The Netherlands

By: Dylan Denton

Netherland• Background:

After centuries of foreign rules by the Romans, Franks, Burgunds, Habsburgs, and Spaniards in 1648 the Dutch Republic became a free and sovereign state. During the 17th century, also called the 'Golden Age', the Republic became increasingly prosperous and a major colonial power, thanks largely to the Dutch East India Company (VOC). In 1815, the northern and southern Netherlands – today's Netherlands and Belgium – were combined to form the Kingdom of the Netherlands. In 1830 Belgium seceded and formed a separate kingdom. The Netherlands remained neutral in World War I but was invaded in World War II by Germany in May 1940 and occupied for five years.Today the Netherlands is a modern, industrialized nation and the third largest exporter of food. The country was a founding member of NATO and the EU, and participated in the introduction of the Euro in 1999.

Holland has a Monarch government.

Government Structure The country's government is based on the principles of ministerial responsibility and parliamentary government. The national government comprises three main institutions: the Monarch, the Council of Ministers, and the States General (parliament). There also are local governments.

Population

The population of the Netherlands in 2003 was estimated by the United Nations at 16,149,000, which placed it as number 58 in population among the 193 nations of the world. In that year approximately 14% of the population was over 65 years of age, with another 19% of the population under 15 years of age. There were 98 males for every 100 females in the country in 2003. According to the UN, the annual population growth rate for 2000–2005 is 0.50%, with the projected population for the year 2015 at 16,791,000. The population density in 2002 was 395 per sq km (1,023 per sq mi). Over 45% of the population lives in the three most densely populated provinces: Utrecht, North Holland, and South Holland.

Population

It was estimated by the Population Reference Bureau that 89% of the population lived in urban areas in 2001. The capital city, Amsterdam, and its surrounding metropolitan area, had a population of 1,137,000 in that year. The Rotterdam metropolitan area had 1,078,000 inhabitants. Other major cities include The Hague, 444,242; Utrecht, 231,231; Eindhoven, 192,895; Groningen, 168,702; Tilburg, 158,846; and Haarlem, 149,474. According to the United Nations, the urban population growth rate for 2000–2005 was 0.3%.

Holidays and Festivals Queen’s Birthday - A day of national pride. Orange clothing and street parties everywhere. Not the queen’s real birthday. April 30

WWII Remembrance Day - A solemn day for the Netherlands’s WWII dead. A moment of silence is observed. May 4

Liberation Day - A less depressing day celebrating of the country’s liberation from Nazi occupation with public fêtes. Controversy often erupts over Dutch appeasement of their conquerors. May 5

National Windmill Day - Windmills throw open their doors, and many have special (often educational) events. 2nd Tuesday in May

Amsterdam Gay Pride - 3 days of tolerance and partying with a parade and street festivals for all sexual orientations. Early August

Holidays and Festivals

Aalsmeer Flower Parade - Flower floats, flower art, and flowery music in the world’s flower capital. Early September

High Times Cannabis Cup - One long tokefest. At the end of the festival, awards are given to the best hash and marijuana. November

Amsterdam Leather Pride - The premier gathering for “leather men.” Features fetish parties and a lot of leather outfits. November

Sinterklaas Eve - Dutch Santa Claus delivers candy and gifts to nice Dutch children. The naughty ones are kidnapped. December 5

Major Industry

Industries: agro industries, metal and engineering products, electrical machinery and equipment, chemicals, petroleum, construction, microelectronics, fishing

Natural Resources

Petrol, fertile soil and natural gasNatural gas, petroleum, peat, inestone, salt, sand, gravel, grable land

Major Religions

Roman Catholic 30%, Dutch Reformed 11%, Calvinist 6%, other Protestant 3%, Muslim 5.8%, other 2.2%, none 42% (2004 survey)

Capital City

Amsterdam

Average IncomeIn 2005, the average gross income of a Dutch household was approximately 50 thousand euro