Knelstrom Intelligence · World Factbook
Netherlands
Koninkrijk der Nederlanden
CapitalAmsterdam
Population18,087,633
GDP$1.33tn
Area42,201 km²
RegionEurope & Central Asia
Data sources current · last checked September 20, 2026 2:11 am
Country facts
Overview
Background
The Dutch United Provinces declared their independence from Spain in 1581; during the 17th century, they became a leading seafaring and commercial power, with settlements and colonies around the world. After 18 years of French domination, the Netherlands regained its independence in 1813. In 1830, Belgium seceded and formed a separate kingdom. The Netherlands remained neutral in World War I but suffered German invasion and occupation in World War II. A modern, industrialized nation, the Netherlands is also a large exporter of agricultural products. The country was a founding member of NATO and the EEC (now the EU) and participated in the introduction of the euro in 1999. In 2010, the former Netherlands Antilles was dissolved and the three smallest islands -- Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba -- became special municipalities in the Netherlands administrative structure. The larger islands of Sint Maarten and Curacao joined the Netherlands and Aruba as constituent countries forming the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
In 2018, the Sint Eustatius island council (governing body) was dissolved and replaced by a government commissioner to restore the integrity of public administration. According to the Dutch Government, the intervention will be as "short as possible and as long as needed."
Reference: 2018, 2010, 1999In 2018, the Sint Eustatius island council (governing body) was dissolved and replaced by a government commissioner to restore the integrity of public administration. According to the Dutch Government, the intervention will be as "short as possible and as long as needed."
Geography
Location
Western Europe, bordering the North Sea, between Belgium and Germany
Map references
Europe
Area
total: 41,543 sq km
land: 33,893 sq km
water: 7,650 sq km
land: 33,893 sq km
water: 7,650 sq km
Area - comparative
slightly less than twice the size of New Jersey
Land boundaries
total: 1,053 km
border countries: Belgium 478 km; Germany 575 km
border countries: Belgium 478 km; Germany 575 km
Coastline
451 km
Maritime claims
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm
Climate
temperate; marine; cool summers and mild winters
Terrain
mostly coastal lowland and reclaimed land (polders); some hills in southeast
Elevation
highest point: Mount Scenery (on the island of Saba in the Caribbean, now considered an integral part of the Netherlands following the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles) 862 m
lowest point: Zuidplaspolder -7 m
mean elevation: 30 m
note: note: the highest point on continental Netherlands is Vaalserberg at 322 m
lowest point: Zuidplaspolder -7 m
mean elevation: 30 m
note: note: the highest point on continental Netherlands is Vaalserberg at 322 m
Natural resources
natural gas, petroleum, peat, limestone, salt, sand and gravel, arable land
Land use
agricultural land: 53.5% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 30% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 1.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 22.5% (2023 est.)
forest: 10.9% (2023 est.)
other: 35.5% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 30% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 1.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 22.5% (2023 est.)
forest: 10.9% (2023 est.)
other: 35.5% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
2,969 sq km (2019)
Reference: 2019Major rivers (by length in km)
Rijn (Rhine) river mouth (shared with Switzerland [s], Germany, and France) - 1,233 km
note: [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
note: [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
Major watersheds (area sq km)
Atlantic Ocean drainage: Rhine-Maas (198,735 sq km)
Population distribution
an area known as the Randstad, anchored by the cities of Amsterdam, Rotterdam, the Hague, and Utrecht, is the most densely populated region; the north tends to be less dense, but sizeable communities can be found throughout the entire country
Natural hazards
flooding
volcanism: Mount Scenery (887 m), located on the island of Saba in the Caribbean, last erupted in 1640; Round Hill (601 m), a dormant volcano also known as "The Quill," is located on the island of St. Eustatius in the Caribbean; these islands are at the northern end of the volcanic island arc of the Lesser Antilles that extends south to Grenada
volcanism: Mount Scenery (887 m), located on the island of Saba in the Caribbean, last erupted in 1640; Round Hill (601 m), a dormant volcano also known as "The Quill," is located on the island of St. Eustatius in the Caribbean; these islands are at the northern end of the volcanic island arc of the Lesser Antilles that extends south to Grenada
Geography - note
located at mouths of three major European rivers (Rhine (Rijn), Meuse (Maas), and Scheldt (Schelde)); about a quarter of the country lies below sea level and only about half of the land exceeds one meter above sea level
Population & Society
Nationality
noun: Dutchman(men), Dutchwoman(women)
adjective: Dutch
adjective: Dutch
Ethnic groups
Dutch 75.4%, EU (excluding Dutch) 6.4%, Turkish 2.4%, Moroccan 2.4%, Surinamese 2.1%, Indonesian 2%, other 9.3% (2021 est.)
Reference: 2021Languages
Languages: Dutch (official), Frisian (official in Fryslan province)
major-language sample(s): Het Wereld Feitenboek, een onmisbare bron van informatie. (Dutch)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
note: note: Frisian, Low Saxon, Limburgish, Romani, and Yiddish have protected status; Dutch is the official language of the three special municipalities of the Caribbean Netherlands; English is a recognized regional language on Sint Eustatius and Saba; Papiamento is a recognized regional language on Bonaire
major-language sample(s): Het Wereld Feitenboek, een onmisbare bron van informatie. (Dutch)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
note: note: Frisian, Low Saxon, Limburgish, Romani, and Yiddish have protected status; Dutch is the official language of the three special municipalities of the Caribbean Netherlands; English is a recognized regional language on Sint Eustatius and Saba; Papiamento is a recognized regional language on Bonaire
Religions
Roman Catholic 20.1%, Protestant 14.8% (includes Dutch Reformed, Protestant Church of The Netherlands, Calvinist), Muslim 5%, other 5.9% (includes Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish), none 54.1% (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019Age structure
0-14 years: 15.2% (male 1,384,142/female 1,312,455)
15-64 years: 64.1% (male 5,750,034/female 5,640,691)
65 years and over: 20.7% (2024 est.) (male 1,709,924/female 1,975,132)
Reference: 202415-64 years: 64.1% (male 5,750,034/female 5,640,691)
65 years and over: 20.7% (2024 est.) (male 1,709,924/female 1,975,132)
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio: 56 (2024 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 23.7 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 32.4 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 3.1 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024youth dependency ratio: 23.7 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 32.4 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 3.1 (2024 est.)
