# Netherlands

> one of the four autonomous countries of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; with territories in the Caribbean

**Wikidata**: [Q55](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q55)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Netherlands)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/netherlands

## Summary
The Netherlands is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, functioning as a parliamentary constitutional monarchy located primarily in Western Europe with three autonomous territories in the Caribbean. It is defined as a distinct territorial and political entity with its de jure capital in Amsterdam and its seat of government in The Hague.

## Key Facts
*   **Official Name:** Nederland (Dutch); Niederlande (German).
*   **Classification:** Country and autonomous country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
*   **Total Area:** 41,543 square kilometres (Total); 37,378 square kilometres (Preferred land area).
*   **Population:** 17,942,942 (as of January 1, 2024).
*   **Capital:** Amsterdam (de jure).
*   **Government Type:** Parliamentary monarchy and constitutional monarchy.
*   **Current Head of State:** King William Alexander (since April 30, 2013).
*   **Current Head of Government:** Dick Schoof (since July 2, 2024).
*   **Official Languages:** Dutch (national); West Frisian (Friesland); Papiamento and English (Caribbean Netherlands); Dutch Sign Language.
*   **Currencies:** Euro (European Netherlands); United States dollar (Caribbean Netherlands).
*   **International Identifiers:** ISNI: 0000 0001 2369 754X; VIAF: 156652814; ISO 3166-1 alpha-3: NLD.
*   **Motto:** *Je maintiendrai* ("I will uphold").
*   **National Anthem:** *Wilhelmus* (officially adopted May 10, 1932).

## FAQs

**What is the relationship between the Netherlands and the Kingdom of the Netherlands?**
The Netherlands is one of four autonomous countries that together form the Kingdom of the Netherlands. While often used interchangeably in casual speech, the source material distinguishes the Netherlands as a specific country entity located within the broader Kingdom framework.

**How is the geography of the Netherlands divided?**
The country consists of the European Netherlands, bordered by Germany and Belgium along the North Sea, and the Caribbean Netherlands, which includes the islands of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba. Its physical features range from the lowest point at Zuidplaspolder (-6.76 metres) to the highest point at Mount Scenery on Saba (887 metres).

**What international organizations is the Netherlands a member of?**
The Netherlands is a founding or active member of numerous global bodies, including the European Union, NATO, the United Nations, and the OECD. It also participates in specialized groups such as the Benelux Union, the European Space Agency (ESA), the International Criminal Court (ICC), and the World Trade Organization (WTO).

**What are the primary economic indicators for the country?**
The Netherlands maintains a high-income economy with a nominal GDP of approximately $1.01 trillion (2021) and a very high Human Development Index (HDI) of 0.931. The national VAT rate is set at 21%, with a reduced rate of 6% applied to essential goods and services like food, medicine, books, and recreation.

## Why It Matters
The Netherlands serves as a central hub for international law and diplomacy, hosting the Permanent Court of Arbitration and the International Criminal Court. Its high Democracy Index score (9.00 in 2024) and "free country" status underscore its role as a stable parliamentary democracy. Economically, it is a major global player with a GDP exceeding one trillion dollars and a significant influence on European trade through its membership in the Eurozone and the Schengen Area. Furthermore, the country is a cultural repository, owning world-renowned masterpieces such as Vermeer's *The Milkmaid* and *Girl with a Pearl Earring*.

## Notable For
*   **Low-Lying Terrain:** Approximately 18.7% of the country's area is water, and its lowest point, Zuidplaspolder, sits nearly 7 metres below sea level.
*   **Dual-Continent Territory:** It is one of the few countries with integral territories in both Europe and the Caribbean (Central America).
*   **Historical Anthem:** The *Wilhelmus* is one of the oldest national anthems, with its current official status dating back to 1932.
*   **High Development:** Consistently ranks among the top nations globally for Human Development (HDI) and the Democracy Index.
*   **Artistic Heritage:** The state is the owner of Novagraaf and iconic artworks including *The Milkmaid* and *Girl with a Pearl Earring*.
*   **Founding Memberships:** A key architect of the modern European project, including the European Coal and Steel Community and the European Union.

