Famous for its cheese, tulips, windmills, dikes and cycling, The Netherlands is still influenced by the 16th century Spanish occupation. This influence is most felt in Dutch cuisine and culture. In the 17th century, The Netherlands was a major sea trading country with a strong influence in what is now Indonesia. Attractions abound in this tiny country, from the capital of Amsterdam and The Hague (seat of government and world political center) to the international port of Rotterdam and historic Delft.
Bisected by the Rhine River, The Netherlands is bordered by the North Sea, Germany and Belgium. It is both one of the smallest and most densely populated countries in Europe.
Holt land (Holland) means woodland, and The Netherlands is still covered by trees in its center with rolling hills in the south. The coast, however, is flat (and mostly below sea level). The Netherlands has a temperate climate with cool winters and mild summers.
The Dutch people are proud of their wealth of museums, great collections of Western art, tolerant society and cosmopolitan culture. The official language is Dutch, but English is spoken, or at least understood, by most Dutch people.
The Netherlands is easily accessible from the surrounding European countries. International airlines arrive from within Europe and from Africa, Asia and the U.S.; major airports exist in or near at least five cities in The Netherlands. Major carriers serving the country include: KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Continental Airlines, British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, SAS, United Airlines and Delta Air lines.
Tourists will find a wide variety of hotels and price ranges. Most major chains have properties in the country and many smaller hotels offer charming accommodations.
An extensive rail network also links neighboring countries and covers internal travel. The road system in The Netherlands is well developed and maintained. Public transportation is available throughout many cities with efficient bus and taxi services. Ferry services also operating throughout The Netherlands and to France and the United Kingdom.
The communications infrastructure is modern and efficient. Local and international phone services, faxes, postal services, Internet cafes and business centers operate nationwide. The health infrastructure in The Netherlands is equally efficient, with good public health facilities and private, traveler-friendly clinics.
Credit cards are widely accepted in The Netherlands and exchanging cash and traveler's checks is rarely a problem. The cost of living is comparable to other countries in northern Europe but lower than in Scandinavian countries.
Due to a large and concentrated population living in a very liberal society, crime is a serious factor in The Netherlands. Although travelers are rarely singled out, violent crimes often associated with sex or drugs are common. Petty theft, pickpocketing and personal assaults impact travelers, especially at night and in larger cities at train stations, bus stops and ferry ports, and near bars, cafes and restaurants.
Top Local Phrases from our Partner Geobeats.com
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Intelligence Officers at iJET are currently monitoring local conditions in The Netherlands to provide a level of information that surpasses any available from other public sources, including the U.S. State Department. Free from political constraints or concerns, our data provides unfiltered information vital for every traveler.
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