Median age
total: 42.2 years (2024 est.)
male: 40.9 years
female: 43.5 years
Reference: 2024male: 40.9 years
female: 43.5 years
Population growth rate
0.39% (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Birth rate
10.6 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Death rate
9.7 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Population distribution
an area known as the Randstad, anchored by the cities of Amsterdam, Rotterdam, the Hague, and Utrecht, is the most densely populated region; the north tends to be less dense, but sizeable communities can be found throughout the entire country
Major urban areas - population
1.174 million AMSTERDAM (capital), 1.018 million Rotterdam (2023)
Reference: 2023Sex ratio
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.87 male(s)/female
total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Reference: 20240-14 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.87 male(s)/female
total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth
30.2 years (2020 est.)
Reference: 2020Maternal mortality ratio
4 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Gross reproduction rate
0.78 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Drinking water source
improved: urban: urban: 100% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 100% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 100% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: rural: rural: 100% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 100% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 11.3% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 15.9% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 15.9% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
3.88 physicians/1,000 population (2022)
Reference: 2022Hospital bed density
2.9 beds/1,000 population (2020 est.)
Reference: 2020Sanitation facility access
improved: urban: urban: 100% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 100% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 100% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: rural: rural: 100% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 100% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
20.4% (2016)
Reference: 2016Alcohol consumption per capita
total: 8.23 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 3.95 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 2.92 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 1.36 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019beer: 3.95 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 2.92 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 1.36 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Tobacco use
total: 18.7% (2025 est.)
male: 21% (2025 est.)
female: 16.4% (2025 est.)
male: 21% (2025 est.)
female: 16.4% (2025 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
53.7% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 19 years (2021 est.)
male: 18 years (2021 est.)
female: 19 years (2021 est.)
Reference: 2021male: 18 years (2021 est.)
female: 19 years (2021 est.)
Migration & Displacement
Immigrant/emigrant stock measures the number of international migrants resident in, or originating from, the country; it is not the same as annual immigration/emigration flows.
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 310,239 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 4,428 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024stateless persons: 4,428 (2024 est.)
Government & Politics
| Office | Holder | Affiliation | From | Status | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head of government | Rob Jetten | — | 2026-02-23 | Current | Reported |
| Head of state | William Alexander of the Netherlands | — | 2013-04-30 | Current | Reported |
Country name
conventional long form: Kingdom of the Netherlands
conventional short form: Netherlands
local long form: Koninkrijk der Nederlanden
local short form: Nederland
abbreviation: NL
etymology: the English name is derived from the country's Dutch name, which means "the lowlands" and describes the geographic area; only about half the Netherlands is more than 1 meter (3.3 ft) above sea level
conventional short form: Netherlands
local long form: Koninkrijk der Nederlanden
local short form: Nederland
abbreviation: NL
etymology: the English name is derived from the country's Dutch name, which means "the lowlands" and describes the geographic area; only about half the Netherlands is more than 1 meter (3.3 ft) above sea level
Capital
name: Amsterdam
geographic coordinates: 52 21 N, 4 55 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October
time zone note: time descriptions apply to the continental Netherlands only, for the constituent countries in the Caribbean, the time difference is UTC-4
etymology: the name is derived from the Dutch name of the local river, the Amstel, and the Dutch word dam, which has the same meaning in English; the river name is said to derive from the Germanic words ama (current) and stelle (place)
note: note: The Hague is the seat of government
geographic coordinates: 52 21 N, 4 55 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October
time zone note: time descriptions apply to the continental Netherlands only, for the constituent countries in the Caribbean, the time difference is UTC-4
etymology: the name is derived from the Dutch name of the local river, the Amstel, and the Dutch word dam, which has the same meaning in English; the river name is said to derive from the Germanic words ama (current) and stelle (place)
note: note: The Hague is the seat of government
Administrative divisions
12 provinces (provincies, singular - provincie), 3 public entities* (openbare lichamen, singular - openbaar lichaam (Dutch); entidatnan publiko, singular - entidat publiko (Papiamento)); Bonaire*, Drenthe, Flevoland, Fryslan (Friesland), Gelderland, Groningen, Limburg, Noord-Brabant (North Brabant), Noord-Holland (North Holland), Overijssel, Saba*, Sint Eustatius*, Utrecht, Zeeland (Zealand), Zuid-Holland (South Holland)
note: note 1: the Netherlands is one of four constituent countries of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; the other three, Aruba, Curacao, and Sint Maarten, are Caribbean islands; all four are considered equal partners, but the Netherlands makes up about 98% of the Kingdom's total land area and population and administers most of the Kingdom's affairs
note 2: although Bonaire, Saba, and Sint Eustatius are officially incorporated into the country of the Netherlands under the broad designation of "public entities," Dutch government sources often call them "special municipalities;" Bonaire, Saba, and Sint Eustatius are collectively referred to as the Caribbean Netherlands
note: note 1: the Netherlands is one of four constituent countries of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; the other three, Aruba, Curacao, and Sint Maarten, are Caribbean islands; all four are considered equal partners, but the Netherlands makes up about 98% of the Kingdom's total land area and population and administers most of the Kingdom's affairs
note 2: although Bonaire, Saba, and Sint Eustatius are officially incorporated into the country of the Netherlands under the broad designation of "public entities," Dutch government sources often call them "special municipalities;" Bonaire, Saba, and Sint Eustatius are collectively referred to as the Caribbean Netherlands
Legal system
civil law system based on the French system; constitution does not permit judicial review of acts of the States General
Constitution
history: many previous to adoption of the "Basic Law of the Kingdom of the Netherlands" on 24 August 1815; revised 8 times, the latest in 1983
