Netherlands

The Netherlands is a country located in Northwestern Europe.

It is the largest constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. This kingdom also includes several overseas territories located in the Caribbean. The European portion of the nation shares land borders with Germany to the east and Belgium to the south. To the north and west, the country meets the North Sea.

The name Netherlands literally translates to "lower countries." This name describes the nation's low elevation and flat topography. In fact, 26% of the total land area sits below sea level.

Much of the land below sea level is created through land reclamation. These reclaimed areas are known as polders. This process of creating new land began as early as the 14th century.

The geography is shaped by a constant relationship with water. The country has long dealt with the challenges of its maritime environment. Historically, the region was part of the "Low Countries" alongside Belgium and Luxembourg. The Romans once distinguished this area as Germania Inferior. This meant the region was located downstream and near the sea.

Human history in the region stretches back hundreds of thousands of years. Neanderthal traces near Maastricht are estimated to be 250,000 years old. During the Stone Age, various cultures like the Hamburg and Ahrensburg cultures lived here. The Swifterbant culture lived near rivers and open water around 5600 BC. Later, the Bell Beaker culture introduced metalwork using copper and gold.

During the Iron Age, iron ore brought prosperity to the region. Eventually, Roman forces conquered the area during the Gallic Wars. The Rhine river became a permanent northern frontier for the Roman Empire around AD 12.

A major turning point occurred in 1588 during the Republican period. This era is famously known as the Dutch Golden Age. During this time, the Netherlands became one of the most powerful entities in the world.

Large trading companies drove this economic and cultural greatness. The Dutch East India Company and the Dutch West India Company established colonies globally. However, the country later faced significant hardship. Nazi Germany invaded and occupied the Netherlands in 1940. This occupation lasted until the end of the Second World War in 1945.

Today, the Netherlands is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy. It has maintained this unitary structure since 1848. The country is home to over 18 million people.

Because of its small size, it is the 26th most densely populated country globally. The density is approximately 500 people per square kilometer. The official language is Dutch. West Frisian is also an official language in the province of Friesland. In the Caribbean territories, people use Dutch, English, and Papiamento. The nation is a founding member of many groups, including the European Union and NATO.

The economy is highly advanced and features a mixed-market system. The Netherlands is the world's second largest exporter of food and agricultural products by value. This success comes from fertile soil, a mild climate, and intensive agriculture.

The Port of Rotterdam is the busiest port in Europe. Schiphol is the busiest airport in the country and the fourth busiest in Europe. The Hague serves as the seat of the government and the Supreme Court. It also hosts many international courts and intergovernmental organizations.

Socially, the Netherlands is known for a long record of tolerance. It was the first country to legalize same-sex marriage in 2001. The country also allows women's suffrage, which was granted in 1919. Major cities like Amsterdam and Rotterdam drive much of the national activity.

While many people use the name "Holland" informally, this is technically a specific region. Holland consists of only two provinces: North Holland and South Holland. These two provinces represent only 38% of the Dutch citizens. Therefore, many people prefer the official name, the Netherlands, to represent all twelve provinces.