The Netherlands is situated in the north-western part of Europe. We are one of the founding members of the European Union, with extensive international trade links and high standards of education, health care and social equality. Our merchant past is still evident today in both historic architecture and the international outlook of the population.
Although Dutch is the main language, English is widely spoken. Our society is culturally and ethnically varied within a safe environment: tradition is valued but change welcomed and freedom of religious beliefs is a fundamental right.
