withdrew from his governing coalition, but he will continue in a caretaker capacity until new elections are held, probably in the fall of 2025

Legislative Branch:

• Description: bicameral States General or Staten Generaal consists of: Senate or Eerste Kamer (75 seats; members indirectly elected by the country's 12 provincial council members by proportional representation vote; members serve 4-year terms) House of Representatives or Tweede Kamer (150 seats; members directly elected in multi-seat constituencies by open-list proportional representation vote to serve up to 4-year terms)
• Elections: - Senate - last held on 30 May 2023 (next to be held in May 2027) House of Representatives - last held on 22 November 2023 (next to be held on 30 November 2027)
• Election Results: - Senate - percent of vote by party - BBB 21.3%, VVD 13.3%, GL 9.3%, PvdA 9.3%, CDA 8.0%, D66 6.7%, PVV 5.3%, SP 4.0%, CU 4.0%, PvdD 4.0%, JA21 4.0%, Volt 2.7%, SGP 2.7%, FvD 2.7%, other 2.6%; seats by party - BBB 16, VVD 10, GL 7, PvdA 7, CDA 6, D66 5, PVV 4, SP 3, CU 3, PvdD 3, JA21 3, Volt 2, SGP 2, FvD 2 other 2; composition (as of May 2023) - men 45, women 30, percent of women 40% House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - PVV 23.6%, GL/PvdA 15.5%, VVD 15.2%, NSC 12.8%, D66 6.2%, BBB 4.7%, CDA 3.3%, SP 3.1%, Denk 2.4%, FvD 2.2%, PvdD 2.3%, CU 2.1%, SGP 2.2%, other 6.4%; seats by party - PVV 37, GL/PvdA 25, VVD 24, NSC 20, D66 9, BBB 7, CDA 5, SP 5, Denk 3, PvdD 3, CU 3, FvD 3, SGP 3, other 6; composition (as of December 2023) - men 89, women 60, percent of women 40.3%;
• Note: total States General percent of women 40.2%

Judicial Branch:

• judges: the president, 6 vice presidents, 31 justices or raadsheren, and 3 justices in exceptional service, referred to as buitengewone dienst); the court is divided into criminal, civil, tax, and ombuds chambers judge selection and term of
• office: justices appointed by the monarch from a list provided by the House of Representatives of the States General; justices appointed for life or until mandatory retirement at age 70
• subordinate courts: courts of appeal; district courts, each with up to 5 subdistrict courts; Netherlands Commercial Court

Regions or States:

12 provinces (provincies, singular - provincie), 3 public entities* (openbare lichamen, singular - openbaar lichaam (Dutch); entidatnan publiko, singular - entidat publiko (Papiamento)); Bonaire*, Drenthe, Flevoland, Fryslan (Friesland), Gelderland, Groningen, Limburg, Noord-Brabant (North Brabant), Noord-Holland (North Holland), Overijssel, Saba*, Sint Eustatius*, Utrecht, Zeeland (Zealand), Zuid-Holland (South Holland) note 1: the Netherlands is one of four constituent countries of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; the other three, Aruba, Curacao, and Sint Maarten, are all islands in the Caribbean; while all four parts are considered equal partners, in practice, most of the Kingdom's affairs are administered by the Netherlands, which makes up about 98% of the Kingdom's total land area and population note 2: although Bonaire, Saba, and Sint Eustatius are officially incorporated into the country of the Netherlands under the broad designation of "public entities," Dutch Government sources regularly apply to them the more descriptive term of "special municipalities"; Bonaire, Saba, and Sint Eustatius are collectively referred to as the Caribbean Netherlands

Political Parties and Leaders:

• Christian Democratic Appeal or CDA [Henri BONTENBAI]
• Christian Union or CU [Mirjam BIKKER]
• Correct Answer 2021 or JA21 [Joost EEDERMANS]
• Democrats 66 or D66 [Rob JETTEN]
• Denk [Stephan van BAARLE]
• Farmer-Citizen Movement or BBB [Caroline van der PLAS] 50Plus [Martin van ROOIJEN]
• Forum for Democracy or FvD [Thierry BAUDET]
• Green Left (GroenLinks) or GL [Jesse KLAVER]
• Labor Party or PvdA [Attje KUIKEN]
• New Social Contract or NSC [Pieter OMTZIGT]
• Party for Freedom or PVV [Geert WILDERS]
• Party for the Animals or PvdD [Esther OUWENHAND]
• People's Party for Freedom and Democracy or VVD [Dilan YESILGOZ]
• Reformed Political Party or SGP [Chris STOFFER]
• Socialist Party or SP [Lilian MARIJNISSEN]
• Together or BIJ1 [Edson OLF]
• Volt Netherlands or Volt [Laurens DASSEN]

