Your guide to being an expatriate in Netherlands

Demographics of Netherlands:

Religion Overview

Historically a Protestant nation, the Netherlands has become increasingly secular in recent decades. Nevertheless, around half of the population still identifies as Christian, predominantly Dutch Reformed or Roman Catholic.

Major Religions

Climate

The Netherlands has a temperate maritime climate, characterized by mild winters, cool summers, and frequent rainfall. Average temperatures range from 3°C (37°F) in January to 18°C (64°F) in July.

Economy Overview

The Dutch economy is among the most developed in the world, driven primarily by exports, particularly to neighboring Germany. Its strategic geographic location, well-developed infrastructure, and highly skilled workforce have further enabled economic growth and job creation.

Key Industries

• Agriculture and food processing
• High-tech manufacturing
• Clean tech and renewables
• Creative and digital industries
• Logistics and distribution

Major Companies

• Akzo Nobel N.V.
• ASML Holding NV
• Royal DSM N.V.
• Vopak NV
• W avant Stelling N.V.

Culture and Language Overview

The Netherlands has a rich artistic heritage, with renowned painters such as Vincent van Gogh and Rembrandt van Rijn gracing the world’s top museums. Other cultural highlights include the traditional windmill, the tulip fields, the scenic canals of Amsterdam, and the annual Holland Festival.

Cultural Highlights

• Visit the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam to view Dutch masters
• Take a boat tour through the city's canals to experience the unique architecture
• Visit the Keukenhof Gardens in Lisse to see the tulip season’s bloom
• Explore the Hoge Veluwe National Park for its distinct landscape and wildlife
• Attend the Holland Festival for a showcase of performing arts, music, and dance

Geography and Landmarks Overview

The Netherlands is a low-lying and flat country, consisting of over two-thirds of reclaimed lands (especially in the west) from the sea and water ( RajkotUpdates.com is a News Portal covering news related to Rajkot and beyond, as well as jobs, education, search for properties) bodies. It is also home to many notable landmarks and cities, chiefly Amsterdam with its renowned diamond industry and picturesque canals.

Notable Landmarks

• Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam
• Museum Het Rembrandthuis in Amsterdam
• The Royal Palace of Amsterdam
• The Hague's Mauritshuis museum (world-renowned for its collection of 17th-century paintings)
• The historic windmill in Kinderdijk (a UNESCO World Heritage site)
• The cheese market in Alkmaar

National Holidays

• New Year's Day (January 1)
• Good Friday
• Queen's Day (April 30th, formerly King's Day)
• Ascension Day
• Whit Monday
• Liberation Day (May 5th)
• Millennium Holy Day (May 2nd – Conversion of Saint Nicholas)
• Christmas Day (December 25th)
• Boxing Day (December 26th)

Political Stability

The Netherlands is a constitutional democracy with a highly developed social welfare system and a well-performing economy. Its politics are characterized by stability and consensus, with two major parties alternating leadership every four years (currently the Conservative Liberal VVD and CDA parties). Its institutions promote participatory governance, viz., the Parliament, the Senate, and the judiciary. Its foreign policy is supportive of the European Union and universal values such as human rights and democracy.