Portal:Netherlands/Intro

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Netherlands (Dutch: Nederland; IPA: ["ne:dərland]) is the European part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (Dutch: Koninkrijk der Nederlanden). The Netherlands is a parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarch, located in northwestern Europe. It borders the North Sea to the north and west, Belgium to the south, and Germany to the east.

In many countries, the Netherlands is often referred to by the name Holland. However widespread, this usage is incorrect in English, as Holland is a region in the central-western part of the Netherlands, consisting of two provinces. Also, the English plural form 'the Netherlands' is a remnant from times when the country was not yet independent nor united. Refer to 'naming conventions', below.

The Netherlands is one of the most densely populated and geographically low-lying countries in the world (its name literally means "Low-lands") and is popularly famous for, among other things, its dikes, windmills, wooden shoes, tulips, bicycles and social tolerance. Its liberal policies (towards drugs and prostitution among other things) receive international attention. The country is host to the International Court of Justice. Its capital is Amsterdam, as stated by the constitution, but The Hague is the seat of government, the home of the monarch. Most embassies are located in the Hague, as well. The Netherlands ranked fifth on the 2004 UN Human Development Index, behind Norway, Sweden, Australia, and Canada.

The English adjective and noun for "of or relating to the Netherlands" is "Dutch", which is also the name of the Dutch language. "Netherlands" is also used as an adjective, especially in more formal writing and in the Netherlands Antilles.