Geographical position

Netherlands is a state located in the northwest of Europe. His total area is 42 thousand sq. Km. In the east the country borders on Germany, on South - with Belgium. In the north and west the country is washed by waters North Sea.

The name of this state is translated as “ low lands", More 40% its surface lies below sea level. The highest point in the country is the mountain Waalserberch whose height is 321 m... A lowest point located on 6.7 m below sea level.

Large areas are occupied in coastal areas " polders", which are artificially reclaimed areas of land crossed by a large number of dams, rivers and canals. 70% the territory of the country is made up of anthropogenic landscapes, there are very few natural areas and they are under state protection.

The capital of the country is the city Amsterdam, but parliament and seat of government located in the Hague.

The country has temperate maritime climate, which is characterized by high humidity. Average January temperatures make up + 1- + 3 ° C, july - + 16- + 17 ° C. Precipitation falls annually 650-800 mm, however, they are fairly evenly distributed over the seasons. In general, the climate of the Netherlands is quite warm. However, it can often blow here westerly winds which lead to a sharp cold snap even in the warmest months of the year.

The westerly winds from the North Sea make the winter weather quite mild, and bring coolness in the summer. In winter, there are short periods with negative temperatures which alternate with thaws... Often there are fogs, sometimes falls in winter snow.

Visas, entry regulations, customs regulations

Kingdom of the Netherlands is one of the countries - participants of the Schengen agreement... For citizens of Russia and the CIS for entry visa required.

Import and export of currencynot limited... When entering from non-EU countries, it is mandatory to declare amounts exceeding 10 thousand euros.

Persons over 17 years old, arriving from countries outside the EU customs area, duty free may bring a small amount into the country cigarettes, cigars, tobacco, spirits, coffee or coffee extract, tea, perfumes, and personal goods.

Without proper permission it is forbidden to import to the territory of the country drugs and narcotic drugs, medications, firearms and ammunition, explosives... The same goes for certain foods, plants with soil, animals and birds(especially poultry from Southeast Asian countries), and haberdashery and souvenir products which was made from endangered plant and animal species.

To the territory of the EU countries from May 1, 2009 it is forbidden to importfoods containing meat or milk... They also include sausage, canned food, bacon and chocolates. Does not apply this ban on baby food and special preparations, which are necessary for people with certain chronic diseases. But these products must weigh up to 2 kilograms and you need them pack carefully. Violators of this prohibition are waiting confiscation of food and fines.

Plants, animals and plant products it is necessary to present quarantine officials. Pets imported into the countrymust have vaccination certificate and veterinary certificate. Moreover, such a certificate must be issued not earlier than for 10 days until departure.

Medicines for personal use can be imported and without special permissions. However, for many drugs necessary availability of a prescription, which was issued by a doctor and certified by a notary.

It is forbidden to export from the country objects and things that are of historical or artistic value.

Population, political status

The population of the country is about 15.6 million people... It is quite diverse in its ethnic composition: Dutch (81% ), Flemings (12% ), friezes (3% ), Germans (1,5% ), as well as many people from the former colonies of the country. This country is one of the most populous in the world.

The Netherlands is a constitutional monarchy. At the head of state costs king or queen. Legislature presents bicameral parliament (States general). Administratively, the territory of the country consists of 12 provinces as well as groups Netherlands Antilles and Aruba island located in the Caribbean.

State language is an Dutch (Dutch), second official language is an Frisian. In the country also very widespread have English, French and German.

What to see

Netherlands cities are masterpieces of medieval architecture... One of the main business cards of Holland can also be called mills, canals and flower plantations.

Amsterdam- this is the capital of country... The name of this city translates as " dam on the Amstel river". Amsterdam is famous all over the world by their channels through which more 600 bridges. The most beautiful bridges are Blauburg and Mahere Bruges... Tourists should must see the city from the water, you can do it on numerous excursion boats running through the channels.

All excursions usually start from the Central Station... Its neo-Gothic red brick building was built in the 19th century.

It separates the city itself from the old harbor. Hey. Streets and canals of the city diverge from the station. Main street is an Damrak, on it you can get to the historical center of the city - " Quarter of the Grand Canals". It is surrounded by channels Single ("defensive"), Heirengracht ("channel of gentlemen"), Kaisersgracht ("imperial"),Prinsengracht ("princes channel") and many others. All channels divide the city on 90 islands.

Center " Quarter of the Grand Canals"is the famous Dam square... It is located Royal Palace building built in 17th century. The Royal Family currently does not live in it, but the building houses the largest museum.

On Dam Square can also be seen Freedom Monument, related to 1956 year... It is interesting because at its base soldered capsules with the earth of those countries in which the Dutch fought.

Nieuwe Kerk ("new church") was built in 1408 year and was rebuilt many times after that. She is the site of the coronation of Dutch monarchs... On the square there is a building of the famous Madame Tussauds.

You can also see the building nearby Berlagi stock exchange... Wooden Tower Munt with a spire and chimes was built in 1620 year, in the middle ages it served as a mint. Amsterdam tide stock is the zero point of sea level reference for the whole world.

complex of buildings of the East India Company, House of Shipbuilders, which is one of the most interesting buildings in the city, Torture Museum and Sex Museum to Damrak. Also worth seeing are the many picturesque residential buildings of the XVI-XVII centuries.

There are a lot of churches in Amsterdam... Of these, it is worth highlighting the oldest church in the city -gothic Ude Kerk which was built in 1300 year... In it organ concerts are regularly held.

Church Westerkerk which dates from 1619 year, is an the largest Renaissance church in the Netherlands... She is famous grave of Rembrandt. The first Protestant church in the country became Südkerk("southern") worth seeing Norderkerk, and Portuguese synagogue built in 1675 year, which was once the largest in the world.