amendment process: proposed as an Act of Parliament by or on behalf of the king or by the Second Chamber of the States General; the Second Chamber is dissolved after its first reading of the Act; passage requires a second reading by both the First Chamber and the newly elected Second Chamber, followed by at least two-thirds majority vote of both chambers, and ratification by the king
Reference: 1983amendment process: proposed as an Act of Parliament by or on behalf of the king or by the Second Chamber of the States General; the Second Chamber is dissolved after its first reading of the Act; passage requires a second reading by both the First Chamber and the newly elected Second Chamber, followed by at least two-thirds majority vote of both chambers, and ratification by the king
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Citizenship
citizenship by birth: no
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of the Netherlands
dual citizenship recognized: no
residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of the Netherlands
dual citizenship recognized: no
residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch
chief of state: King WILLEM-ALEXANDER (since 30 April 2013)
head of government: Caretaker Prime Minister Dick SCHOOF (since 3 June 2025)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the monarch
election/appointment process: the monarchy is hereditary; following Second Chamber elections, the monarch usually appoints the leader of the majority party or majority coalition as prime minister; deputy prime ministers are also appointed by the monarch
note: note: Prime Minister Dick SCHOOF resigned on 3 June 2025 after a party withdrew from his governing coalition, but he will continue in a caretaker capacity until new elections are held, probably in the fall of 2025
Reference: 2025, 2013head of government: Caretaker Prime Minister Dick SCHOOF (since 3 June 2025)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the monarch
election/appointment process: the monarchy is hereditary; following Second Chamber elections, the monarch usually appoints the leader of the majority party or majority coalition as prime minister; deputy prime ministers are also appointed by the monarch
note: note: Prime Minister Dick SCHOOF resigned on 3 June 2025 after a party withdrew from his governing coalition, but he will continue in a caretaker capacity until new elections are held, probably in the fall of 2025
Legislative branch
legislature name: States General (Staten-Generaal)
legislative structure: bicameral
legislative structure: bicameral
Legislative branch - lower chamber
chamber name: House of Representatives (Tweede Kamer der Staten-Generaal)
number of seats: 150 (all directly elected)
electoral system: proportional representation
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 4 years
most recent election date: 10/29/2025
parties elected and seats per party: Democrats 66 (D66) (26); Party for Freedom (PVV) (26); People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) (22); Green Left - Labour Party (PvdA) (20); Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA) (18); JA21 (9); Other (29)
percentage of women in chamber: 42.7%
expected date of next election: October 2029
Reference: 2029, 2025number of seats: 150 (all directly elected)
electoral system: proportional representation
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 4 years
most recent election date: 10/29/2025
parties elected and seats per party: Democrats 66 (D66) (26); Party for Freedom (PVV) (26); People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) (22); Green Left - Labour Party (PvdA) (20); Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA) (18); JA21 (9); Other (29)
percentage of women in chamber: 42.7%
expected date of next election: October 2029
Legislative branch - upper chamber
chamber name: Senate (Eerste Kamer der Staten-Generaal)
number of seats: 75 (all indirectly elected)
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 4 years
most recent election date: 5/30/2023
percentage of women in chamber: 40%
expected date of next election: May 2027
Reference: 2027, 2023number of seats: 75 (all indirectly elected)
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 4 years
most recent election date: 5/30/2023
percentage of women in chamber: 40%
expected date of next election: May 2027
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Supreme Court or Hoge Raad (consists of 41 judges: the president, 6 vice presidents, 31 justices, and 3 justices in exceptional service); the court is divided into criminal, civil, tax, and ombuds chambers
judge selection and term of office: justices appointed by the monarch from a list provided by the House of Representatives of the States General; justices appointed for life or until mandatory retirement at age 70
subordinate courts: courts of appeal; district courts, each with up to 5 subdistrict courts; Netherlands Commercial Court
judge selection and term of office: justices appointed by the monarch from a list provided by the House of Representatives of the States General; justices appointed for life or until mandatory retirement at age 70
subordinate courts: courts of appeal; district courts, each with up to 5 subdistrict courts; Netherlands Commercial Court
Political parties
Christian Democratic Appeal or CDA
Christian Union or CU
Correct Answer 2021 or JA21
Democrats 66 or D66
Denk
Farmer-Citizen Movement or BBB
50Plus
Forum for Democracy or FvD
Green Left (GroenLinks) or GL
Labor Party or PvdA
New Social Contract or NSC
Party for Freedom or PVV
Party for the Animals or PvdD
People's Party for Freedom and Democracy or VVD
Reformed Political Party or SGP
Socialist Party or SP
Together or BIJ1
Volt Netherlands or Volt
Reference: 2021Christian Union or CU
Correct Answer 2021 or JA21
Democrats 66 or D66
Denk
Farmer-Citizen Movement or BBB
50Plus
Forum for Democracy or FvD
Green Left (GroenLinks) or GL
Labor Party or PvdA
New Social Contract or NSC
Party for Freedom or PVV
Party for the Animals or PvdD
People's Party for Freedom and Democracy or VVD
Reformed Political Party or SGP
Socialist Party or SP
Together or BIJ1
Volt Netherlands or Volt
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Birgitta TAZELAAR (since 15 September 2023)
chancery: 4200 Linnean Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 244-5300
FAX: [1] (202) 362-3430
email address and website: was@minbuza.nl
https://www.netherlandsworldwide.nl/countries/united-states/about-us/embassy-in-washington-dc
consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Chicago, Miami, New York, San Francisco
Reference: 2023chancery: 4200 Linnean Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 244-5300
FAX: [1] (202) 362-3430
email address and website: was@minbuza.nl
https://www.netherlandsworldwide.nl/countries/united-states/about-us/embassy-in-washington-dc
consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Chicago, Miami, New York, San Francisco
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Joseph POPOLO (since 29 October 2025)
embassy: John Adams Park 1, 2244 BZ Wassenaar
mailing address: 5780 Amsterdam Place, Washington DC 20521-5780
telephone: [31] (70) 310-2209
FAX: [31] (70) 310-2207
email address and website: AmsterdamUSC@state.gov
https://nl.usembassy.gov/
consulate(s) general: Amsterdam
embassy: John Adams Park 1, 2244 BZ Wassenaar
mailing address: 5780 Amsterdam Place, Washington DC 20521-5780
telephone: [31] (70) 310-2209
FAX: [31] (70) 310-2207
email address and website: AmsterdamUSC@state.gov
https://nl.usembassy.gov/
consulate(s) general: Amsterdam
International organization participation
ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Arctic Council (observer), Australia Group, Benelux, BIS, CBSS (observer), CD, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, ECB, EIB, EITI (implementing country), EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, FATF, G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD (partners), IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, Pacific Alliance (observer), Paris Club, PCA, Schengen Convention, SELEC (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNHRC, UNIDO, UNMISS, UNOOSA, UNRWA, UN Security Council (temporary), UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC
Independence
26 July 1581
note: note: the northern provinces of the Low Countries formally declared their independence with an Act of Abjuration in 1581, but, it was not until 30 January 1648 and the Peace of Westphalia that Spain recognized this independence
note: note: the northern provinces of the Low Countries formally declared their independence with an Act of Abjuration in 1581, but, it was not until 30 January 1648 and the Peace of Westphalia that Spain recognized this independence
National holiday
King's Day (birthday of King WILLEM-ALEXANDER), 27 April (1967)
note: note: observed on the ruling monarch's birthday; celebrated on 26 April if 27 April is a Sunday
Reference: 1967note: note: observed on the ruling monarch's birthday; celebrated on 26 April if 27 April is a Sunday
Flag
description: three equal horizontal bands of bright red (top), white, and cobalt blue
history: the colors come from WILLIAM I, Prince of Orange; originally the upper band was orange, but the dye would turn red over time, so red was eventually made the permanent color
note: note: similar to the flag of Luxembourg, which uses a lighter blue and is wider
history: the colors come from WILLIAM I, Prince of Orange; originally the upper band was orange, but the dye would turn red over time, so red was eventually made the permanent color
note: note: similar to the flag of Luxembourg, which uses a lighter blue and is wider
National symbol(s)
lion, daisy
National color(s)
orange
National anthem(s)
title: "Het Wilhelmus" (The William)
lyrics/music: Philips VAN MARNIX van Sint Aldegonde (presumed)/unknown
history: adopted 1932, in use since the 17th century
Reference: 1932lyrics/music: Philips VAN MARNIX van Sint Aldegonde (presumed)/unknown
history: adopted 1932, in use since the 17th century
National heritage
total World Heritage Sites: 13 (12 cultural, 1 natural)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Schokland and Surroundings (c); Dutch Water Defense Lines (c); Van Nellefabriek (c); Mill Network at Kinderdijk-Elshout (c); Droogmakerij de Beemster (Beemster Polder) (c); Rietveld Schröderhuis (Rietveld Schröder House) (c); Wadden Sea (n); Seventeenth Century Canal Ring Area of Amsterdam inside the Singelgracht (c); Colonies of Benevolence (c); Frontiers of the Roman Empire - The Lower German Limes (c)
note: note: includes one site in Curacao
selected World Heritage Site locales: Schokland and Surroundings (c); Dutch Water Defense Lines (c); Van Nellefabriek (c); Mill Network at Kinderdijk-Elshout (c); Droogmakerij de Beemster (Beemster Polder) (c); Rietveld Schröderhuis (Rietveld Schröder House) (c); Wadden Sea (n); Seventeenth Century Canal Ring Area of Amsterdam inside the Singelgracht (c); Colonies of Benevolence (c); Frontiers of the Roman Empire - The Lower German Limes (c)
note: note: includes one site in Curacao
Government & Official Links
| Institution | Official website | X / Twitter | Verification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Netherlands official website | Official website | — | Reported · source Checked September 20, 2026 |
Institutional accounts only; personal accounts of political office-holders are excluded.
Legislature & Elections
No approved legislature or election dataset imported yet.
Economy
Economic overview
high-income, core EU- and eurozone-member economy; strong services, logistics, and tech sectors; strongly trade-oriented with heightened risks from global tensions; declining inflation aided by easing energy prices and wage growth; rising but manageable deficits and public debt; strong ratings for innovation, competitiveness, and business climate
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024: $1.276 trillion (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $1.263 trillion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $1.263 trillion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $1.263 trillion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $1.263 trillion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Real GDP per capita
Real GDP per capita 2024: $70,900 (2024 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023: $70,700 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $71,300 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP per capita 2023: $70,700 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $71,300 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 1.7% (2024 est.)
industry: 17.9% (2024 est.)
services: 70.3% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Reference: 2024industry: 17.9% (2024 est.)
services: 70.3% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
GDP - composition, by end use
household consumption: 42.1% (2023 est.)
government consumption: 24.5% (2023 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 20.1% (2023 est.)
investment in inventories: -0.1% (2023 est.)
exports of goods and services: 88.5% (2023 est.)
imports of goods and services: -77.4% (2023 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Reference: 2023government consumption: 24.5% (2023 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 20.1% (2023 est.)
investment in inventories: -0.1% (2023 est.)
exports of goods and services: 88.5% (2023 est.)
imports of goods and services: -77.4% (2023 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Agricultural products
milk, sugar beets, potatoes, onions, pork, wheat, chicken, tomatoes, carrots/turnips, beef (2023)
note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Reference: 2023note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Industries
agroindustries, metal and engineering products, electrical machinery and equipment, chemicals, petroleum, construction, microelectronics, fishing
Industrial production growth rate
-1.5% (2024 est.)
note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Reference: 2024note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Labor force
10.315 million (2024 est.)
note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Reference: 2024note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
total: 8.2% (2024 est.)
male: 8.4% (2024 est.)
female: 7.9% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Reference: 2024male: 8.4% (2024 est.)
female: 7.9% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Population below poverty line
14.5% (2021 est.)
note: note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Reference: 2021note: note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income 2021: 25.7 (2021 est.)
note: note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Reference: 2021note: note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Average household expenditures
on food: 11.7% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
on alcohol and tobacco: 3% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023on alcohol and tobacco: 3% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share
lowest 10%: 3.6% (2021 est.)
highest 10%: 21.4% (2021 est.)
note: note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Reference: 2021highest 10%: 21.4% (2021 est.)
note: note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Remittances
Remittances 2024: 0.4% of GDP (2024 est.)
