The Country
Now a constitutional monarchy, the country began its independent life as a republic in the 16th century, when the foundations were laid for it to become one of the world's foremost maritime trading nations.
Netherlands is today the most densely populated country in Europe: some 17.6 million people live in an area of 41,5000 square kilometres in the Netherlands. The Netherlands is not only the most densely populated country in the EU, but one of the most densely populated countries in the world. Over 40% live in the 'Randstad', the area between Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and Utrecht.
Dutch is the official language in the Netherlands. It most closely resembles German. A second Dutch language is also spoken in the province of Friesland: Frisian.