Amstelkring (XVII century.) considered one of the largest Catholic cathedrals in Europe, now in it the museum works.

There are a lot of museums in the capital of the Netherlands. The largest art museum in the country and one of the best in Europe is an Rijksmuseum... It presents the richest collection of Flemish painting of the 15th - 17th centuries. Dutch History Museum works in the east wing of the Rijksmuseum.

Also interesting: Museum of Contemporary Art Stedelijk, numerous diamond factories museums, Heineken Brewery Museum, Amsterdam Historical Museum famous Museum of the Tropics, Anne Frank Museum.

Van Gogh Museum has the world's largest collection of his works... Worth to visit Rembrandt Museum in a buiding XVII century... to Jodenbreystraat, Cabinet of Cats, Tattoo Museum, Jewish History Museum in a united building of 4 synagogues. Available in Amsterdam and Museum of hashish, marijuana and hemp on Udezijds Akhterbürgval, which is the only one in Europe.

The famous " Red light district"located opposite the Central Station.

Flower markets located along Single and Monet Square(Muntplein). Traditional shopping spots it is considered areas of Kalverstrat, Nieuwe-Wendijk, Rokin, Damstrat, Leidsestrat and Wiiselstrat, and areas of Jordan and Magna Plaza. The largest market in Europe counts market complex Zwarte Markt located in 15 km north of the city.

Zaandam located in 20 km north of Amsterdam. This city is recommended to visit house of Peter I and open-air architectural museum "Zaandam in the 17th century.".

Famous Alkmaar ("surrounded by water") lies north of Zaandam. is the only city in the world, which has survived to this day medieval cheese fairs and even guild "cheese carriers". Interesting narrow medieval streets, numerous city ​​canals, Cathedral of St. Lawrence and gothic Town Hall... This city also has: Museum complex Tsaans Chance, wonderful Cheese Museum, National Beer Museum in the building of an old brewery, Dutch Kiln Museum and City Museum of History and Art.

West of the capital the city lies Harlem... He from XI to XIII centuries. was the residence of the Dutch palatine... Here you can see a large number of historical and cultural monuments.

In the city center there is Grote Markt square which surrounded by picturesque medieval buildings... Here are located: Town Hall, Sint-Bavo Church with the tomb of Frans Hals and the famous organ... There is an old harlem almshouse, now it houses the city Halsa Museum... Interesting enough Episcopal Museum, Museum of Industrial Art in the Castle of the 18th century, Grote Kerk Church (XV - XVI centuries.) and old " meat rows"related to XVII century.

Town Hague is the seat of government, parliament and royal court... Moreover, it is the third largest and one of the oldest cities in the country... However, he received city status only 1811 year.

The Hague is Peace palace in which works International Court of Justice. The country's parliament is currently in session in the old Binnenhof castle built in 1248 year... The historic city center lies around it. In front of the castle, in Plaine, you can see monument to William I of Orange.

Historical sights of this city can be called: Riddersal tribunal building (XIII century.), colonial ministry, the oldest in the country city ​​Passage, Ministry of Justice and Literary Club de Witte.

In the building of the medieval prison Gewagenport currently working Museum of the inquisition.

Nearby is palace of the former governor of the Dutch possessions in Brazil - Mauritshuis... It now houses one of the best art galleries in the world - Royal art gallery.

The town hall square is dominated by: Gothic Old Town Hall, Stock Exchange Berlage. Church of the Grote-Kerk is the most famous cathedral in the city... She is also interesting coats of arms of the Knights of the Golden Fleece depicted on the pediment, and symbol of the city - a bell with a picture of a stork.

At the Köninkliq Palais Noordeinde located queen's residence... In the summer, this palace is open to the public, and the queen lives in Heis-ten-Bose palace. Another attraction of the city can be called park Madurodam... It is very interesting open-air museum, in which almost the entire country and all its monuments are presented on a scale 1: 25 ... The layouts are valid.

Worth a visit and ultra-modern Quarter Residence, in the creation of which the best architects of the world took part.

Walloon Church was built in 1807 year at the expense of Napoleon Bonaparte. Many tourists visit house-museum of Spinoza, old catholic church, unique Museum of sweets and caramel The Hague Hofier, Peace Palace.

Other attractions of the city are: Prince William V Art Gallery, Aquarium and Maritime Center, International Press Museum, Postal Museum and Costume Museum.

Not far from The Hague is located seaside resort Schweningen, which is famous all over the world, and the old town of Delft... This city is home to the famous Dutch blue and white porcelain.

The main attractions of the city are Renaissance Town Hall with a watchtower, St. Agatha Monastery, St. Hippolytus Chapel, Church of 1250 with " falling bell tower".

Tourists should also visit this city National Museum Lambert van Merten and gothic church Nieuwe Kerk which is interesting graves of members of the royal dynasty.

Marketplace of Delft, on which rises 109-meter bell tower Nieuwe-Kerk, it is considered the most beautiful square in the Netherlands.

Rotterdam is an the largest port in Europe and the second largest city in the country... It is located on one of the northern branches of the extensive Rhine delta - r. Lek. In the chronicles, this city was first mentioned in 1238 year... And to 1340 year Rotterdam was already considered one of the most significant European cities.

During the Second World War Old city was almost completely destroyed, therefore, there are almost no old monuments preserved here. But the restored modern Rotterdam also has very interesting architecture.

The best preserved area of ​​the Delft port - Delftshaven... There are many narrow streets, canals, old buildings and windmills.

The first European " skyscraper - Het Witte Hayes... This building was built in 1898 year, its height is 45 meters... The territory of the old port was densely surrounded by new buildings.

Located in the city center Prince Hendrick's Maritime Museum... Rises next to him bronze monument "Scream" ("Devastated city")in memory of the old city destroyed by the Nazis.