Remittances 2023: 0.4% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 0.4% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Remittances 2023: 0.4% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 0.4% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Budget
revenues: $451.11 billion (2023 est.)
expenditures: $455.334 billion (2023 est.)
note: note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Reference: 2023expenditures: $455.334 billion (2023 est.)
note: note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Public debt
Public debt 2017: 56.5% of GDP (2017 est.)
note: note: data cover general government debt and include debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities other than the treasury; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data include debt issued by subnational entities, as well as intragovernmental debt; intragovernmental debt consists of treasury borrowings from surpluses in the social funds, such as for retirement, medical care, and unemployment, debt instruments for the social funds are not sold at public auctions
Reference: 2017note: note: data cover general government debt and include debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities other than the treasury; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data include debt issued by subnational entities, as well as intragovernmental debt; intragovernmental debt consists of treasury borrowings from surpluses in the social funds, such as for retirement, medical care, and unemployment, debt instruments for the social funds are not sold at public auctions
Taxes and other revenues
24.8% (of GDP) (2023 est.)
note: note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Reference: 2023note: note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Current account balance
Current account balance 2024: $121.825 billion (2024 est.)
Current account balance 2023: $113.676 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: $69.676 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Current account balance 2023: $113.676 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: $69.676 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2024: $1.032 trillion (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $1.022 trillion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $1.007 trillion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Exports 2023: $1.022 trillion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $1.007 trillion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
Germany 16%, Belgium 15%, France 11%, Italy 6%, USA 6% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
refined petroleum, vaccines, machinery, crude petroleum, broadcasting equipment (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2024: $884.154 billion (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $893.132 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $915.294 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Imports 2023: $893.132 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $915.294 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
Germany 16%, Belgium 10%, China 10%, USA 10%, UK 5% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
crude petroleum, refined petroleum, broadcasting equipment, cars, natural gas (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2024: $79.129 billion (2024 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $69.83 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $63.353 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $69.83 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $63.353 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Exchange rates
Currency: euros (EUR) per US dollar -
Exchange rates 2024: 0.924 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023: 0.925 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 0.95 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 0.845 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 0.876 (2020 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Exchange rates 2024: 0.924 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023: 0.925 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 0.95 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 0.845 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 0.876 (2020 est.)
Trade
Current account balance
Current account balance 2024: $121.825 billion (2024 est.)
Current account balance 2023: $113.676 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: $69.676 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Current account balance 2023: $113.676 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: $69.676 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2024: $1.032 trillion (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $1.022 trillion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $1.007 trillion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Exports 2023: $1.022 trillion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $1.007 trillion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
Germany 16%, Belgium 15%, France 11%, Italy 6%, USA 6% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
refined petroleum, vaccines, machinery, crude petroleum, broadcasting equipment (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2024: $884.154 billion (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $893.132 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $915.294 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Imports 2023: $893.132 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $915.294 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
Germany 16%, Belgium 10%, China 10%, USA 10%, UK 5% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
crude petroleum, refined petroleum, broadcasting equipment, cars, natural gas (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Energy & Resources
Electricity
installed generating capacity: 59.982 million kW (2023 est.)
consumption: 108.141 billion kWh (2023 est.)
exports: 25.206 billion kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 19.547 billion kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 4.936 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023consumption: 108.141 billion kWh (2023 est.)
exports: 25.206 billion kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 19.547 billion kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 4.936 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
fossil fuels: 46.8% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
nuclear: 3.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar: 17.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind: 24.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 0.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste: 8.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023nuclear: 3.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar: 17.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind: 24.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 0.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste: 8.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Nuclear energy
Number of operational nuclear reactors: 1 (2025)
Net capacity of operational nuclear reactors: 0.48GW (2025 est.)
Percent of total electricity production: 3.2% (2023 est.)
Number of nuclear reactors permanently shut down: 1 (2025)
Reference: 2025, 2023Net capacity of operational nuclear reactors: 0.48GW (2025 est.)
Percent of total electricity production: 3.2% (2023 est.)
Number of nuclear reactors permanently shut down: 1 (2025)
Coal
production: 1.761 million metric tons (2023 est.)
consumption: 12.796 million metric tons (2023 est.)
exports: 13.586 million metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 24.663 million metric tons (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 3.247 billion metric tons (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023consumption: 12.796 million metric tons (2023 est.)
exports: 13.586 million metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 24.663 million metric tons (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 3.247 billion metric tons (2023 est.)
Petroleum
total petroleum production: 70,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
refined petroleum consumption: 840,000 bbl/day (2024 est.)
crude oil estimated reserves: 137.747 million barrels (2021 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2021refined petroleum consumption: 840,000 bbl/day (2024 est.)
crude oil estimated reserves: 137.747 million barrels (2021 est.)
Natural gas
production: 11.788 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
consumption: 31.288 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
exports: 45.129 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
imports: 66.783 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 132.608 billion cubic meters (2021 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2021consumption: 31.288 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
exports: 45.129 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
imports: 66.783 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 132.608 billion cubic meters (2021 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
Total energy consumption per capita 2023: 185.536 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Infrastructure
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 4.262 million (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 24 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 24 (2023 est.)
Health
Maternal mortality ratio
4 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 11.3% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 15.9% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 15.9% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
3.88 physicians/1,000 population (2022)
Reference: 2022Hospital bed density
2.9 beds/1,000 population (2020 est.)
Reference: 2020Obesity - adult prevalence rate
20.4% (2016)
Reference: 2016Tobacco use
total: 18.7% (2025 est.)
male: 21% (2025 est.)
female: 16.4% (2025 est.)
male: 21% (2025 est.)
female: 16.4% (2025 est.)
Education
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 19 years (2021 est.)
male: 18 years (2021 est.)
female: 19 years (2021 est.)
Reference: 2021male: 18 years (2021 est.)
female: 19 years (2021 est.)
Rights, Freedoms & Society
Press & Media Freedom
V-Dem expert-coded/modelled source measures. Knelstrom does not create a press-freedom ranking or composite score.
LGBTQ+ Rights & Law
Concrete legal-status fields only; Knelstrom does not generate an LGBTQ rights score or country ranking.
