The Netherlands

Quick Facts

  • The Netherlands is by far the most multilingual country in Europe.
  • No other country in Europe offers as many college courses in English as the Netherlands does.
  • The country's extensive network of trains, buses and trams make it very convenient to get from one place to another.
  • As well as being the most common form of transport in the Netherlands, cycling is also a national past time.
  • The Netherlands is home to some of the world's famous artists including Rembrandt and Van Gogh.
  • The Netherlands enjoys an excellent healthcare system with a high standard of medical care.
  • The most popular spectator sport by far is soccer, with the Dutch being passionate about their national team.

Living In the Netherlands

The Netherlands is a popular destination for expatriates, as well as many other immigrants from around the world. Its popularity with foreigners has been largely due to the liberal attitudes of the Dutch population, a high standard of living, excellent infrastructure, and a stable economy.

The country has a population of 16.5 million people, most of whom live in what is referred to the Randstad area in the west of the country. This area encompasses the cities of Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Den Haag and the city of Utrecht. The country is bordered by Germany, Belgium and the North Sea. Due to its coastal location, the country experiences cool summers and mild winters.

The latest Worldwide Cost of Living Survey shows that the cost of living in the Netherlands is modest compared to cities like New York, Paris, London and Beijing. In fact, it still enjoys one of the lowest costs-of-living in Europe.