Nearby you can visit Historical Museum in the 17th century palace, Kunsthal building, in which exhibitions of art worksXIX - XX centuries. and famous Boijmann van Beuningen Museum, which has the best collection of Flemish masters in the country XV - XVI centuries.

You can visit St. Laurentskerk city cathedral (XVI century.). In front of him is located monument to Erasmus of Rotterdam. Town hall built in 1920, is the largest in the country.

On the banks of the Meuse costs monument to Peter I, interesting also Post and Exchange buildings... Towering over the city TV tower Euroomast whose height is 185 meters away... Its revolving observation deck offers a magnificent panorama of the city and the huge port.

In the Kralingen quarter you can visit the magnificent Botanical Garden... In the area of ​​the business center, there are modern high-rise buildings of banks and offices.

The city's museums include the Academy of Arts, the Museum of Ethnography, the Conservatory, the Museum of Entomology, the Historical Museum and the Rotterdam Zoo.

Utrecht represents old university town, which is located in the center of the country. He is interesting for his bunk channels, which are connected by numerous bridges to the adjacent houses. During the Middle Ages, these houses served as warehouses.

Nowadays, a large number of cafes and restaurants are located on the terraces of the first tier. And the canals are mainly used for recreational walks.

The most famous landmark of the town is the oldest gothic cathedral country Domkerk, which the has the tallest spire in the Netherlands.

Also deserve the attention of tourists Town hall famous The university which acts with 17th century.

The most interesting museums are: Museum of Coins, Museum of the Society of Art and Science, Railway Museum, Central Museum (art collection early 17th century.), and Museum of Christianity which possesses the largest collection of medieval art in the country.

Maastricht is an one of the most ancient cities in the Netherlands and the administrative center of the province of Limburg... It is located in the south of the country, on the border with Belgium. The main attraction of the city are considered remnants of the Van du Moulin defensive line including walls, bastions, underground mine galleries, etc.

Deserves the attention of tourists and maze of 20 thousand caves Sint-Petersburg... These caves were also used as casemates and warehouses during the many sieges of the city.

Interesting and medieval burgher houses "old town", narrow streets and bridges, which are protected as architectural monuments. Here you can see the oldest city gate in the country related to 1299 year, The town hall.The symbol of the city is considered to be Sint Servas Cathedral (Sint-Servaskerk, VI century.). The most popular museums in the city can be called: Episcopal, Art and Antiquities and Art Museum Bonnefanten.

Onze-Live-Frauwe Church it is considered the most beautiful Romanesque basilica in the country... It is located on the square of the same name.

Near Tilburg you can visit interesting safari and amusement park "Efteling".

Town Groningen located in the north of the Netherlands. It attracts numerous tourists with its churches: St. Martin (XIII - XVI centuries.) with a tower ( XVI century.), Aa and Nieuwe-Kerk built in 17th century... Here you can see ruins of a Roman settlement. Some of the best in Europe areGroningen Maritime Museum and original Tobacco Museum. The city library contains Latin translation of the New Testament which was made Erasmus of Rotterdam and annotated Martin Luther.

Friesland Province and Wadden Islands stretched along the northern coast of the country. They are interesting for their wildlife, dunes, numerous lakes, pine forests, seaside resorts... Everything here has preserved the originality of the culture of the Frisian ethnic group living here.

Provincial capital is the city Leeuwarden. Its main attractions are: ancient bastions, Town Hall, Palace of Justice.

V Estate of Maria Louise Hesse-Kassel can see the best collection of porcelain and earthenware products in the country.

Collections of the unique Frisian Museum tell about the artistic traditions and culture of the province. In the village of Venkloster located a branch of this museum with an interesting collection of toys. In Dokkum situated Museum of Frisian Folk Art, in Franeker you can see a unique planetarium (XVIII century.).

In Snek tourists can visit Frisian Maritime Museum and great yacht Club. In Kollum many luxurious houses in traditional style. There is also a majestic 15th century town hall.

De Kennermerdyunen National Park ("kennemere dunes") is located on a territory whose area exceeds more than 1000 ha natural dune area. It is located on the coast of the North Sea and is one of the few areas where natural vegetation has been preserved.

The largest national park in the Netherlands is an De Hoge Veluwe... It contains one of the largest in Europe Sculpture museum in Otterlo. It represents more 20 hectares masterpieces of the most famous European masters Twentieth century, located outdoors... There is also the richest private art collection of the Kröller-Müller couple.

The country has a large number of medieval fortresses, palaces and castles. Fortress Ammersoen built in XIV century, famous for its collection of items that were found during excavations in the moat.

Middahten Castle was built in 1190 year and rebuilt into 17th century... It has been preserved in its entirety, along with all the furnishings.

Valkenburg was built on a rocky foundation in 1100 year... He interesting for the presence of an extensive system of underground passages that lead to a vast labyrinth of caves... Also worthy of mention are castles such as De Haar and B.

The territory of the country was inhabited during the last ice age., at this time there was a tundra with sparse vegetation. According to scientists, the oldest traces of human activity dated 1000 years. First settlers were hunters and gatherers.

When the territory of modern Holland arrived romans, she was inhabited by Germanic tribes: tubants, caninefates and friezes... They settled there about 600 BC.Celtic tribes (eburons and menapias) inhabited the south of the country.

German tribes also settled here Batavians and Toxandras. Southern part of the present Netherlands during the period of the Roman Empire occupied by the Romans... She became part of the provinceBelgica, and later - provinceLower Germany.

The Netherlands in the Middle Ages consisted of present-day Belgium and the Netherlands, they included various counties, duchies and dioceses that were part of the Holy Roman Empire.