Source: Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory (CC BY-SA 4.0). Community-edited legal-status summary; retrieved by Knelstrom and not legal advice.
Crime & Justice
Legal system
civil law system based on the French system; constitution does not permit judicial review of acts of the States General
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Supreme Court or Hoge Raad (consists of 41 judges: the president, 6 vice presidents, 31 justices, and 3 justices in exceptional service); the court is divided into criminal, civil, tax, and ombuds chambers
judge selection and term of office: justices appointed by the monarch from a list provided by the House of Representatives of the States General; justices appointed for life or until mandatory retirement at age 70
subordinate courts: courts of appeal; district courts, each with up to 5 subdistrict courts; Netherlands Commercial Court
judge selection and term of office: justices appointed by the monarch from a list provided by the House of Representatives of the States General; justices appointed for life or until mandatory retirement at age 70
subordinate courts: courts of appeal; district courts, each with up to 5 subdistrict courts; Netherlands Commercial Court
Military & Security
Military and security forces
Netherlands (Dutch) Armed Forces (Nederlandse Krijgsmacht): Royal Netherlands Army, Royal Netherlands Navy (includes Marine Corps), Royal Netherlands Air Force, Royal Netherlands Marechaussee (Military Constabulary) (2025)
note: note 1: the Netherlands Coast Guard and the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard are civilian in nature but managed by the Royal Netherlands Navy
note 2: the core missions of the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee are border security, security and surveillance, and international and military police tasks; it has 21 brigades based in eight Dutch provinces, plus Curaçao in the Caribbean, a special missions security brigade, and separate security platoons to guard and protect domestic sites that are most likely to be the targets of attacks, such as government buildings
note 3: the Netherlands (or National) Police maintain internal security and report to the Ministry of Justice and Security, which oversees law enforcement organizations, as do the justice ministries in Aruba, Curacao, and Sint Maarten
note: note 1: the Netherlands Coast Guard and the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard are civilian in nature but managed by the Royal Netherlands Navy
note 2: the core missions of the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee are border security, security and surveillance, and international and military police tasks; it has 21 brigades based in eight Dutch provinces, plus Curaçao in the Caribbean, a special missions security brigade, and separate security platoons to guard and protect domestic sites that are most likely to be the targets of attacks, such as government buildings
note 3: the Netherlands (or National) Police maintain internal security and report to the Ministry of Justice and Security, which oversees law enforcement organizations, as do the justice ministries in Aruba, Curacao, and Sint Maarten
Military expenditures
Military Expenditures 2025: 2.5% of GDP (2025 est.)
Military Expenditures 2024: 2% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 1.6% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 1.4% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 1.3% of GDP (2021 est.)
Reference: 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022Military Expenditures 2024: 2% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 1.6% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 1.4% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 1.3% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military and security service personnel strengths
approximately 43,000 active-duty professional military personnel (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the military's inventory consists of a mix of domestically produced and modern European- and US-sourced equipment; the Netherlands has an advanced domestic defense industry that focuses on armored vehicles, naval ships, and air defense systems; it also participates with the US and other European countries on joint development and production of advanced weapons systems (2025)
Military service age and obligation
17 years of age for voluntary service for men and women; the military is an all-volunteer force; conscription remains in place, but the requirement to show up for compulsory military service was suspended in 1997; must be a citizen of the Netherlands (2024)
note: note: in 2023, women made up about 14% of the military's full-time personnel
Reference: 2024, 2023, 1997note: note: in 2023, women made up about 14% of the military's full-time personnel
Military deployments
350 Lithuania (NATO); 150 Romania (NATO); approximately 800 deployed to Dutch territories in the Caribbean (2025)
note: note: the Netherlands contributes naval assets to support freedom of the sea missions in such places as the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz; it also assists with monitoring the airspace of the eastern flank of NATO territory by means of fighter aircraft and provides some ground personnel to a variety of other NATO, UN, and EU security missions
note: note: the Netherlands contributes naval assets to support freedom of the sea missions in such places as the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz; it also assists with monitoring the airspace of the eastern flank of NATO territory by means of fighter aircraft and provides some ground personnel to a variety of other NATO, UN, and EU security missions
Military - note
the Dutch military is charged with the three core tasks of defending the country’s national territory and that of its allies, enforcing the national and international rule of law, and providing assistance during disasters and other crises; it also has some domestic security duties, including in the Dutch Caribbean territories; the military operates globally but rarely carries out its operations independently, focusing instead on working through NATO and bilaterally with regional partners; it has particularly close ties with Belgium, Denmark, Germany, and the UK, including some combined military units and staffs
the Netherlands has been a member of NATO since its founding in 1949, and the Dutch military is involved in NATO missions and operations with air, ground, and naval forces, including air policing missions over the Benelux countries and Eastern Europe, NATO’s Enhanced Forward Presence initiative in the Baltic States and Eastern Europe, and several NATO naval flotillas, as well as standby units for NATO’s rapid response force; the military has previously deployed forces to NATO-led operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Kosovo and also contributes to EU- and UN-led missions; Royal Netherlands Marechaussee detachments have been included in international police units deployed by NATO (2025)
Reference: 2025, 1949the Netherlands has been a member of NATO since its founding in 1949, and the Dutch military is involved in NATO missions and operations with air, ground, and naval forces, including air policing missions over the Benelux countries and Eastern Europe, NATO’s Enhanced Forward Presence initiative in the Baltic States and Eastern Europe, and several NATO naval flotillas, as well as standby units for NATO’s rapid response force; the military has previously deployed forces to NATO-led operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Kosovo and also contributes to EU- and UN-led missions; Royal Netherlands Marechaussee detachments have been included in international police units deployed by NATO (2025)
International Relations
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Birgitta TAZELAAR (since 15 September 2023)
chancery: 4200 Linnean Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 244-5300
FAX: [1] (202) 362-3430
email address and website: was@minbuza.nl
https://www.netherlandsworldwide.nl/countries/united-states/about-us/embassy-in-washington-dc
consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Chicago, Miami, New York, San Francisco
Reference: 2023chancery: 4200 Linnean Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 244-5300
FAX: [1] (202) 362-3430
email address and website: was@minbuza.nl
https://www.netherlandsworldwide.nl/countries/united-states/about-us/embassy-in-washington-dc
consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Chicago, Miami, New York, San Francisco
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Joseph POPOLO (since 29 October 2025)
embassy: John Adams Park 1, 2244 BZ Wassenaar
mailing address: 5780 Amsterdam Place, Washington DC 20521-5780
telephone: [31] (70) 310-2209
FAX: [31] (70) 310-2207
email address and website: AmsterdamUSC@state.gov
https://nl.usembassy.gov/
consulate(s) general: Amsterdam
embassy: John Adams Park 1, 2244 BZ Wassenaar
mailing address: 5780 Amsterdam Place, Washington DC 20521-5780
telephone: [31] (70) 310-2209
FAX: [31] (70) 310-2207
email address and website: AmsterdamUSC@state.gov
https://nl.usembassy.gov/
consulate(s) general: Amsterdam
International organization participation
ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Arctic Council (observer), Australia Group, Benelux, BIS, CBSS (observer), CD, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, ECB, EIB, EITI (implementing country), EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, FATF, G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD (partners), IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, Pacific Alliance (observer), Paris Club, PCA, Schengen Convention, SELEC (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNHRC, UNIDO, UNMISS, UNOOSA, UNRWA, UN Security Council (temporary), UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC
