The Netherlands
Coastal BeachesThe Netherlands, also known informally as Holland, is a country located in Northwestern Europe with some overseas territories in the Caribbean. It is known for a flat landscape of canals, tulip fields, windmills, and cycling routes. Amsterdam, the capital, is home to the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, the house where Jewish diarist Anne Frank hid during WWII, and a red-light district. The Netherlands has a maritime climate with cool summers and mild winters. The country has a rich history and is known for its historic cities, its art from the Dutch Golden Age, and its innovative water-management projects. The Dutch are also known for their liberal policies on issues such as drugs, prostitution, and euthanasia. The country is densely populated and is one of the world's top exporters of goods, thanks to its highly developed economy. The Port of Rotterdam is the largest port in Europe and one of the busiest in the world. The Netherlands is a founding member of the EU, NATO, the WTO, and the OECD, and it hosts several international courts, making it a central player in international affairs. The Dutch society is egalitarian and organized, with a strong emphasis on social welfare and consensus-based decision-making. Dutch and Frisian are the official languages, with English widely spoken as a second language by most of the population. The country's flat terrain is punctuated by numerous rivers and canals, which have been historically important for trade and transportation.