In the 16th century they were a single state under the rule of the Habsburgs. Spread of Calvinism Led to Counter-reformation, which caused a split in the country. King Philip II of Spaintried to centralize the state... However, the consequence of his actions was revolt against Spanish rule... Headed it William I of Orange.

State independence was proclaimedJuly 26, 1581... But other countries officially recognized it only after graduationEighty Years War (1568—1648 ). During the years of the War of Independence began " Golden age»Netherlands. It represented a period of economic and cultural prosperity and fell on everything 17th century.

Founder of the independent Netherlands it is considered William I of Orange.

At the beginning of the 19th century, after the end of the French occupation, the country became monarchy ruled by representatives of the House of Orange. Belgium v 1830 year finally separated from the Netherlands and became an independent kingdom.

Luxembourg gained independence in 1890 year. V 1848 year, the country, under pressure from liberal politicians, turned into parliamentary democracy with a constitutional monarch... This political structure persists here and at the present time.

Netherlands remained neutral during the First World War... A during World War II the country has been occupied by Germany. Rotterdam was bombed, the city center was almost completely destroyed. About fifty thousand Dutch Jews fell victim to the Holocaust during the war.

After the end of the war the country was recovering at a fairly fast pace. This was greatly facilitated by Marshall plan organized by the USA. This allowed the Netherlands to become a modern industrial country in a short time. Former colonies Indonesia and Suriname gained state independence. Mass immigration began from Indonesia, Turkey, Morocco, Suriname and the Antilles. This led to the fact that the Netherlands become a country with many cultures, the proportion of the Muslim population has increased significantly.

In the 60s and 70s last century in the country occurred major social and cultural changes... Catholics and Protestants began to communicate with each other more. The rise in living standards and the development of education have led to the fact that the differences between classes have become less noticeable.

Women have more economic rights, increasingly they began to occupy high positions in enterprises and in government. The country's government began pay great attention to the protection of the environment... The population of the Netherlands received broad social rights. Some of the tallest steel in the worldpensions, unemployment and disability benefits.

March 25, 1957 country became one of the founders of the European Union... The Netherlands has also made a great contribution to European integration. But in June 2005 at a referendum on the European Constitution, more than half of the country's residents voted against its adoption... Netherlands steel the second country to reject the draft unified EU constitution.

International trade

Main imports The Netherlands can be called cars, oil, clothing, cast iron and steel. The country also importsnon-ferrous metals, food products and various transport equipment.

Main export items countries are: chemical products, greenhouse vegetables, meat, flowers, natural gas and metal products.

The shops

Country shops usually work with 8.30 (9.00 ) before 17.30 (18.00 ). Once a week, often on Mondays, they closed before 12.00-13.00 , a on Thursdays the shops open before 21.00 . On Saturdays grocery stores are open before 16.00 , a the rest are closed v 17.00 .

Only very few shops are open on Sunday, and monday morning.

As souvenirs tourists usually bring from the Netherlands mills in various forms and shapes, wooden shoes different sizes and colors that are one of the main symbols of Holland... Many also buy cheese for which this country is famous. From here you can bring tulip bulbs delicious chocolate, jewelry, crystal and famous blue and white pottery from Delft.

Demography

Population density is 395 person per square kilometer. The netherlands stand on 15 place in terms of population density.

Average age of the population country is 40.4 of the year, average age of men - 39.6 years, women - 41.2 of the year.

Population growth rate is 0.412 % ... According to this indicator, the country stands on 162 place in the world.

Population migration: 2.46 migrant / 1,000 population, 33 place in the world.

Urbanization: urban population: 82 % of the total population, increase in urbanization: annual rate 0.9 % .

average life expectancy population of the country is 79.4 years, male life expectancy - 76.8 years, women - 82.14 of the year. According to this indicator, the country stands on 30 place in the world.

Industry

The country has a modern highly developed post-industrial economy. The most important industries this country can be called the following: electronics, mechanical engineering, petrochemistry, shipbuilding, ferrous metallurgy, aircraft construction, pulp and paper, furniture, textile industry, as well as production of beer and clothing.

Heavy industry branches concentrated in coastal areas, especially in Rotterdam as well as in Eimeiden, Dordrecht, Arnhem and Nijmegen... All of these cities are located on navigable rivers or canals. On the seaside there are wind farms... A fairly well-known industry, although it is small in scale, is diamond processing in Amsterdam.

Flora and fauna

Polders almost entirely used for agricultural purposes. They consist mainly of clay and peat... The flora and fauna of the Netherlands is rather scarce. In the southern and eastern regions countries are widespread sandy soils who are busy arable land... Some places are still preserved moorlands and pine-oak-beech forests.

South Limburg plateau covered aeolian loess... Here are common fertile loamy soils, which form the basis of agriculture.

Most of the country's wild animals have been driven out of their habitats by humans. There are enough a large number of birds, especially waterfowl. Many rare animal species are protected in national parks and reserves.

Banks and money

Netherlands banknotes / currency converter

Official currency country is Euro, 1 euro is equal to 100 cents.

Until the end of 2012, the National Bank will exchange guilders for euros free of charge.

In circulation there are banknotes in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euros, as well as coins in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents.

Tourists can exchange currency at any bank, airport, hotel or train station. In nighttime well less profitable... You can also do this in private exchange offices, but the rate is less favorable and the commission is higher. The most favorable exchange rate offered at bank branches and by post. The exchange there is carried out at the official rate, the lowest commissions are charged.

Exchange currency as well as cash traveler's checks and credit cards can be in the offices GWK (Central exchange office system). She happens to be the main financial institution of the country, which specializes in currency transactions.

Almost everywhere accepted for payment credit cards of the major world systems. They can be cashed in almost all bank branches and all GWK branches, including border points. Currency exchange with ISIC student cards or FIYTO youth cards produced without deduction of commissions.