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Citizenship Criteria:

• birth: no citizenship by descent
• only: at least one parent must be a citizen of the Netherlands dual citizenship
• recognized: no residency requirement for
• naturalization: 5 years

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Capital Name

Amsterdam; note - The Hague is the seat of government

Capital - geographic coordinate

52 21 N, 4 55 E

Capital Time Difference

UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) time zone note: time descriptions apply to the continental Netherlands only, for the constituent countries in the Caribbean, the time difference is UTC-4

Daylight Savings Time

+1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

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International Organization Participation:

• ADB (nonregional member)
• AfDB (nonregional member)
• Arctic Council (observer)
• Australia Group
• Benelux
• BIS
• CBSS (observer)
• CD
• CE
• CERN
• EAPC
• EBRD
• ECB
• EIB
• EITI (implementing country)
• EMU
• ESA
• EU
• FAO
• FATF
• G-10
• IADB
• IAEA
• IBRD
• ICAO
• ICC (national committees)
• ICCt
• ICRM
• IDA
• IEA
• IFAD
• IFC
• IFRCS
• IGAD (partners)
• IHO
• ILO
• IMF
• IMO
• IMSO
• Interpol
• IOC
• IOM
• IPU
• ISO
• ITSO
• ITU
• ITUC (NGOs)
• MIGA
• NATO
• NEA
• NSG
• OAS (observer)
• OECD
• OPCW
• OSCE
• Pacific Alliance (observer)
• Paris Club
• PCA
• Schengen Convention
• SELEC (observer)
• UN
• UNCTAD
• UNESCO
• UNHCR
• UNHRC
• UNIDO
• UNMISS
• UNOOSA
• UNRWA
• UN Security Council (temporary)
• UNTSO
• UNWTO
• UPU
• Wassenaar Arrangement
• WCO
• WHO
• WIPO
• WMO
• WTO
• ZC

International Law Organization Participation:

accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Diplomatic Representation from US:

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador Shefali RAZDAN DUGGAL (since 19 October 2022)
• Embassy: John Adams Park 1, 2244 BZ Wassenaar
• Mailing Address: 5780 Amsterdam Place, Washington DC 20521-5780
• Telephone: [31] (70) 310-2209
• FAX: [31] (70) 310-2207
• Email: AmsterdamUSC@state.gov
• Website: https://nl.usembassy.gov/
• Consulate(s) General: Amsterdam

Diplomatic Representation in the US:

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador Birgitta TAZELAAR (since 15 September 2023)
• Chancery: 4200 Linnean Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
• Telephone: [1] (202) 244-5300
• FAX: [1] (202) 362-3430
• Email: was@minbuza.nl
• Website: https://www.netherlandsworldwide.nl/countries/united-states/about-us/embassy-in-washington-dc
• Consulate(s) General: Atlanta, Chicago, Miami, New York, San Francisco

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Geographic Location

Europe

Geographic Coordinates

52 30 N, 5 45 E

Total Area

16,040 Square Miles 41,543 Square Kilometers

Land Area

13,086 Square Miles 33,893 Square Kilometers

Water Area

2,954 Square Miles 7,650 Square Kilometers

Land Boundaries

638 Miles 1,027 Kilometers

Border Countries

Belgium 450 km, Germany 577 km

Coastline

280 Miles 451 Kilometers

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Terrain

mostly coastal lowland and reclaimed land (polders); some hills in southeast

Highest Point

322 Meters

Highest Point Location

Vaalserberg 322 m

Lowest Point

-7 Meters

Lowest Point Location

Zuidplaspolder -7 m

Natural Resources

natural gas, petroleum, peat, limestone, salt, sand and gravel, arable land

Irrigated Land

1,765 Square Miles 4,572 Square Kilometers

Time Zone

UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) time zone note: time descriptions apply to the continental Netherlands only, for the constituent countries in the Caribbean, the time difference is UTC-4

Daylight saving time

+1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

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Climate

The Netherlands lies in the temperate zone of the Northern Hemisphere, and for the most part possesses a maritime climate.

The summers are cool while winters are quite cold.

The warmest months fall between July and September with temperatures ranging from 60-75°F.

