All about The Netherlands

Land & people

• Area: 41,526 sq km
• Population (July 2008 est.): 16.64m
• Capital: Amsterdam; The Hague is the seat of government
• Language: Dutch and Frisian are official languages. English, German and French are among other widely spoken languages.
• Per capita GDP (2007 est.): $38,500

A geographically low-lying and densely populated country, the Netherlands is located in Western Europe, with one third of the country at or below sea level. It is a Benelux country bordered by the North Sea to the north and west, Belgium to the south, and Germany to the east.

The country is administratively divided into 12 provinces. A significant aspect of the country is the flatness. An extensive range of dikes and dunes protects the low-lying areas from flooding.

Useful addresses

Embassy of the Kingdom
of the Netherlands
P.O. Box 46560, Abu Dhabi
+971 2 6321920
+971 2 6313158
dba@minbuza.nl

Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
P.O. Box 7726, Dubai
+971 4 3528700
+971 4 3510502
dba@minbuza.nl

Netherlands Board of Tourism and Conventions
Vlietweg 15, Postbus 458, 2260 MG Leidschendam, The Netherlands.
+31 (0)70 3705705
+31 (0)70 3201654
info@holland.com
www.nbtc.nl/www.holland.com

Passport/visa
A valid passport and visa are required to enter the country, with visa exemption for nationals from some countries. Travellers are advised to check their entry requirements with the nearest embassy.

Credit cards/cash
Major credit cards such as American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and VisaCard are widely accepted. Automated teller machines across the country offer cash advances on your credit card.

Shopping
Various antiques, books, curios and diamonds are on offer in the country. Shop hours are 1pm to 6pm on Mondays and 9/10am to 6pm Tuesday to Friday.

Getting there
Amsterdam Schiphol is the main international airport and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is the national air carrier. The Netherlands is connected to the rest of Europe by a superb network of motorways. Eurolines coach service operates between Amsterdam's Amstel Station and most major European cities.

Getting around
A dense network of trains covers the country, and buses ply the smaller routes. The cities of Amsterdam, Den Haag, Rotterdam and Utrecht have trams as well, and Amsterdam and Rotterdam have a subway. Car hire is another reasonably cheap mode of transportation.

Accommodation
From luxury hotels in cities and modern motels along motorways, to bed and breakfast, farmhouses, camping/caravan facilities and youth hostels, the country offers a wide range of accommodation.