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The Hague

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The Hague is a very important city in the Netherlands.

DenHaag-plaats-OpenTopo
DenHaag-plaats-OpenTopo

It sits on the west coast facing the North Sea. The city is the third-largest in the country. It is part of a huge area called the Randstad. This region has over 6 million people living there. The Hague is also part of the Rotterdam-The Hague metropolitan area. This area has about 2.6 million residents.

Haagse wijken
Haagse wijken

This city is the main center for the Dutch government. It is where the Cabinet and the States General meet. The Supreme Court and the Council of State are also located here. King Willem-Alexander lives in the Huis ten Bosch palace. He works at the Noordeinde Palace with Queen Máxima.

Den Haag Binnenhof 02
Den Haag Binnenhof 02

Most foreign embassies are also found in the city. Many large Dutch companies have their main offices here too. Even the Royal Library of the Netherlands is in the city.

The Hague is a famous global hub for international law. Many groups that make rules for the world meet here. The International Court of Justice is based in the city.

International Court of Justice HQ 2006
International Court of Justice HQ 2006

The International Criminal Court is also there. Other groups include Europol and the Permanent Court of Arbitration. People often use the name "The Hague" to talk about these courts. The city even hosts big meetings like the 2025 NATO Summit.

The history of the city goes back a long time. Its name comes from a word meaning a hunting ground.

Beest Street in The Hague
Beest Street in The Hague

The first records of the name appeared in 1242. Long ago, the area was part of the Roman province of Germania Inferior. Four Roman milestones were even found at Wateringse Veld.

Den Haag Binnenhof 02
Den Haag Binnenhof 02

The city grew around the Binnenhof, which is an inner court. The famous Knights' Hall was built during the reign of Floris V. This hall is still used for important political events today.

Europa Congres Ridderzaal Den Haag. Overzicht, Bestanddeelnr 902-7379
Europa Congres Ridderzaal Den Haag. Overzicht, Bestanddeelnr 902-7379

Today, the city has many different kinds of neighborhoods. Some areas are near the sea and are quite wealthy. These include places like Statenkwartier and Benoordenhout. Other areas in the southeast are much poorer.

Netherlands, The Hague, Rembrandtstraat (01a)
Netherlands, The Hague, Rembrandtstraat (01a)

You can even hear the difference in how people speak. Wealthy citizens are often called "Hagenaars." They speak a posh version of the local accent. Others speak a different style called "plat Haags." The city is a busy place with many different lives.

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🖼️ Images & Media (20)
File:Joust on the Hofvijver, by Dutch School of the 17th century.jpg
Joust on the Hofvijver, by Dutch School...
File:Beest Street in The Hague.jpg
Beest Street in The Hague.jpg
File:Den Haag - Stadhuis 1900.jpg
Den Haag - Stadhuis 1900.jpg
File:Den Haag Skyscrapers 5.jpg
Den Haag Skyscrapers 5.jpg
File:DenHaag-plaats-OpenTopo.jpg
DenHaag-plaats-OpenTopo.jpg
File:Haagse wijken.PNG
Haagse wijken.PNG
File:Netherlands, The Hague, Rembrandtstraat (01a).jpg
Netherlands, The Hague, Rembrandtstraat (01a).jpg
File:Den Haag Binnenhof 02.jpg
Den Haag Binnenhof 02.jpg
File:Den Haag, skyline vanaf Laan van Reagan en Gorbatsjov IMG 8945 2019-03-24 17.46.jpg
Den Haag, skyline vanaf Laan van Reagan...
File:The Hague population pyramid.svg
The Hague population pyramid.svg
File:GraphyArchy - Wikipedia 00807.jpg
GraphyArchy - Wikipedia 00807.jpg
File:International Court of Justice HQ 2006.jpg
International Court of Justice HQ 2006.jpg

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