Official Name: Koninkrijk der Nederlanden (Kingdom of The Netherlands)

Area: Europe

Size: 41,526 km² 

Coastline: 451 km

Independence: 8 years war July 26, 1581 

Form of Govt.: Constitutional monarchy

Head of Govt.: Prime Minister

Capital: Amsterdam

Largest City: Amsterdam

Demographics (2005): 16,491,461.   395 /km²

Dutch 80.8%, German 2.4%, Indonesian 2.4%, Turkish 2.2%

GDP per Capita (2005): $30,876

Languages: Dutch, Low Saxon, Limburgish

Geography: The country is largely a delta comprised of silt from the mouths of the Rhine, Waal, Maas, Ijssel and Schelde Rivers and is generally low and flat except for the southeast where hills rise. The inland area, which is in some places below sea level, is protected by coastal dunes and manmade dykes. Without these sea defenses around 40% of the country would be under water. The above mentioned rivers also give access for sea-going vessels to the inland waterways of Belgium and Germany.

Climate: The Netherlands has a temperate maritime climate influenced by the North Sea and Atlantic Ocean. Since the country is small there is little variation in climate from region to region, although the marine influences are less inland. Rainfall is distributed fairly evenly throughout the year with average annual precipitation exceeding 700 mm. Average temperature ranges are from -1 to 4 degrees in January to 13 to 22 degrees in July.