Geography - The Netherlands

The Netherlands is in Western Europe, bordered by the northern sea to the north and to the west. To the south lies Belgium, while the eastern border is shared with Germany. The country’s total surface area is 41 526 km2, 18% of which (7643 km2) is covered by rivers, lakes, canals, etc. The country’s highest point reaches an altitude of 321 meters, while the lowest point is at -6.76 m. Interestingly, about one quarter of the country lies below sea level. So-called “polders” are one of the Netherlands’ most exceptional geographical features: dikes that artificially regulate the subterranean water level surround these pieces of low-lying land. As early as the 16th century, entire lakes were emptied with the help of windmills. Nowadays, pumping stations have taken over. This is what gives this country’s landscapes such a peculiar feel. Approximately 16 million people live in the Netherlands, with 90% of the population living in one of the country’s 4 main cities – Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht. At 400 people per square kilometer, it is Europe’s most densely populated country.
Amsterdam is not only the country’s main cultural destination: it is also the country capital. And yet, the seat of the government as well as that of the International Criminal Court is in The Hague.
It is also worth noting that the Netherlands also have territories in the Caribbean sea, including destinations such as Bonaire, Saint-Eustache and Saba, as well as Aruba, Curacao and Saint-Martin.