The winter months are long and dreary with strong winds and some snow.

Temperatures range from 20-35°F.

Due to the proximity of the sea, rain is quite common and spread pretty evenly all year round.

Terrain

mostly coastal lowland and reclaimed land (polders); some hills in southeast

Location

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

Total Area

16,040 Square Miles 41,543 Square Kilometers

Border Countries

Belgium 450 km, Germany 577 km

Environment - Current Issues

• Water pollution in the form of heavy metals, organic compounds, and nutrients such as nitrates and phosphates
• air pollution from vehicles and refining activities
• acid rain.

Environment - International Agreements

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

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Exports

$451,300,000,000 (USD)

Imports

$408,400,000,000 (USD)

Major Exports

machinery and equipment, chemicals, fuels; foodstuffs

Major Imports

machinery and transport equipment, chemicals, fuels; foodstuffs, clothing

Top Export Partners

Germany 25.1%, Belgium 12.7%, UK 10.7%, France 10.2%, Italy 6%, US 4.6%

Top Import Partners

Germany 17.9%, Belgium 9.7%, US 9.1%, UK 6.9%, France 5.5%, China 5.1%, Japan 4%

Export Partners

Germany 25.1%, Belgium 12.7%, UK 10.7%, France 10.2%, Italy 6%, US 4.6%

Import Partners

Germany 17.9%, Belgium 9.7%, US 9.1%, UK 6.9%, France 5.5%, China 5.1%, Japan 4%

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Country Description

The Netherlands is a highly developed, stable democracy. Tourist facilities are available throughout the country.

Safety & Security

Since 2004, Dutch government security measures have been in place in response to concerns about terrorist activity in the Netherlands by international and domestic extremist groups.

The Dutch Government has determined the current terrorist threat level to be "substantial." According to the Dutch National Coordinator for Counterterrorism, this level, the second-highest of four levels, means that “there is a realistic possibility that an attack will take place in the Netherlands.” We encourage you to keep up with the latest news while in the Netherlands and to take steps to increase your security awareness.

As with other countries in the Schengen area, the Netherlands’ open borders with its European neighbors allow for the possibility of terrorist groups entering/exiting the country with anonymity.

Demonstrations are commonplace in the Netherlands and may range in number from a few demonstrators to several thousand.

Prior police notice is required for public demonstrations, and police oversight is routinely provided.

Nonetheless, even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence.

We urge you to avoid areas of demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if near one.

Visitors should stay informed about demonstrations from local news sources and hotel security.

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Crime

• address: KLPD, Financial Crimes Unit PO Box 3016 2700 KX Zoetermeer The Netherlands
• Attention: Project Apollo The Dutch Embassy in Washington, D.C. has a prepared letter that can be used to inform the Dutch Police of fraud. Do not buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal to bring back into the United States, if you purchase them you may also be breaking local law.

Criminal Penalties

While you are traveling in the Netherlands, you are subject to its laws even though you are a U.S. citizen.

Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different from our own.

Under Dutch law, for example, you may be taken in for questioning if you are unable to present your passport to local authorities.

It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not in the country you are visiting.

Note that your U.S. passport will not help you avoid arrest or prosecution if you break local laws.

If you are arrested in the Netherlands, however, you do have theright to request that the police, prison officials, or other authorities alert the Consulate General of your arrest, and to havecommunications from you forwarded to the Consulate General.

This accommodation is based on the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, bilateral agreements with certain countries, and customary international law.

While some countries will automatically notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate if a U.S. citizen is detained or arrested in a foreign country, that might not always be the case.

To ensure that the United States is aware of your circumstances, request that the police and prison officials notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate as soon as you are arrested or detained overseas.

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Medical Facilities

Good medical facilities are widely available.

Emergency medical response can be accessed by dialing 112.

Pharmacies (“Apotheek”) are widely available and can assist with emergency prescription needs.

Some common medications are not available in the Netherlands without a prescription, and some prescription drugs cannot be sent to the country.

Travelers are urged to carry an adequate supply of prescription drugs in their original container, in their carry-on luggage.

Please carry a letter from your pharmacist or medical doctor with you, as some drugs are subject to confiscation by local custom agents.

Those traveling with any pre-existing medical problems should bring a letter from the attending physician, describing the medical condition and any prescription medications, including the generic name of prescribed drugs.

Vaccinations are not required for travel to the Netherlands.

Traffic Safety

While in the Netherlands, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.

