EUROPE

NETHERLANDS - About

Windmills, tulips and canals: the picturesque and vibrant Netherlands

The Netherlands is a delightful country that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and modern living, its mostly flat landscape is famous for the windmills that dot the countryside, the stunning tulip fields and the charming villages. But what makes this small nation so fascinating is not just its landscapes but also its people and culture.

■ Land of art and culture

It's a country that takes great pride in its art and culture. The Netherlands is home to several world-renowned museums and art galleries, such as the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. The country has produced some of the most famous artists in history, including Vincent van Gogh, Johannes Vermeer and Rembrandt van Rijn. The Dutch love for art and culture is also evident in the numerous festivals and cultural events that take place throughout the year.

■ Bicycle-friendly nation

The country is famous for its love for bicycles. With over 35,000 kilometres of dedicated bicycle paths, it's one of the most bike-friendly countries in the world. Cycling is not just a form of exercise or recreation in the Netherlands but a way of life. You will see people of all ages and walks of life cummuting to work, school or leisure on their bikes. Bicycles are also an important part of the country's culture and identity.

■ Progressive society

The Netherlands is a country that is known for its progressive and liberal attitudes. It was the first country in the world to legalise same-sex marriage in 2001 and it has a long tradition of tolerance and acceptance of diverse cultures and lifestyles. The country has a robust social welfare system and is committed to protecting the environment and promoting sustainable living. It's also one of the safest and most peaceful countries in the world, with low crime rates and a high standard of living.

■ Surrounded by civilisation

One of the most striking things about the Netherlands is its dense population. With more as 18 milion people in a relatively small area, the country is among the most crowded in the world. Everywhere you go, you are surrounded by civilisation. However, the country's cities have managed to preserve their laid-back small-town atmosphere and rich cultural heritage. No wonder that the Netherlands is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe.

■ Amsterdam: a vibrant and charming city

At the heart of the Netherlands lies its capital, Amsterdam. With in the metropolian area regio more as 2.5 milion inhabitants, Amsterdam is the largest city in the country and it serves as the financial, cultural and creative hub of the nation. Dubbed as the 'Venice of the North', Amsterdam boasts a network of more than 1,500 bridges that cross over the scenic canals, creating a charming and romantic atmosphere. The city is famous for its impressive architecture, lively nightlife and vibrant art scene. Whether you are interested in history and culture, parties and festivals or a relaxed stroll in an old European city, Amsterdam has something to offer to everyone.

■ Traditional cuisine

The country is known for its rich and diverse cuisine, which includes delicious traditional dishes and snacks such as bitterballen and stamppot. The Dutch love their snacks and you can find small food stalls selling specialties such as herring, croquettes and fresh stroopwafels in many cities and towns.

■ Land of pushing boundaries

So don't doubt and visit surely the Netherlands. It's a beautiful and unique country that offers a fascinating mix of natural beauty, culture and modern living. Whether you are interested in exploring its picturesque landscapes, vibrant cities or delicious cuisine, the Netherlands is a destination that should not be missed. With its love for art and culture, its bycyle-friendly culture and its progressive attitudes, the Netherlands is a country that is always evolving and pushing boundaries.

■ Overseas territories of the Netherlands

The Kingdom of the Netherlands, which has existed since 1813, is a sovereign state within which four countries have been distinguished since 2010: the Netherlands, Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten. The Caribbean Netherlands is a geographic region of the country Netherlands located outside of Europe, in the Caribbean, consisting of three so-called special municipalities. These are the islands of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba, as they are also known in legislation, or the BES islands (an acronym of their names) for short. The islands are officially classified as public bodies in the Netherlands and as overseas territories of the European Union; as such, European Union law does not automatically apply to them.