Treaties & Organisations
| Organisation | Status | Joined |
|---|---|---|
| United Nations (UN) | member | 1945-12-10 |
| World Trade Organization (WTO) | member | — |
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
International organization participation
ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Arctic Council (observer), Australia Group, Benelux, BIS, CBSS (observer), CD, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, ECB, EIB, EITI (implementing country), EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, FATF, G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD (partners), IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, Pacific Alliance (observer), Paris Club, PCA, Schengen Convention, SELEC (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNHRC, UNIDO, UNMISS, UNOOSA, UNRWA, UN Security Council (temporary), UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC
Conflict & Security
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 310,239 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 4,428 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024stateless persons: 4,428 (2024 est.)
Illicit drugs
USG identification: major precursor-chemical producer (2025)
Terrorist group(s)
Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS)
note: note: details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide
note: note: details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide
Transportation & Logistics
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
PH
Airports
44 (2025)
note: note: Includes 3 airports in Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba
note: note: Includes 3 airports in Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba
Heliports
194 (2025)
Railways
total: 3,055 km (2020) 2,310 km electrified
Reference: 2020Merchant marine
total: 1,187 (2023)
by type: bulk carrier 11, container ship 36, general cargo 521, oil tanker 27, other 592
Reference: 2023by type: bulk carrier 11, container ship 36, general cargo 521, oil tanker 27, other 592
Ports
total ports: 18 (2024)
large: 2
medium: 4
small: 5
very small: 7
ports with oil terminals: 12
key ports: Amsterdam, Dordrecht, Europoort, Rotterdam, Terneuzen, Vlissingen
Reference: 2024large: 2
medium: 4
small: 5
very small: 7
ports with oil terminals: 12
key ports: Amsterdam, Dordrecht, Europoort, Rotterdam, Terneuzen, Vlissingen
Environment
Environmental issues
water pollution, including industrial and agricultural chemicals in rivers; air pollution from vehicles and refining activities
International environmental agreements
party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Heavy Metals, Air Pollution-Multi-effect Protocol, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protection, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Reference: 2006signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Climate
temperate; marine; cool summers and mild winters
Land use
agricultural land: 53.5% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 30% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 1.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 22.5% (2023 est.)
forest: 10.9% (2023 est.)
other: 35.5% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 30% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 1.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 22.5% (2023 est.)
forest: 10.9% (2023 est.)
other: 35.5% (2023 est.)
Urbanization
urban population: 93.2% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: 0.59% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2020rate of urbanization: 0.59% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
total emissions: 188.191 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from coal and metallurgical coke: 23.701 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 112.037 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from consumed natural gas: 52.454 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023from coal and metallurgical coke: 23.701 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 112.037 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from consumed natural gas: 52.454 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
10 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019Methane emissions
energy: 63.1 kt (2022-2024 est.)
agriculture: 449 kt (2019-2021 est.)
waste: 123.3 kt (2019-2021 est.)
other: 17.4 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2022, 2021, 2019agriculture: 449 kt (2019-2021 est.)
waste: 123.3 kt (2019-2021 est.)
other: 17.4 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Waste and recycling
municipal solid waste generated annually: 8.805 million tons (2024 est.)
percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 28.3% (2022 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2022percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 28.3% (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal
municipal: 2.185 billion cubic meters (2022)
industrial: 5.784 billion cubic meters (2022)
agricultural: 265.086 million cubic meters (2022)
Reference: 2022industrial: 5.784 billion cubic meters (2022)
agricultural: 265.086 million cubic meters (2022)
Total renewable water resources
91 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022Geoparks
total global geoparks and regional networks: 2 (2024)
global geoparks and regional networks: De Hondsrug; Schelde Delta (includes Belgium) (2024)
Reference: 2024global geoparks and regional networks: De Hondsrug; Schelde Delta (includes Belgium) (2024)
Communications & Media
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 4.262 million (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 24 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 24 (2023 est.)
Broadcast media
more than 90% of households are connected to cable or satellite TV systems with a wide range of domestic and foreign channels; public service broadcast system includes multiple broadcasters, 3 with a national reach and the remainder in regional and local markets; 2 nationwide commercial TV companies, each with 3 or more stations, and many commercial TV stations in regional and local markets; nearly 600 radio stations with a mix of public and private stations
Internet country code
.nl
Historical Trends
Population
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Population data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 17,030,314 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | 17,131,296 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | 17,231,624 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | 17,344,874 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | 17,441,500 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | 17,533,044 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | 17,700,982 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | 17,877,117 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 17,993,485 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | 18,087,633 | world_bank_wdi |
GDP (current US$)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View GDP (current US$) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | $797,163,949,290 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | $848,233,537,846 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | $929,733,599,797 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | $928,903,005,576 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | $932,560,861,701 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | $1,054,472,123,450 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | $1,046,540,797,549 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | $1,135,475,867,551 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | $1,213,936,238,063 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | $1,332,767,651,100 | world_bank_wdi |
International migrant stock (immigrants)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International migrant stock (immigrants) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2,425,521 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 2,956,518 | world_bank_wdi |
International emigrant stock
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International emigrant stock data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 482,951 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 1995 | 500,299 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2000 | 515,256 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2005 | 560,613 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2010 | 597,525 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2015 | 594,329 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2020 | 599,736 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2024 | 631,391 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
Net migration
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Net migration data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 88,743 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | 86,332 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | 87,197 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | 109,003 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | 67,598 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | 106,416 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | 224,472 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | 144,558 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 121,628 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | 104,681 | world_bank_wdi |
Sources & Methodology
Current statistical observations include their reference period and provenance. Reference fields from approved source datasets are attributed below. Missing information is left unknown rather than inferred.
