Living in the Netherlands

The Netherlands is located in Western Europe on the North Sea and borders Germany and Belgium; around 17.2 million people live there. Large parts of the country are flat, shaped by rivers, polders, and canals, and protected by dikes. The maritime climate brings mild winters, rather cool summers, and frequent wind and rain. In the densely populated west, cities such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague lie close together; bicycles and public transport are an integral part of everyday life there. Many people live in terraced houses or apartments, work in services, trade, logistics, or agriculture, and spend their free time on the coast, in parks, or cycling. In rural regions of the north and east, life is generally quieter and more car-oriented.