Kingdom of the Netherlands · Western Europe
View on the interactive map →| Capital | Amsterdam |
|---|---|
| Population | 17.2 million |
| Area | 41,850 km² (16,158 mi²) |
| Official language(s) | Dutch |
| Currency | Euro (€) |
| Region | Europe |
| Subregion | Western Europe |
| Continent | Europe |
| Demonym | Dutch |
| Calling code | +31 |
| Time zone | Europe/Amsterdam |
| Government type | Unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy |
|---|---|
| Head of state | Monarch: King Willem-Alexander As of January 2026 — verify current officeholders. |
| Major political parties | PVV, GroenLinks–PvdA, VVD, NSC, and others |
| National motto | Je maintiendrai (I will maintain) |
| Major religions | Unaffiliated (majority), Christianity, Islam |
| Important cities | Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht, Eindhoven |
Independence / founding: Declared from Spain 1581; recognised 1648
The Dutch Republic won independence from Spain in the 80 Years' War and, in its 17th-century Golden Age, led the world in trade, art and science. Reorganised as a kingdom in 1815, the Netherlands became a founding member of the EU and NATO, famed for reclaiming land from the sea.
| National animal / bird | Lion (heraldic) |
|---|---|
| National dish | Stroopwafel, herring, Gouda cheese |
| Music | Electronic dance music (EDM) |
| National sport | Football; speed skating |