| Indicator | Value | Period | Source | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 18,087,633 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| UN Population Division population estimate | 18,448,776 | 2026 | UN Population Division Data Portal | Estimated |
| Wikidata population (fallback) | 17,100,715 | 2013 | Wikidata | Reported |
| International migrant stock (immigrants) | 2,956,518 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International migrant stock | 16.2% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International emigrant stock | 631,391 | 2024 | UN DESA International Migrant Stock 2024 | Estimated |
| Net migration | 104,681 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Refugees from this country | 159 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Asylum seekers from this country | 179 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Freedom of expression & alternative information index | 0.910 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Government censorship effort — media | 1.253 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Harassment of journalists | 2.033 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Print/broadcast media critical of government | 2.830 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Range of perspectives in major media | 1.816 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media bias | 2.212 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media self-censorship | 1.370 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Same-sex sexual activity | Yes Legal since 1811; equal age of consent since 1971; + UN decl. sign. | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Recognition of same-sex relationships | Yes Registered partnership since 1998 | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex marriage | Yes Legal since 2001 | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex adoption | Yes Legal since 2001 | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Open military service | Yes Includes transgender people | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law | Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Gender identity / expression law | Yes Since 2014, sex changes do not require sterilisation and surgery | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| GDP (current US$) | $1,332,767,651,100 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP per capita (current US$) | $73,684 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP growth | 1.8% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Inflation, consumer prices | 3.3% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Unemployment | 3.9% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Income level | High income | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Life expectancy at birth | 82.0 years | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fertility rate | 1.4 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Urban population | 95.9% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Individuals using the Internet | 97.0% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Exports of goods and services | 80.7% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Imports of goods and services | 69.5% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Trade | 150.1% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secondary school enrolment, gross | 137.5% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Government education expenditure | 5.2% | 2022 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Access to electricity | 100.0% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Electric power consumption | 6,386 kWh/person | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Renewable energy consumption | 12.2% | 2021 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Current health expenditure | 10.0% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Infant mortality rate | 3.4 per 1,000 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Forest area | 11.1% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Mobile cellular subscriptions | 128.5 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fixed broadband subscriptions | 43.0 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secure Internet servers | 198,682 per million | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude | 52.3738° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Longitude | 4.8910° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude (Wikidata) | 52.3667° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Longitude (Wikidata) | 4.8833° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Time zone | Atlantic Time Zone, Central European Time, Europe/Amsterdam | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Form of government | constitutional monarchy | current | Wikidata | Reported |
Data attribution
Credits below are generated from sources actually used by this country profile. Source-specific terms take precedence.
- CIA World Factbook, final 2025 country profile (structured via factbook.json). Accessed September 20, 2026. U.S. Government public-domain data; retained as a reference source where a newer approved field is not available. Source · Terms/licence
- Source: Eurostat (dataset/datacode: demo_pjan) Accessed September 19, 2026. Knelstrom presentation/formatting may differ from the source. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, International Migrant Stock 2024; data access/processing via Our World in Data. Accessed September 20, 2026. Underlying UN dataset used under CC BY 3.0 IGO. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, World Population Prospects (WPP indicator 49) Accessed September 19, 2026. Used under CC BY 3.0 IGO; current-year WPP population values are presented as estimates/projections where applicable. Source · Terms/licence
- Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem), Country-Year Dataset v16 (variables: v2mebias, v2mecenefm, v2mecrit, v2meharjrn, v2merange, v2meslfcen, v2x_freexp_altinf) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0; V-Dem measures are expert-coded/modelled and no V-Dem endorsement is implied. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikidata structured data (CC0). Accessed September 20, 2026. Attribution is provided by Knelstrom for provenance although CC0 does not require it. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikipedia, “LGBTQ rights by country or territory” (source revision/data fields: Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Gender identity / expression law, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Open military service, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Recognition of same-sex relationships, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex adoption, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex marriage, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex sexual activity, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Knelstrom changes formatting and presents the imported material as a community-edited legal-status summary, not legal advice or a Knelstrom rights score. Source · Terms/licence
- World Bank, World Development Indicators (series: AG.LND.FRST.ZS, country_metadata, EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS, EG.FEC.RNEW.ZS, EG.USE.ELEC.KH.PC, FP.CPI.TOTL.ZG, IT.CEL.SETS.P2, IT.NET.BBND.P2, IT.NET.SECR.P6, IT.NET.USER.ZS, NE.EXP.GNFS.ZS, NE.IMP.GNFS.ZS, NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS, NY.GDP.MKTP.CD, NY.GDP.MKTP.KD.ZG, NY.GDP.PCAP.CD, SE.SEC.ENRR, SE.XPD.TOTL.GD.ZS, SH.XPD.CHEX.GD.ZS, SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS, SM.POP.ASYS.EO, SM.POP.NETM, SM.POP.RHCR.EO, SM.POP.TOTL, SM.POP.TOTL.ZS, SP.DYN.IMRT.IN, SP.DYN.LE00.IN, SP.DYN.TFRT.IN, SP.POP.TOTL, SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS) Accessed September 20, 2026. Data used under CC BY 4.0; Knelstrom presentation/formatting may differ from the source. Source · Terms/licence
Knelstrom does not imply endorsement by any listed data provider.
Last automated statistical refresh: 2026-09-20 02:10:29