Netherlands
Kingdom of the Netherlands · Western Europe
About Netherlands
Netherlands (officially Kingdom of the Netherlands) is a country in Western Europe, with Amsterdam as its capital. It is home to roughly 18.09 million people, giving a population density of about 432 people per square kilometre. The country covers 41,850 km² of land and shares land borders with 2 neighbouring countries. Its economy is valued at approximately $1.33T in nominal GDP (2025), and it records a Human Development Index of 0.955. The official currency is the Euro (EUR), and the main language is Dutch.
How Netherlands is governed
Ceremonial head of state.
Holds executive power; leads the government.
Bicameral — House of Representatives — 150 seats; Senate — 75 seats
Who holds the power?
The Netherlands is a constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy. The King is a ceremonial head of state; executive power lies with the Prime Minister and Cabinet, who must retain the confidence of the elected House of Representatives. Its highly proportional electoral system produces many parties and long coalition negotiations. Notably, Dutch courts cannot strike down laws as unconstitutional.
Key indicators
Latest available data · World Bank & UNDP.
💹 Economy
👥 People
🌍 Quality of Life
Travel & practical
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Fun facts about Netherlands
- Netherlands is the 71st most populous country in the world, with about 18.09 million people.
- By land area it is the 131st-largest country in the world, covering 41,850 km².
- It has the world's 18th-largest economy by nominal GDP ($1.33T).
- Netherlands shares land borders with 2 countries.
- It is classed by the UN as a country of very high human development, with an HDI of 0.955.
- Netherlands has a population density of about 432 people per square kilometre.
Netherlands vs Belgium
Belgium
Germany
France
Switzerland
Luxembourg
Liechtenstein
Monaco
Russia
United Kingdom
Italy