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The Hague

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The Hague is a major city in the Netherlands. It serves as the country's administrative center and seat of government. While Amsterdam is the official capital, The Hague acts as the de facto capital. The city sits on the west coast facing the North Sea.

DenHaag-plaats-OpenTopo
DenHaag-plaats-OpenTopo

This city is a vital part of the Randstad region. The Randstad is a massive conurbation in Europe. It has a total population of 6,659,300 people. The Hague is also part of the Rotterdam–The Hague metropolitan area. This specific area contains approximately 2.6 million residents.

Haagse wijken
Haagse wijken

As a center of power, The Hague hosts many important institutions. It is the seat of the Cabinet and the States General. The Supreme Court and the Council of State are also located here. The Dutch royal family resides in the city as well. King Willem-Alexander lives in the Huis ten Bosch palace. He and Queen Máxima work at the Noordeinde Palace.

Den Haag Binnenhof 02
Den Haag Binnenhof 02

The city is a global hub for international law and arbitration. It is home to the International Court of Justice. This is the main judicial arm of the United Nations.

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

The International Criminal Court is also based there. Other organizations include Europol and the Permanent Court of Arbitration. Because of these courts, people often use the name "The Hague" to refer to international law itself.

The history of the area reaches back to Roman times. It was part of the province of Germania Inferior. Four Roman milestones were discovered at Wateringse Veld in 1997.

Den Haag Binnenhof 02
Den Haag Binnenhof 02

The name "The Hague" comes from the Middle Dutch word "Haghe." This meant a hedge, an enclosure, or a hunting ground. The name first appeared in records in 1242.

The city grew around the Binnenhof, or "Inner Court." This area was developed by the counts of the House of Holland. William II turned the court into a royal palace in 1248. His son, Floris V, finished parts of the palace. The most famous part is the Ridderzaal, or Knights' Hall.

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

This hall is still used for the annual speech from the throne.

Modern history brought both growth and destruction to the city. During World War II, the city suffered heavy damage. In March 1945, the Royal Air Force mistakenly bombed the Bezuidenhout quarter. This error caused 511 fatalities. After the war, The Hague became one of the largest building sites in Europe. The city expanded massively toward the southwest to rebuild.

Today, the city is divided into eight official districts. These districts contain many different types of neighborhoods. Wealthier areas like Statenkwartier are located in the northwest near the sea.

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

Other areas in the southeast, such as Schilderswijk, are significantly poorer. This social division even affects how people speak. Affluent citizens are often called "Hagenaars" and use a posh accent. Others speak a different style known as "plat Haags."

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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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