## Body

### Governance and Political Structure
The Netherlands is a constitutional monarchy where the **King of the Netherlands** serves as the head of state. The lineage of monarchs includes:
*   **William I** (1815–1840)
*   **William II** (1840–1849)
*   **William III** (1849–1890)
*   **Wilhelmina** (1890–1948)
*   **Juliana** (1948–1980)
*   **Beatrix** (1980–2013)
*   **William Alexander** (2013–Present)

The executive power is exercised by the **Cabinet of the Netherlands**, led by the **Prime Minister**. Recent heads of government include Mark Rutte (2010–2024) and Dick Schoof (2024–Present). The legislative branch is the **States General**, and the **Supreme Court of the Netherlands** serves as the highest judicial authority.

### Geography and Administrative Divisions
The country is divided into 12 provinces in Europe and three special municipalities in the Caribbean:
*   **Provinces:** Groningen, Friesland, Gelderland, South Holland, North Holland, Overijssel, North Brabant, Limburg, Flevoland, Zeeland, Drenthe, and Utrecht.
*   **Caribbean Territories:** Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba (collectively known as the Caribbean Netherlands since October 10, 2010).

The European portion is bordered by **Germany** to the east and **Belgium** to the south. It is situated along the **North Sea**, **IJsselmeer**, **Markermeer**, and **Wadden Sea**. The Caribbean territories are located in the **Caribbean Sea**.

### Demographics and Society
As of 2024, the population is approximately 17.94 million. The society is highly urbanized, with the **urban population** reaching 16.44 million in 2022 compared to a **rural population** of 1.25 million. 
*   **Life Expectancy:** Approximately 82 years (2022).
*   **Birth Rate:** 9.5 per 1,000 people (2022).
*   **Death Rate:** 9.6 per 1,000 people (2022).
*   **Suicide Rate:** 9.3 per 100,000 people (2019).
*   **Education:** Compulsory education begins at age 5 and continues until age 16. The age of majority is 18.

### Economy and Infrastructure
The **De Nederlandsche Bank** serves as the central bank. The country transitioned from the **Dutch guilder** to the **Euro** in the European territory in 1999/2002.
*   **GDP:** Nominal GDP was $1.01 trillion in 2021.
*   **Income:** The median income is approximately €44,000.
*   **Taxation:** Individual income tax rates are progressive, ranging from 36.65% to 51.75% (2019 figures).
*   **Unemployment:** 3.8% (as of September 2018).
*   **Retirement:** The preferred retirement age is 66.33 years.
*   **Infrastructure:** Driving is on the right side. Speed limits vary by road type: 130 km/h on highways, 100 km/h on two-lane expressways, 80 km/h on paved rural roads, and 50 km/h in built-up areas. The electrical system operates at 230V and 50Hz using Europlugs.

### International Relations and Memberships
The Netherlands maintains extensive diplomatic relations with nations including the United States, China, Russia, Japan, Israel, and Ukraine. It is a member of:
*   **Security & Defense:** NATO (since 1949), OSCE, INTERPOL (since 1923).
*   **Economic & Trade:** European Union, WTO, IMF, World Bank, Paris Club, Benelux.
*   **Scientific & Cultural:** ESA, CERN, UNESCO, European Southern Observatory.
*   **Humanitarian:** UNHCR, WHO, International Red Cross (implied by participation in various UN conventions).

### Symbols and Culture
The national flag has evolved from the **Prinsenvlag** (1572–1652) and **Statenvlag** (1652–1795) to the current red, white, and blue tricolor. The national motto, *Je maintiendrai*, is reflected in the royal coat of arms. Cultural assets include the **Het Loo Palace** and the **Rijksmuseum Research Library**. The country is also a participant in major historical events such as the **Pacific War**.

