Netherlands

World Book Index

Introduction

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.

Geography

Area
total : 41,543 sq km
land: 33,893 sq km
water: 7,650 sq km

Climate
temperate; marine; cool summers and mild winters

Natural resources
natural gas, petroleum, peat, limestone, salt, sand and gravel, arable land

People and Society

Population
total: 17,772,378 (2024 est.)

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.)

Languages
Dutch (official), Frisian (official in Fryslan province)

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.)

Population growth rate
0.39% (2024 est.)

Government

Government type
parliamentary constitutional monarchy; part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands

Capital
name: Amsterdam

Executive branch
chief of state: King WILLEM-ALEXANDER (since 30 April 2013)
head of government: Caretaker Prime Minister Dick SCHOOF (since 3 June 2025)

Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Birgitta TAZELAAR (since 15 September 2023)

Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires Marcus MICHELI (since January 2025)

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)
$1.276 trillion (2024 est.)
$1.263 trillion (2023 est.)
$1.263 trillion (2022 est.)

Real GDP per capita
$70,900 (2024 est.)
$70,700 (2023 est.)
$71,300 (2022 est.)

Exports
$1.032 trillion (2024 est.)
$1.022 trillion (2023 est.)
$1.007 trillion (2022 est.)

Exports - partners
Germany 16%, Belgium 15%, France 11%, Italy 6%, USA 6% (2023)

Exports - commodities
refined petroleum, vaccines, machinery, crude petroleum, broadcasting equipment (2023)

Imports
$884.154 billion (2024 est.)
$893.132 billion (2023 est.)
$915.294 billion (2022 est.)

Imports - partners
Germany 16%, Belgium 10%, China 10%, USA 10%, UK 5% (2023)

Imports - commodities
crude petroleum, refined petroleum, broadcasting equipment, cars, natural gas (2023)

Human Development Index

The country's Human Development Index (HDI) is 0.955, ranking it 8th out of 193 countries tested. (more information)

World Happiness Report

The World Happiness Report ranked the country 9th out of 158 countries tested with a score of 7.122. (more information)