Country Profile: Netherlands

The Netherlands, located in Western Europe, is a small but economically robust nation, bordered by Belgium and Germany, with a significant coastline along the North Sea. The country is known for its flat landscape, extensive waterways, and polders, which allow for efficient agricultural production—making it a major exporter of agricultural goods. With a population of approximately 17.8 million, the Dutch enjoy a high standard of living supported by a high-income economy that thrives on trade, innovation, and a strong services sector. Governed as a parliamentary constitutional monarchy, the Netherlands plays an active role in international organizations, including NATO and the EU.

Geography

The Netherlands features a diverse geography characterized by low elevation, with about a quarter of the land lying below sea level. It has a temperate maritime climate, leading to mild winters and cool summers. The terrain consists largely of coastal lowlands, with some elevated areas found in the southeast.

41,543 sq km: Total area.
451 km: Coastline length.
53.5%: Proportion of agricultural land (2023).
30 m: Mean elevation of the country.
7,650 sq km: Water area.

People and Society

The Netherlands has a population estimated at 17,833,885 in 2025 and exhibits a diverse society with a mix of ethnic groups. The predominant language is Dutch, while Frisian is recognized in specific regions. The country is largely urbanized, with over 93% of its population living in urban areas, reflecting a high degree of urbanization.

17.8 million: Total population (2025 est.).
42.2 years: Median age of the population (2025 est.).
54.1%: Proportion of the population identifying as having no religious affiliation (2019 est.).
3.6 deaths/1,000 live births: Infant mortality rate (2025 est.).
81.9 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024 est.).

Economy

The Netherlands boasts a high-income economy with strengths in services, logistics, and technology, being one of the core members of the EU. The economy is characterized by a strong export orientation, with significant trade relationships, particularly with Germany, Belgium, and France.

$1.276 trillion: Real GDP (PPP, 2024 est.).
3.6%: Unemployment rate (2024 est.).
$70,900: GDP per capita (PPP, 2024 est.).
1.7%: Agriculture's contribution to GDP (2024 est.).
0.3%: Population growth rate (2025 est.).

Government

The Netherlands operates as a parliamentary constitutional monarchy, with a king as the head of state and a prime minister as the head of government. The political structure includes a bicameral legislature and a strong emphasis on democratic governance and rule of law.

King WILLEM-ALEXANDER: Head of state since 30 April 2013.
150: Seats in the House of Representatives.
2%: Military expenditures as a percentage of GDP (2024 est.).
18 years: Minimum voting age.
12 provinces: Administrative divisions of the country.

Military and Security

The Dutch Armed Forces comprise the army, navy, and air force, focusing on both national defense and international missions through NATO. The military is an all-volunteer force, with compulsory conscription suspended.

Approximately 43,000: Active-duty military personnel (2025).
2.5%: Military expenditures as a percentage of GDP (2025 est.).
350: Troops deployed in Lithuania (NATO, 2025).
1: Operational nuclear reactor (2025).
Military police: Functions include border security and international policing tasks.

Energy

The Netherlands has a well-developed energy sector with a focus on electricity generation from a mix of sources, including fossil fuels and renewable energy. The country strives towards sustainability with significant investments in solar and wind energy.

100%: Electrification rate of the total population (2022 est.).
59.982 million kW: Installed electricity generating capacity (2023 est.).
46.8%: Share of fossil fuels in total installed capacity (2023).
17.2%: Share of solar energy in total installed capacity (2023).
31.288 billion cubic meters: Natural gas consumption (2023).

Environment

The Netherlands faces environmental challenges such as water and air pollution due to industrial activity. It is active in international environmental agreements aimed at addressing these issues.

28.3%: Proportion of municipal solid waste recycled (2022 est.).
188.191 million metric tonnes: Total CO2 emissions (2023 est.).
53.5%: Agricultural land use (2023).
91 billion cubic meters: Total renewable water resources (2022 est.).
10.9%: Forest cover as a percentage of land area (2023 est.).

Transportation

The Netherlands has an extensive transportation network, including railways, a merchant marine fleet, and a significant number of airports, facilitating both domestic and international travel.

1,187: Total merchant marine vessels (2023).
3,055 km: Total railway length (2020).
44: Airports in total (2025).
194: Heliports (2025).
18: Ports with multiple classifications (2024).

Communications

The Netherlands has a highly developed communication infrastructure with widespread internet access and a strong telecommunications sector.

97%: Internet penetration rate (2023 est.).
23.4 million: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2024 est.).
4.262 million: Fixed telephone 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	17,833,885	Total estimated for 2025
Area (sq km)	41,543	Total area
GDP (PPP)	$1.276 trillion	Estimated for 2024
Unemployment Rate	3.6%	Estimated for 2024
Life Expectancy	81.9 years	Estimated for 2024
Birth Rate	10.68 births/1,000	Estimated for 2025
Carbon Dioxide Emissions	188.191 million metric tonnes	Estimated for 2023