### Technical Identifiers
*   **Top-level domain:** .nl
*   **Telephone codes:** +31 (Europe), +599 (Caribbean)
*   **Mobile Country Code:** 204
*   **Library/Authority Codes:** GND: 4042203-3; LCCN: n78085423; NDL: 00568908.
*   **Geographic Codes:** M49: 528; FIPS 10-4: NL; NUTS: NL.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/regering/bewindspersonen)
2. [Source](http://www.rijksoverheid.nl/regering/bewindspersonen)
3. [Bewindspersonen - Regering - Rijksoverheid.nl](https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/regering/bewindspersonen)
4. [Source](https://www.workwithdata.com/place/netherlands)
5. Constitution of the Netherlands
6. [Source](https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/erkende-talen)
7. [Source](https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/erkende-talen/de-nederlandse-gebarentaal-ngt)
8. [10. Mai 1932 - "Wilhelmus-Lied" wird niederländische Nationalhymne. 2017](https://www1.wdr.de/stichtag/stichtag-nationalhymne-niederlande-100.html)
9. Virtual International Authority File
10. CiNii Research
11. [Source](https://www.interpol.int/Who-we-are/Member-countries/Europe/NETHERLANDS)
12. [Source](https://www.itu.int/online/mm/scripts/gensel8)
13. [Source](http://www.unesco.org/eri/cp/ListeMS_Indicators.asp)
14. [Source](http://www.upu.int/en/the-upu/member-countries.html)
15. [Source](https://www.upu.int/en/Universal-Postal-Union/About-UPU/Member-Countries?csid=-1&cid=213)
16. [Source](https://www.touteleurope.eu/les-pays-membres-de-l-espace-schengen.html)
17. [Source](https://www.dhs.gov/visa-waiver-program-requirements)
18. [Source](https://public.wmo.int/en/members/netherlands)
19. [Source](https://www.who.int/choice/demography/by_country/en/)
20. [Source](https://www.ats.aq/devAS/Parties?lang=e)
21. [Source](https://www.wcoomd.org/-/media/wco/public/global/pdf/about-us/wco-members/list-of-members-with-membership-date.pdf)
22. [Source](https://holocaustremembrance.com/countries/netherlands)
23. [Source](https://www.ncnk.org/sites/default/files/content/resources/publications/NCNK_Issue_Brief_DPRK_Diplomatic_Relations.pdf)
24. [Source](http://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/water-en-veiligheid/vraag-en-antwoord/wat-is-het-normaal-amsterdams-peil-nap.html)
25. [Source](https://zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nl/stb-2010-387.html)
26. FIPS 10-4
27. MusicBrainz
28. [Human Development Data (1990-2017). Human Development Report](http://hdr.undp.org/en/data)
29. [Netherlands](http://hdr.undp.org/en/countries/profiles/NLD)
30. [Bevolking; kerncijfers (1950-2024)](https://opendata.cbs.nl/statline/#/CBS/nl/dataset/85496NED/table?ts=1724328667989)
31. [Bevolking; kerncijfers, 1950-2022](https://opendata.cbs.nl/statline/#/CBS/nl/dataset/37296ned/table?ts=1560596956049)
32. [Nederland telt 17 miljoen inwoners. 2016](http://www.cbs.nl/nl-NL/menu/themas/bevolking/publicaties/artikelen/archief/2016/nederland-telt-17-miljoen-inwoners.htm)
33. [CBS StatLine - Bevolking; kerncijfers](http://statline.cbs.nl/StatWeb/publication/?VW=T&DM=SLNL&PA=37296ned&LA=NL)
34. [CBS StatLine - Bevolking; kerncijfers. Statistics Netherlands](http://statline.cbs.nl/StatWeb/publication/?VW=T&DM=SLNL&PA=37296ned&D1=a&D2=0,10,20,30,40,50,60,(l-1),l&HD=130605-0924&HDR=G1&STB=T)
35. [Source](https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SI.POV.GINI)
36. [Source](http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=ilc_di12)
37. [Source](http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS)
38. [Source](https://opendata.cbs.nl/statline/#/CBS/nl/dataset/80590ned/table?ts=1540281084674)
39. [Source](https://opendata.cbs.nl/statline/#/CBS/nl/dataset/80590ned/line?ts=1540281820727)
40. [CVCE.eu](https://www.cvce.eu/en/obj/changes_in_the_distribution_of_seats_in_the_european_parliament-en-e6d28948-3fa8-4fe7-a552-1b062bc6fb47.html)
41. [Niederlande](https://europa.eu/european-union/about-eu/countries/member-countries/netherlands_de)
42. World Bank Open Data
43. [Source](http://cnig.gouv.fr/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/CNT-PVM_r%C3%A9vis%C3%A9_2020-01-27-1.pdf)
44. The National Terminology Database for Irish
45. [Source](https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world/freedom-world-2017)
46. BBC Things
47. [Source](http://www.amdclaw.com/main/bonaire/)
48. [Source](https://european-union.europa.eu/principles-countries-history/eu-countries/netherlands_nl)
49. [World Bank](https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NY.GDP.MKTP.CD)
50. [UNESCO Institute for Statistics](http://data.uis.unesco.org/Index.aspx?DataSetCode=DEMO_DS)