Country Profile: Netherlands

The Netherlands is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy located in Western Europe, bordered by Belgium and Germany. With a population of approximately 17.8 million, the country is renowned for its advanced economy, characterized by a strong service sector and significant agricultural output. Historically a major trading power, the Netherlands is an active member of the European Union and maintains a commitment to global trade. The nation is also known for its innovative infrastructure and high standard of living.

Geography

The Netherlands features a temperate marine climate and predominantly flat terrain, with a significant portion of its land reclaimed from the sea. The population is concentrated in the Randstad region, which includes major cities such as Amsterdam and Rotterdam. Despite a coastline of 451 kilometers, about a quarter of the country lies below sea level, making it particularly susceptible to flooding.

41,543 sq km: Total area
451 km: Coastline
33,893 sq km: Land area
7,650 sq km: Water area
1,053 km: Total land boundaries

People and Society

The Netherlands has a diverse population of approximately 17.8 million people, with a significant proportion born outside the country. The official language is Dutch, with Frisian recognized in Friesland. The society is characterized by high levels of urbanization, with over 93% of residents living in urban areas.

17.8 million: Estimated population (2024)
93.2%: Urban population (2023)
1.61 children: Total fertility rate (2024)
81.9 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024)
54.1%: Percentage of population identifying as having no religion (2019)

Economy

The economy of the Netherlands is classified as high-income, focusing on trade, services, and technology. It is a significant exporter of agricultural products and is known for its strong logistics sector. The GDP has shown resilience with growth rates projected to recover after a recent downturn.

$1.276 trillion: Real GDP (2024 est.)
3.6%: Unemployment rate (2024 est.)
70.3%: Services sector contribution to GDP (2024 est.)
1.7%: Agriculture’s share of GDP (2024 est.)
$70,900: Real GDP per capita (2024 est.)

Government

The Netherlands operates as a parliamentary constitutional monarchy, with a well-defined legal structure and a bicameral legislature known as the States General. The King serves as the head of state, while governance is enacted through elected representatives. The country is known for its democratic liberties and commitment to human rights.

King Willem-Alexander: Current head of state (since 2013)
150: Seats in the House of Representatives
18 years: Minimum voting age
12: Number of provinces
October 2029: Expected date of the next election for the House of Representatives

Military and Security

The Dutch Armed Forces are composed of land, naval, and air services, and are involved in various international missions, primarily through NATO. The military is an all-volunteer force with a focus on both domestic security and international peacekeeping.

43,000: Active-duty military personnel (2025)
2.5%: Military expenditures as a percentage of GDP (2025 est.)
350: Troops deployed in NATO missions (2025)
1: Number of operational nuclear reactors (2025)
21 brigades: Number of brigades within the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee

Energy

The Netherlands has achieved 100% electrification for its population and is transitioning towards renewable energy sources, notably wind and solar power. The country’s energy consumption reflects a diverse mix heavily reliant on fossil fuels.

100%: Electricity access (2022 est.)
59.982 million kW: Installed generating capacity (2023 est.)
24.6%: Wind energy share of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
46.8%: Fossil fuels share of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
31.288 billion cubic meters: Natural gas consumption (2023 est.)

Environment

Environmental challenges faced by the Netherlands include water pollution and air quality issues. The country actively participates in various international environmental agreements to combat these issues and mitigate climate change.

188.191 million metric tonnes: CO2 emissions (2023 est.)
53.5%: Agricultural land usage (2023 est.)
28.3%: Percentage of municipal solid waste recycled (2022 est.)
91 billion cubic meters: Total renewable water resources (2022 est.)
10 micrograms: Particulate matter emissions per cubic meter (2019 est.)

Transportation

The Netherlands possesses an extensive and modern transportation network, including a significant number of railways and airports. It features 44 airports and a robust merchant marine.

3,055 km: Length of railways (2020)
1,187: Total vessels in the merchant marine (2023)
44: Number of airports (2025)
194: Heliports (2025)
18: Total ports (2024)

Communications

The communication infrastructure in the Netherlands is highly developed, with widespread access to mobile and internet services. The country boasts a high percentage of internet users and fixed-line subscriptions.

97%: Internet penetration rate (2023 est.)
21.2 million: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2023 est.)
4.262 million: Fixed-line subscriptions (2023 est.)
7.83 million: Fixed broadband subscriptions (2023 est.)
24: Fixed-line subscriptions per 100 inhabitants (2023 est.)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	17,772,378	Estimated (2024)
Area	41,543 sq km	Total area
GDP	$1.276 trillion	Real GDP (2024 est.)
Energy consumption per capita	185.536 million Btu/person	Total (2023 est.)
Birth rate	10.6 births/1,000 population	(2024 est.)
Unemployment rate	3.6%	(2024 est.)
Life expectancy	81.9 years	(2024 est.)
Urban population	93.2%	(2023 est.)
Total fertility rate	1.61 children/woman	(2024 est.)
Water withdrawal (municipal)	2.185 billion m³	(2022)