
The Kingdom of the
Netherlands was formed in 1815. In 1830 Belgium seceded and formed
a separate kingdom. The Netherlands remained neutral in World War
I, but suffered invasion and occupation by Germany in World War
II. A modern, industrialized nation, the Netherlands is also a
large exporter of agricultural products. The country was a founding
member of NATO and the EC (now the EU), and participated in the
introduction of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) in 1999.. LOCATION:
Western Europe, bordering the
North Sea, between Belgium and Germany CLIMATE: Temperate;
marine; cool summers and mild winters BORDERS:
Belgium 450 km, Germany 577 km The
Dutch have produced a wealth of famous painters including
Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Vermeer and Mondriaan. The Rijksmuseum
in Amsterdam showcases their work. The city of Amsterdam
is one of the world’s best cities. With canals and
monuments, gabled houses, countless museums, arts festivals,
bikes and an irrepressible joie de vivre, you’ll want
to stay and stay. Don’t ignore places like Delft, Leiden
and Haarlem, however, with their old canal-girdled centres,
and The Hague - elegant home of the Dutch government and
the Royals. The town of Delft is also famous for its distinctive
blue and white pottery. Stroll along the canals, sip first-rate
Dutch beer, hire a bike and explore this ultimate bicycle-friendly
country.