About the Netherlands

The Netherlands is a small country in Northwestern Europe with a long history of international trade, innovation and cooperation. Today, it is home to around 18 million people and is known for its highly connected cities, extensive cycling infrastructure and international outlook.

Did you know that around 95% of people in the Netherlands speak English?

This makes it one of the most English-proficient countries in the world where English is not the first language. International students often find it easy to communicate in everyday situations, both on and off campus.

The Netherlands is a constitutional monarchy and a parliamentary democracy. The country is made up of 12 provinces and is known for its tradition of consensus-building, often referred to as the "polder model".

Did you know that the Netherlands is one of the safest countries in the world?

The Netherlands is on the 17th position on the Global Peace index. Violence and street crime levels are relatively low. Just take the usual care, like not putting your phone in your back pocket and making sure you always lock your bike.

Society and culture

Dutch society is diverse and internationally oriented. People from many different backgrounds live, work and study in the Netherlands. Openness, direct communication and individual responsibility are often associated with Dutch culture.

Did you know that the Netherlands is one of the most densely populated countries in Europe?

Despite its relatively small size, the country has a population of around 18 million people living in an area of just over 41,000 km².

One of the most distinctive features of the Netherlands is its relationship with water. Large parts of the country are located at or below sea level, and Dutch expertise in water management has developed over centuries.

Did you know that about a quarter of the Netherlands lies below sea level?

Dikes, dunes and pumping systems help protect the country from flooding and make many areas suitable for living and agriculture.

Did you know the country’s formal name is the Kingdom of the Netherlands – Netherlands for short?

The name refers to the flatness and low level of the land. Much of it is at or below sea level. The Netherlands is also often called 'Holland', but this only refers to the two western coastal provinces, North and South Holland. In the 17th century this was the most powerful area of the Dutch Republic.

Education and international outlook

The Netherlands has a strong tradition of international cooperation and attracts students, researchers and professionals from all around the world.

Did you know that there are around 2,000 English-taught higher education programmes in the Netherlands?

These programmes cover a wide range of academic and professional fields and are offered by research universities and universities of applied sciences. Find all study programmes here.

Getting around

The Netherlands has an extensive public transport network connecting cities, towns and villages. Cycling is also an important part of daily life for many people.

Did you know that there are more bicycles than people in the Netherlands?

Cycling is a common way to travel to work, school and social activities, supported by thousands of kilometres of dedicated cycle paths.

A gateway to Europe

The Netherlands is centrally located in Europe, making it easy to travel to neighbouring countries by train, bus or plane.

Did you know that you can travel from the Netherlands to several major European cities in just a few hours?

Cities such as Paris, Brussels and London are all accessible by direct international rail connections.

Diversity and inclusion

The Netherlands is home to people from many different cultural, linguistic and religious backgrounds. Laws and institutions support equal treatment and freedom of belief.

Did you know that more than one in four residents has a migration background?

This contributes to the country's multicultural character and international perspective.

Whether you are interested in history, technology, culture, sustainability or international collaboration, the Netherlands offers many opportunities to learn more about a country that balances a rich past with a modern outlook.

Did you know that the Kingdom of the Netherlands is bigger than just the Netherlands?

There are 3 Caribbean municipalities that are also part of the Kingdom: Aruba, Curacao and Sint Maarten. Learn more about the Kingdom of the Netherlands on Wikipedia.