Country banks usually work with 8.00 before 16.00 on weekdays, break- with 12.00 before 13.30 . On Fridays some banks close one hour earlier. GWK offices are open since 8.00 before 20.00 , on Sunday- with 10.00 before 16.00 .

In the cities of the country there is a single urban transport system (Gvb), which includes trams, trolleybuses and buses. One-way ticket valid for one hour and costs 1.5 euros. It is more profitable to buyreusable tickets.

It is accepted to enter public transportthrough the back door... In the front door most often you can go only with multi-day passes, which are presented to the driver.

In Rotterdam and Amsterdam there is underground... The journey is worth it not more expensive than in other modes of transport. Travel cards for all types of transportcan be bought at the train station, in some bookstores, at the post office, at special GVB ticket offices, as well as from tram or bus drivers, but more expensive.

The country has enough water transport is also widespread:pleasure craft, water taxi etc. But travel on them is more expensive, and they are designed, for the most part, for tourists.

The Netherlands is very great popularity enjoy bicycles... Their number now even exceeds the number of inhabitants of the country. There is a separate place for bike lanes on roads and city streets. Everywhere you can see special bicycle parking, sometimes several floors.

Bike also can be rented in special points.

Right-hand traffic in the country, the roads are of excellent quality. Priority is given to cyclists in priority of traffic on city streets... The central lane of many streets is reserved for public transport. On many streets, especially tourist ones, almost impossible to find a free parking space.

Speed ​​limits on motorways 120 km / h, on a local highway - 100 km / h, within settlements - 50 or even 30 km / h... Installed everywhere police radars.

Taxi can be taken at a specialized parking lot or ordered by phone.

Tourists can rent a car in any hotel, airline office or specialized offices of rental agencies. Rental conditions are standard for all EU countries.

Rentals usually do not include mileage and gasoline, but insurance is included. Total length of roads is 111 891 km.

Sufficiently developed and ocean shipping. Rotterdam is one of the largest seaports in the world in terms of cargo turnover.

Minerals

Main coal reservesconcentrated in the province of Limburg... Deposits of hard and brown coal were discovered here. Oil and gas fields found in the middle of the country, near the Zuider See.

There are oil and gas fields as well within the shelf of the North Sea... Of the less important minerals mined in the Netherlands, one can single out peat, table salt and kaolin.

Agriculture

In the Netherlands agriculture is an important sector of the economy... However, a very small percentage of the population is employed in this area. About 80 % the export of agricultural products of the Netherlands is consumed by the countries of the European Union. In the structure of agricultural exports prevail vegetables and flowers, and dairy products.

On agricultural land accounts for about 65 % territory of the country. About 27 % of them are occupied arable land, 32 % — pastures and 9 % - forests... However, the share of pastures is constantly decreasing. This is due to the expansion of housing construction.

In the Netherlands very carefully look after the soil... The Netherlands are in one of the first places in the use of mineral fertilizers.

Crop production presented, mostly, the cultivation of flowers, potatoes, sugar beets and cereals. An important export item are greenhouse and canned vegetables High Quality.

The country is located in fifth place in Europe for oil production and on the fourth -for the production of cheese... Especially developed here grazing.

The country is located at the first place in the world in terms of areas that occupy greenhouses... Moreover, their area is increasing. Greenhouses are usually heated with local natural gas. About 60% ".

Holland officially allowed the use of light drugs... There are special places for selling and consuming them. But hard drugs and chemicals prohibited as in other countries.

Abortion is officially legal in the Netherlands in the first 24 weeks of pregnancy. In 2002, there was also legalized euthanasia, but it requires strict medical supervision.

On April 1, 2001, the Netherlands became the first country in the world to have legalized same-sex marriage.

The Dutch are very polite, reserved and tolerant of other people's opinions... Here it is customary to say hello to everyone entering the room.

The country has a very large number of animal protectors, therefore not worth wearing herethings made of natural fur or leather.

It is not accepted to dance in restaurants, for this there are discos and dance halls. In the restaurant accepted. No vaccinations to enter the country to do not required.There are no additional health risks.

The Netherlands is a Western European state located in the western part of the Central European Plain. From the north and west, the territory of the country is washed by the North Sea; polders and dunes prevail in these areas. Geographic coordinates: 51 ° - 53 ° N 4 ° - 7 ° E The uniqueness of the Netherlands lies in the fact that a fairly large part of the territory was obtained by drainage, about half of the territory in which 60% of the population lives lies below sea level, and another 1/3 has a height of up to 1 m. The Netherlands means “low-lying lands ”, Which is explained by the location of the country in the flat plains of the river deltas.

The Netherlands is a mono-national country, St. 96% are related by origin peoples: Dutch, Flemings and Frisians; 3.5% of the population are foreigners, mostly refugees from Muslim countries. The Flemings live in the south of the country, the Frisians in the north. The official language is Dutch. In the province of Friesland, the Frisian language also has official rights. Believers are Catholics (40%), Protestants (34%). The Netherlands ranks first in terms of population density in Europe - 388.9 people. for 1 sq. km (in the provinces of North Holland and South Holland 800-950 people per sq. km).

Relief of the netherlands

The country can be conditionally divided into two parts. To the north and west are low-lying land, most of which lies in the delta of the Rhine, Meuse and Scheldt. Along the seashore stretches a belt of sand dunes up to 405 km wide and up to 60 m high, which, together with a system of dams, dams and sluices, protects low-lying fertile lands (“marches”) from flooding.

The southern and eastern parts of the country lie above sea level, the hilly landscape prevails in the east, and the southern region is occupied by sandy-clay plains, turning into hilly-forest landscapes of the foothills of the Ardennes. In the southernmost (province of Limburg), the terrain rises to 150-320 meters, where the highest point of the country is located - the Vaalserberg Upland (321 m). To the east of the marshes there is a hilly plain ("guestes"), composed of glacial deposits. To the southeast of the IJsselmeer, a moraine relief is preserved - ridges up to 106 m high.

