Netherlands

Nearly 20 per cent of the Netherlands are polders, which people built mainly in the 20th century. The territories below the North Sea level are protected with high dams and are drained by extensive channels

The Netherlands can be described as Europe's lowest-lying country. A large part of the coast is formed by deltas of rivers Rhine, Maas, and Scheldt, which are very interconnected. The original forests have been eroded in the past. Some areas of the state are so low that dikes, dams and floodgates were built in order not to overwhelm these area when there is only a slight increase in sea level. Netherlands acquired not the most fertile but acceptable agricultural land by damming and drying parts of the sea in the inland, called polders. This "fight with the sea" has lasted for several centuries. Otherwise, there are favourable natural conditions: surface, mild temperature, enough rainfall. Together with the advantageous position it leads to high population density. Netherlands is one of the smallest countries in Europe and in the World.

Agriculture

The cheese market is part of the Dutch’s cities

In agriculture there is a predominance of animal production, such as cattle breeding for milk. Dutch dairy products, especially cheese, are very famous in the world. The plant production has good conditions for growing potatoes and foraging, but The Netherlands is known mainly for flower production. The tulip is one of the symbols of the country.

Industry

Windmills create the look of Dutch countryside. Many of them have a great historical value and serve as museums

Netherlands is also accustomed to be referred to as the windmill landscape. Wind really helps in production of electricity, but a major share belongs to the gas-fired power plants. Natural gas is produced from petroleum reservoirs beneath the North Sea and it is one of the few natural resources that Netherlands has. Netherlands mostly imports natural resources, for example bauxite is used for aluminium production, and petroleum is used for fuels production. The Shell brand is a common UK-Dutch multinational oil and gas company with headquarters in Netherlands. Holland is also known in electro-technical industry. Philips has headquarters in the city of Amsterdam and it represents a wide range consumer electronics. It has a great tradition of importing cocoa beans and the production of cocoa powder.

Holland is a biking paradise. Bike paths and on-road bike lanes are everywhere - in the cities and in the countryside. The bicycle rentals can also be found at every step. The landscape is covered by bigger and smaller rivers and canals. Small residential boats can be rented for sailing. Training for "Captain" and "Crew" takes only a moment. Several cabins, "living room" and bathroom is just enough to provide the necessary comfort. Such a way of vacation is widespread also in other lowland countries with more peaceful streams of rivers, hills and canals. An interesting way to overcome any height differences is using sluice gates. However, it is necessary for an operator to do so. When the temperature falls below zero for several days, many of these rivers freeze and people can skate on them. Netherlands and Belgium have the same state symbol – the lion. This animal is customarily symbolising monarchy.

Cities

The two largest cities: Amsterdam (is the capital city) and Rotterdam have a different importance. Amsterdam is important for services, tourist attractions, for example by lifting bridges in the historic city centre. Rotterdam is located near the delta of the Rhine, which conditioned the creation of the largest port in Europe. Rotterdam is industrial and the Transport Centre of the country.

The Netherlands is also called a country of tulips

The port of Rotterdam is considered the largest in Europe and one of the largest in the world. The ship in the picture was remade to be a hotel

The Binnenhof is a complex of buildings in the center of the Hague in Netherlands

Church of St. Eusebia in Arnhem in Netherlands

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Zaanse Schans in Netherlands

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Paterswoldse Meer Lake in Groningene in Netherlands

What is Netherlands known for?
Country of tulips, windmills, wooden shoes, polders, bicycles and museums; the famous Edam cheese and Gouda; Philips brand; painters Rembrandt, Rubens, van Gogh; Orange colour - The mark used especially in sports.