In the Netherlands, travel in, around, and between cities is possible via a highly developed national public transportation system, an extensive system of bike paths, and by automobile and motorcycle on a modern highway system.

Rail is often a convenient alternative to driving, particularly in the areas around Amsterdam, The Hague, and Rotterdam, where road congestion is frequent.

Rail network information is available online.

Intercity travel by road is relatively safe in comparison to some other European countries.

A valid driver’s license issued by a Department of Motor Vehicles in the United States is valid for use in the Netherlands for up to 180 days while in tourist or visitor status.

You must use seat belts and child seats.

Driving is on the right side of the road, as in the United States.

Speed limits are strictly enforced via radar.

Traffic cameras are pervasive throughout the Netherlands and tickets for traveling even 2-5 km/h over the limit are common.

The maximum speed limit on highways is 120 km/h, with a highway speed limit of 100 km/h posted in most urban areas.

Secondary roads and some urban-area highways have a speed limit of 80 km/h.

The speed limit in towns and cities is 50 km/h, with 30 km/h zones in residential areas.

The Dutch Government has reduced speed limits on certain roads near cities in an effort to reduce air pollution.

You should be aware that speed limit signs are electronic, and therefore speed limits may be changed remotely by authorities depending on traffic conditions.

Drivers must yield the right-of-way to drivers and bicyclists coming from the right at intersections or traffic circles unless otherwise posted.

The maximum allowable blood-alcohol content in the Netherlands is 0.05%.

Use of cellular telephones while driving without the use of a hands-free device is prohibited, and is punishable by severe fines.

Lanes in the center of many urban two-way streets are reserved for buses, trams, and taxis.

In cities, pedestrians should be mindful of trams, which often cross or share bicycle and pedestrian paths.

Serious – and sometimes fatal – accidents involving pedestrians or bicyclists colliding with trams occur each year.

Motorists should be especially mindful that bicyclists have the right-of-way; motorists must yield to bicyclists.

Pedestrians should not walk along bicycle paths, which are often adjacent to the sidewalk and usually designated by red pavement.

Bicyclists and pedestrians should be particularly cautious during the winter months, when paths, roads, and especially bridges can be icy and extremely slippery.

Taxi service in the Netherlands is safe but expensive.

Trams and buses are both convenient and economical, but are often frequented by pickpockets.

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Airports - total

29

Airports with Paved Runways

23

Heliports

1

Railways

1,872 Miles 3,013 Kilometers

Roadways- total

86,554 Miles 139,295 Kilometers

Waterways

3,875 Miles 6,237 Kilometers

Ports and Terminals

Amsterdam, Delfzijl, Dordrecht, Eemshaven, Groningen, Haarlem, IJmuiden, Maastricht, Rotterdam, Terneuzen, Utrecht, Vlissingen

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Pipelines: Condensate

50 Miles 81 Kilometers

Pipelines: Gas

5,301 Miles 8,531 Kilometers

Pipelines: Oil

359 Miles 578 Kilometers

Pipelines: Refined Products

445 Miles 716 Kilometers

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Telephones

7,320,000

Cell Phones

17,300,000

Internet Users

15,000,000

Internet Country Code

.nl

Internet Hosts

12,607,000

Broadcast Media

• more than 90% of households are connected to cable or satellite TV systems that provide a wide range of domestic and foreign channels
• public service broadcast system includes multiple broadcasters, 3 with a national reach and the remainder operating in regional and local markets
• 2 major nationwide commercial television companies, each with 3 or more stations, and many commercial TV stations in regional and local markets
• nearly 600 radio stations with a mix of public and private stations providing national or regional coverage

Telephone System

• assessment: highly developed and well maintained
• domestic: extensive fixed-line fiber-optic network; large cellular telephone system with 5 major operators utilizing the third generation of the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) technology; one in five households now use Voice over the Internet Protocol (VoIP) services
• international: country code - 31; submarine cables provide links to the US and Europe; satellite earth stations - 5 (3 Intelsat - 1 Indian Ocean and 2 Atlantic Ocean, 1 Eutelsat, and 1 Inmarsat

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Electricity Consumption- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

124,100,000,000

Electricity Exports- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

10,530,000,000

Electricity Imports- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

15,450,000,000

Electricity Production- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

108,200,000,000

Natural Gas Consumption - Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

44,110,000,000

Natural Gas Exports- Cubic Meters (cu m)

63,420,000,000

Natural Gas Imports- Cubic Meters (cu m)