Geological structure and minerals of the Netherlands

In the north of the Netherlands, modern and Pleistocene sandy-clay marine and river sediments predominate. From the east, there are glacial and fluvioglacial deposits. The river deltas are composed of alluvial deposits, and the lands of the southern province of Limburg consist mainly of limestones, marls and Cretaceous of the Late Mesozoic, Paleogene and Neogene. From the Rhine Slate Mountains through the territory of the former Gulf of Zuider See in the northwest direction there is the Central Netherlands swell of sedimentary rocks, in other places the strata lie quietly.

There are large reserves of natural gas and oil, the deposits of which are located in areas of relative depressions to the west and east of the Ijsselmeer (Slochteren), as well as on the shelf of the North Sea. There are also reserves of coal and brown coal (in the south of the province of Limburg), peat, table salt and kaolin.

Hydrography of the Netherlands

On the territory of the Netherlands, there are the mouths of large European rivers: the Rhine, Meuse and Scheldt, which form a large delta. The rivers are full-flowing all year round, their channels are straightened and connected by canals, and the flow is regulated. The sediment causes the river beds to slowly rise above the surrounding lowlands, which is why many rivers are surrounded by protective embankments.

The branches and estuaries of rivers, as well as lakes, are connected by numerous channels, including:

• Corbulo canal
• Canal Gent-Ternusen
• Canal Amsterdam-Rhine
• Nordze Canal
• Juliana channel

The southern part of the Wadden Sea lies between the West Frisian Islands and the mainland of the Netherlands. In the north of the country, there is the Dollart Bay.

In 1282, a catastrophic flood led to the formation of the Zuidersee Bay, which, after the construction of the Afsluitdijk dam, turned into the freshwater lake IJsselmeer. Large areas are freed from excess ground and surface water using numerous canals and pumping out water (previously, windmills were used for this purpose). Thus, in the course of the Zuidersee project, the southeastern part of the IJsselmeer was drained and turned into polders, on which the province of Flevoland was formed. On the eastern and southern sides of the polders, a strait was left, which is a series of communicating lakes.

The Hautribdijk Dam was built between 1963 and 1975, separating Markermeer Lake from the IJsselmeer. Lake Grevelingen is located in the southwestern part of the country. In the province of Friesland, there is a group of lakes that lie below sea level. It includes lakes Flussen, Slaughter-Mer, Tjöke-Mer, Snecker-Mer and a number of others. In the north of the country, there is the Lauwerssee lake, which was also formerly a sea bay.

Climate of the Netherlands

The location of the Netherlands in temperate latitudes on the Atlantic lowlands of Europe determines the climatic features of the country. Due to its small size and the absence of significant elevations, climatic differences are poorly expressed. All year round, but especially in winter, cyclones sweep over the country from the Atlantic. The sky is often overcast, cloudy, rapidly changing weather with thick fogs is typical. On average, there are only 35 clear days per year.

Due to the prevalence of westerly winds blowing from the North Sea, the weather in the Netherlands is usually mild in winter and cool in summer. The average January temperature is 2 ° C. In winter, there are short periods with negative temperatures, alternating with thaws. Snowfalls are very rare and rainfall occurs even in winter. Severe frosts happen in exceptional cases; only with the invasion of cold air from the east ice forms on the lake. IJsselmeer and the lower Rhine. But if a safe ice sheet nevertheless forms, the Dutch are happy to go ice skating along the canals. The average temperature in July is + 16-17 C. In summer, periods of cool weather alternate with hot days.

Average annual precipitation is 650-750 mm, their maximum amount is in August-October. The climatic conditions of the Netherlands are favorable for the growth of forage grasses, as well as grain, industrial and fruit crops, which give high yields. Thanks to the long frost-free period, vegetables can be grown outdoors from early spring to late autumn.

Soils and flora of the Netherlands

The land cover of the Netherlands, despite the small size of the country, is quite diverse. In the north and east, derkovo-pale-podzolic soils are widespread, developing on sandy deposits under heaths and oak forests. These soils are characterized by a humus horizon up to 20 cm thick with a humus content of more than 5%. In many localities, the accumulation of humus was artificially stimulated, and the natural soils there are actually buried under a dark-colored layer - a mixture of manure, turf, forest floor and sand. These soils occupy one of the first places in Europe for their arable properties.

Polders, almost entirely used for agricultural needs, are composed mainly of clays and peat. Heather wastelands (low grass with shrubs) and pine-oak-beech forests have been preserved here. The plateau of southern Limburg is covered with aeolian loess.

The humid climate and flat low-lying terrain of the Netherlands contributed to the formation of swamps here, which have undergone significant reclamation. Often, bog peat is covered with mineral soil raised from the ditches either during their periodic cleaning, or during deep plowing. The soils of the river valleys along the Rhine and Meuse, as well as the soils of the marches, are very peculiar.

Forests cover 7.6% of the country's territory, mainly in the form of groves. Oak, beech, hornbeam, ash are presented.

Fauna of the Netherlands

In the process of human development of the territory of the Netherlands, many species of wild animals were displaced from their habitats. However, there are many birds in the country, especially waterfowl. Many rare species of animals are protected in national parks and reserves.

Mainly preserved are those species of wild animals that live in damp meadows, reservoirs and canals. The expansion of land reclamation has worsened the habitat of birds, and only in some coastal areas are relatively large colonies still preserved. There are about 180 bird species in the Netherlands. And during winter flights, thousands of waterfowl end up in the Netherlands. In the north of the country, on the shoals of the Wadden Sea, which separates the West Frisian Islands from the mainland, white-fronted geese, short-billed bean goose, barnacle geese, a mass of gulls and waders winter. In addition, the southernmost eider population lives here. The abundance of lapwings and great shawls is typical for marches. On the coast itself, large curlews, herbalists, turukhtans are common.

