The Netherlands in western Europe, the Kingdom of the Netherlands full name. An area of 41,500 square kilometers. Population of 16.27 million, 90% of the Dutch family, in addition to Freese family. Residents are Roman Catholic and Protestant. The official language is Dutch, Feilisilan province speak Frisian. Currency is the euro. Amsterdam (Amsterdam). Netherlands Map

National Flag

From the top down the flag has three red, white and blue parallel rectangles.

History

In the 16th century was a long period of feudalism. In 1568, there was the outbreak of the extended 80-year war against Spanish rule. In 1581, seven northern provinces formed the Dutch Republic (official name of the United Republic for the Netherlands). In 1648, the west officially recognized Dutch independence. In the 17th century, colonial powers controlled the sea, but by the 18th century the Dutch colonial system had disintegrated. In 1795, the French invaded. In 1815, following its disunity from France, the Kingdom of the Netherlands was set up. In 1948, the country became a constitutional monarchy. During World War I, the Netherlands remained neutral. At the beginning of World War II, the Netherlands declared neutrality.

Vincent van Gogh

Van Gogh is a world-renowned famous Dutch post-Impressionist painter. He died through suicide because of mental illness in 1890. His early works of dark deception were obscure, but he used bright colors and vibrant lines as well as raised blocks of color to express his subjective feelings and passion. His major works include "Sunflowers," "Poppy," and "Stars Night."

Dutch windmills

Windmills are characteristic of the Dutch landscape. Early in the 15th century the Dutch invented the use of a low-lying water extraction of wind turbine machinery. By the mid-18th century, it had built 1,000 windmills. Today, this pumping power has replaced the traditional mechanical method. Although Fung car, but still about 1 000 vehicles were consciously Fung preserved as tourist attractions and museums for people to understand the history. Each year on the second Sunday in May is the Dutch "Windmill Day."

The note folk culture

The Netherlands is a developed capitalist country. Its economy is export-oriented: electronics, chemicals, water, shipbuilding and food processing sectors with advanced technology, financial services and insurance. The port of Rotterdam is the world's largest port. Holland is also Europe's largest petrochemical base, and one of the world's three major oil refining centers. It is also the world's largest oil spot market, and a storage and transportation center of non-ferrous metals and food.

Dutch agriculture is mainly animal husbandry and horticulture. It leads the world in pork, cheese, eggs, butter, milk, poultry and beef exports and is second only to America's as a global agricultural exporter. The Netherlands is the world's largest flower exporter (60% of total global trade). The most famous flower is the tulip, which is the national flower of the Netherlands. Aalsmeer is the world's largest flower market.

The country is low-lying. A total of 24% of the land is below sea level, and 20% of the land is only 1 m above sea level. Holland uses dykes to prevent sea invasion. From the 13th century the Dutch began to reclaim land from the sea.

The Hague

The Hague is home to the Dutch Royal Palace and the seat of government. Early Count hunting to stay in the Netherlands, in 1248 built a castle. The Hague, along the North Sea coast, built sand dunes along the coast for a wide barrier. Each year on the third Tuesday in September, a gorgeous make-up ballet festival is held there. Therefore, The Hague is also called one of the most beautiful villages of Europe. The Hague Peace Palace is a symbol, built in 1908, and later the Dutch government and the garden will be dedicated here to the site of the International Tribunal. Since then, international tribunals and the International Court of Arbitration are based in the palace.

Netherlands Antilles
Away from the Caribbean in more than 800 km north-south two islands, an area of 800 square kilometers. The country has a population of about 214,000, most of whom are of mixed African and European descent. Residents are Catholic, and Dutch and Pa Biman are both official languages, although Spanish and English are also spoken. The currency of the Netherlands Antilles is the shield or florin, and the capital is Weiliantade (Willemstad).

Netherlands Antilles Airports

History

In 1499, Spanish colonists landed in Curacao. In 1527, Spain occupied the islands and southern Aruba, which later became a Dutch colony in 1634. The North Island was discovered in 1495 by Columbus, and occupied by the Dutch in the mid-17th century, Since then it changed hands several times, before settling as a Dutch possession in 1816. In 1954, the islands gained full autonomy in internal affairs, although the Netherlands retain responsibility for national defense.

Economy and Cultural Customs

The Netherlands Antilles is an important offshore financial center, with impressive financial development. Tourism plays an important role in the economy. The country has poor resources, mainly relying on imports, particularly food and handmade products.