24,650,000,000

Natural Gas Production- Cubic Meters (cu m)

81,520,000,000

Natural Gas Reserves- Cubic Meters (cu m)

10,900,000,000,000

Oil Consumption- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

1,010,000

Oil Exports- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

35,500

Oil Imports- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

1,202,000

Oil Production- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

94,870

Oil Reserves- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

352,000,000

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Anthem History

adopted 1932, in use since the 17th century, making it the oldest national anthem in the world; also known as "Wilhelmus van Nassouwe" (William of Nassau), it is in the form of an acrostic, where the first letter of each stanza spells the name of the leader of the Dutch Revolt

Anthem Lyrics

1568, written by Mr.

Marnix van St.

Aldegonde ilhelmus van Nassouwe Ben ick van Duytschen bloet Den Vaderlant ghetrouwe Blyf ick tot in den doet Een Prince van Oraengien Ben ick, vrij, onverveert Den Coninck van Hispaengien Heb ick altijt gheeert In Godes vrees te leven Heb ick altijt betracht Daerom ben ick verdreven Om Landt om Luyd ghebracht Maer Godt sal my regeren Als een goet Instrument Dat ick sal wederkeeren In mijnen Regiment Leydt u mijn Ondersaten Die oprecht zijn vanaert Godt sal u niet verlaten Al zijt ghy beswaert Die vroom begheert te leven Bidt Godt nacht ende dach Dat hy my cracht wil gheven Dat ick u helpen mach Lyf en goet al te samen Heb ick u niet en choont Mijn Broeders hooch van Namen Hebbent u ook vertoont Graef Adolff is ghebleven In Vrieslandt in den Slach Zijn Siel int eewich Leven Verwacht den Jongsten dach Edel en Hooch gheboren Van Keyserlicken Stam Een Vorst des Rijcks vercoren Als een vroom Christen Man Voor Godes Woort ghepresesen Heb ick vrij onaecht Als een Helt sonder vreesen Mijn Edel bloet ghewaecht Mijn schilt ende betrouwen Sijt ghy, o Godt mijn Heer Op u soo wil ick bouwen Verlaet mij nemmermeer Dat ick doch vroom mach blijven U dienaer taller stondt Die Tyranny verdrijven Die my mijn hert doorwondt Van al die my beswaren End mijn Vervolghers zijn Mijn Godt wilt doch bewaren Den trouwen dienaer dijn Dat sy my niet verrasschen In haren boosen moet Haer handen niet en wasschen In mijn onschuldich bloet Als David moeste vluchten Voor Saulus den Tyran Soo heb ick moeten suchten Met menich Edelman Maer Godt heeft hem verheven Verlost uut alder noot Een Coninckrijck ghegheven In Israel seer groot Nae tsuer sal ick ontfanghen Van Godt mijn Heer dat soet Daer na so doet verlanghen Mijn Vorstelick ghemoet Dat is dat ick mach sterven Met eeren in dat Velt Een eewich Rijck verwerven Als een ghetrouwe Helt Niet doet my meer erbarmen In mijnen wederspoet Dan dat men siet verarmen Des Conincks Landen goet Dat u de Spaengiaerts crencken O Edel Neerlandt soet Als ick daer aen ghedencke Mijn Edel hert dat bloet Als een Prince op gheseten Met mijner Heyres cracht Van den Tyran vermeten Heb ick den Slach verwacht Die by Maestricht begraven Bevreesde mijn ghewelt Mijn Ruyters sachmen draven Seer moedich door dat Velt Soo het den wille des Heeren Op die tijt had gheweest Had ick gheern willen keeren Van u dit swaer tempeest Maer de Heer van hier boven Die alle dinck regeert Die men altijt moet loven En heeftet niet begheert Seer Princelyck was ghedreven Mijn Princelick ghemoet Stantvastlich is ghebleven Mijn hert in teghenspoet Den Heer heb ick ghebeden Van mijnes herten gront Dat hy mijn saech wil reden Mijn onschult doen bekant Oorlof mijn arme Schapen Die zijt in grooten noot U herder sal niet

Anthem Lyrics English

William of Nassau am I, of Germanic descent; True to the fatherland I remain until death.

Prince of Orange am I, free and fearless.

To the King of Spain I have always given honour.

You, my God and Lord, are my shield, on You I rely.

On You I will build; never leave me, So that I may remain pious, your servant at all moments, Dispelling the tyranny that wounds my heart.