Environmental protection in the Netherlands

Environmental awareness has become part of the lifestyle of every Dutch citizen following the publication of the Frontier to Growth Club of Rome report. It predicted the depletion of oil and gas resources. That is why the Netherlands is very responsible for the country's energy consumption, as well as maintaining a balance between human activity and the environment.

In a country as densely populated as the Netherlands, it is very important to ensure the protection of special natural areas. Therefore, the state buys and manages especially valuable natural areas. In addition, it practices the financing of private institutions for the acquisition and management of such zones. In the Netherlands, such a phenomenon has become widespread as the conclusion of direct agreements between farmers and the state. According to the agreement, farmers undertake obligations to protect nature on their own land or on land administered by a nature conservation organization. By adopting a nature management plan in 1990, the state has demonstrated its intention to return nature in the Netherlands to the place it should belong. The Main Ecological Structure, a network of interconnected natural zones, is of great importance. This network of natural areas should ensure the existence of plants and animals in the future. The goal for 2018 is to achieve the total area of ​​natural zones of 700 thousand hectares.

Country relief

The country is located mainly on coastal lowlands and tracts of reclaimed land (polderiers). By the nature of the relief, the territory of the Netherlands is an almost perfect plain. Approximately 2/5 of the country's territory is below sea level (in some places up to 5 m below sea level). These are mainly its northern and western regions. The height rarely exceeds 50 meters. Such lands are reliably protected by a system of dams, dams and other hydraulic and drainage structures. The total length of the dams is 3700 km. The west of the country, which lies below sea level, is cut by canals and sea branches. The North Sea coastline consists of most of the dunes. In the north, the dunes are ripped apart by sea branches, thus creating the West Frisian Islands, to the east of which lies the tidal sea, called Wadensee in Holland. The terrain rises slightly to the southeast. The highest point in the country is Vaalserberg, 321 m high, and the lowest is 6.7 m below sea level. The main rivers are the Rhine with tributaries, the Meuse, the Scheldt. The largest lake is the IJsselmeer, with an area of ​​1210 sq. meters)

Soil cover and minerals

The land cover of the Netherlands, despite the small size of the country, is quite diverse. In the north and east, derkovo-pale-podzolic soils are widespread, developing on sandy deposits under heaths and oak forests. These soils are characterized by a humus horizon up to 20 cm thick with a humus content of more than 5%. In many localities, the accumulation of humus was artificially stimulated, and the natural soils there are actually buried under a dark-colored layer - a mixture of manure, turf, forest floor and sand. These soils occupy one of the first places in Europe for their arable properties. Polders, almost entirely used for agricultural needs, are composed mainly of clays and peat. Heather wastelands (low grass with shrubs) and pine-oak-beech forests have been preserved here. The plateau of southern Limburg is covered with aeolian loess. The humid climate and flat low-lying terrain of the Netherlands contributed to the formation of swamps here, which have undergone significant reclamation. Often, bog peat is covered with mineral soil raised from the ditches either during their periodic cleaning, or during deep plowing. The soils of the river valleys along the Rhine and Meuse, as well as the soils of the marches, are very peculiar. Forests cover 7.6% of the country's territory, mainly in the form of groves. Oak, beech, hornbeam, ash are presented.

Among the minerals, natural gas (proven reserves of 2 billion cubic meters, 1st place in Western Europe). Oil production is carried out on the Dutch part of the continental shelf. There is coal, clay.

Animal world

In the process of human development of the territory of the Netherlands, many species of wild animals were displaced from their habitats. However, there are many birds in the country, especially waterfowl. Many rare species of animals are protected in national parks and reserves. Mainly preserved are those species of wild animals that live in damp meadows, reservoirs and canals. The expansion of land reclamation has worsened the habitat of birds, and only in some coastal areas are relatively large colonies still preserved. There are about 180 bird species in the Netherlands. And during winter flights, thousands of waterfowl end up in the Netherlands. In the north of the country, on the shoals of the Wadden Sea, which separates the West Frisian Islands from the mainland, white-fronted geese, short-billed bean goose, barnacle geese, a mass of gulls and waders winter. In addition, the southernmost eider population lives here. The abundance of lapwings and great shawls is typical for marches. On the coast itself, large curlews, herbalists, turukhtans are common.

The national bird of the Netherlands is the spoonbill. White or pink large long-legged bird living in swamps. It has a very large long beak that widens towards the end. With such a beak, it is convenient to get food out of the swamp. Males of pink spoonbills present twigs to the lady during courtship. The Delta of the Rhine, Meuse and Scheldt is known as a wintering and resting place for birds in transit. Reed thickets along the channels attract gray geese, as well as teals, pintails, curlews, and snipes for wintering. Among the nesting species are the reed harrier, short-eared owl, shepherd boy, long-legged tit, and bittern. Also in the delta area, along the overgrown shores of small bays, the muskrat is widely spread. Seals live off the northern shores of the Netherlands, the fishing of which is limited, and in some areas is completely prohibited. In large forests there are wood mice, squirrels, rabbits, roe deer, as well as representatives of the weasel family. Black grouse and large curls are characteristic of heather wastelands, and wild crumbs are characteristic of coastal dunes. The North Sea is rich in fish - cod and herring.

Water resources

Water can be called one of the natural resources of the Netherlands. The country has a very dense river network, the mouths of the Rhine, Meuse and Scheldt converging on it form an extensive common navigable delta. Rivers are full-flowing and carry a lot of sediment, but often their channels carry the danger of flooding. If, during a spring flood, the waters of the Rhine collide with a tidal wave penetrating up the branches of the delta, the rivers overflow their banks, destroy dams and spill over the surrounding lowlands. To avoid this, protective dams are being erected on the banks of the rivers. In addition, the existing system of canals with locks contributes to the regulation of the flow and at the same time increases the navigation value of the rivers. The Netherlands is known all over the world for its hydraulic structures. In 1927, a major hydraulic engineering project was launched in the Netherlands to drain the Zuider See Bay. By 1932, the construction of the main dam, 29 km long, was completed, which crossed the bay between the provinces of North Holland and Friesland. In the next five years, a freshwater lake IJsselmeer was formed above this dam, which was planned to be drained. First of all, the Wieringermeer polder was created in the northwest, then the Urkerland polder in the northeast. The territories of East and South Flevoland were drained in the same way. The draining of the Markerward was completed in the late 1980s. After the complete completion of the project, over 60% of the original area of ​​the IJsselmeer will be reclaimed by the sea.

Another project called Delta, completed in 1986, was mainly intended to protect the outer parts of the Rhine-Meuse delta with its numerous islands from flooding. This project took on special significance after the disaster of 1953, when a storm in the North Sea destroyed coastal dams and flooded most of the deltaic lowlands. During the course of the project, all branches of the delta were blocked by dams that connected the islands. The only exception was the Vostochnaya Scheldt arm, along which the sea route to the port of Antwerp (Belgium) runs. The Netherlands is currently considering a project to build dams between the West Frisian Islands, which border the country's northern coast. In this case, the shallow Wadden Sea (Wadden Sea), stretching between these islands and the mainland, will also be drained.

In the 1990s, the strategy of hydraulic engineering and reclamation works, which had a thousand-year history, changed significantly. Now it is planned to turn about 240 thousand hectares, or about 1/10 of all agricultural land in the country, into forests, meadows and lakes in order to protect the environment.

Climate

The climate of the Netherlands is determined by the position in the temperate latitudes in the Atlantic lowlands of Europe. Due to the small size of the country and the absence of significant elevations, climatic differences are poorly expressed.

Due to the prevalence of westerly winds blowing from the North Sea, the weather in the Netherlands is usually mild in winter and cool in summer. The average January temperature is 2 ° C. In winter, there are short periods with negative temperatures, alternating with thaws. It is not every year that ice is formed that is safe for skating, however, if this happens, the Dutch are happy to go ice skating along the canals. The average July temperature is 16–17 ° C. In summer, periods of cool weather alternate with hot days. Although there is an average of 650 to 750 mm of precipitation per year, rarely a day goes by without rain, with an average of 35 clear sunny days per year. There are often fogs, sometimes it snows in winter.

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In general, the climate is temperate, maritime, characterized by cool summers and rather warm winters. The average July temperature is 16-17 ° C, January is about 2 ° C on the coast and slightly colder inland. The absolute maximum air temperature (+38.6 ° C) was recorded on August 23, 1944 in Varnsveld, the absolute minimum (-27.4 ° C) was recorded on January 27, 1942 in Winterswijk. In winter, when anticyclones invade from Eastern Europe, the temperature falls below 0 ° C, snow falls, and canals and lakes are covered with ice. Although there is an average of 650 to 750 mm of precipitation per year, rarely a day goes by without rain. There are often fogs, sometimes it snows in winter.

Land resources:

Agricultural lands occupy about 65% of the country's territory. About 27% of agricultural land is arable land, 32% is pasture and up to 9% is forested.

In the north and east, derkovo-pale-podzolic soils are widespread, developing on sandy deposits. These soils are characterized by a humus horizon up to 20 cm thick with a humus content of more than 5%.

Forest resources

Forests cover 7.6% of the country's territory. Since almost the entire territory of the country is occupied by agricultural land, the forests are almost not preserved. Rare plantings of oak, birch, pine, ash are carefully protected.

Minerals

The main resources of the Netherlands are natural gas, oil, salt, sand, gravel.

The main coal reserves are concentrated in the province of Limburg. Deposits of hard and brown coal were discovered here. Oil and gas fields have been discovered in the middle of the country, near the Zuider-See Bay.

There are oil and gas fields also within the North Sea shelf. Of the less important minerals mined in the Netherlands, peat and kaolin can be distinguished.

Water resources

The rivers are full-flowing, many of them are connected by channels and navigable; rarely freeze. Common delta of the Rhine, Meuse and Scheldt rivers. Many small lakes are found in the northern and western parts of the country.

When transporting goods in the Netherlands, a complex system of artificially created waterways of three main categories is used: two ports of Rotterdam and Amsterdam; canals linking these ports to the North Sea; and canals linking different parts of the country. Approximately 6 thousand Dutch river vessels (this figure is the highest in the world) carry at least 2/3 of the total water freight of the EU countries.

To improve the approaches from the North Sea to the two largest ports - Amsterdam and Rotterdam - as early as the end of the 19th century. two canals were built. The Nordsee Canal provides the shortest exit from Amsterdam to the North Sea. The wide and deep 27 km long Nieuwe Waterweh canal connects Rotterdam with the sea, breaking through the dune belt at Hoek van Holland.

Recreational resources

Fortresses and many palaces and castles have survived in the Netherlands.

The museums contain unique collections of paintings. The Riksmuseum houses the largest collection of Flemish paintings in the world, and the Van Gogh Museum contains 800 paintings by the artist. Rich collections of paintings are in the Museum of Modern Art, the Rembrandt Museum, in the Hague Royal Art Gallery. Among the architectural monuments in Amsterdam are the gate of St. Anthony Port, now the Historical Museum, the Gothic old church, the North and East churches, the Royal Palace.

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