Iruni Kalupahana, JadeTimes Staff
I. Kalupahana is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Europe
Geographic and Political Overview
The Netherlands or Holland is a northwestern European country with low lying land and enormous water management systems. "Netherlands" means "low lying country," and "Holland" originally was one of its medieval hubs. It is a constitutional monarchy with parliamentary democracy, and its kingdom consists of ancient Caribbean colonies such as Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao. Although the capital is Amsterdam, the government is based at The Hague.
Land Reclamation
Most of the Netherlands, approximately 6,500 square kilometers, is reclaimed land, a testament to the advanced water management skills of the nation. Humans have been reclaiming land from the sea and draining marshes since medieval times, initially using manual labor and later windmills. The Kinderdijk Elshout windmill complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site today, embodies this engineering feat. Later 19th and 20th century water control projects with steam, electric, and diesel powered pumps continued to enhance the country's ability to manage its aquatic environment.
Population and Demographic Trends
Despite government, sponsored post, World War II emigration that resulted in around 500,000 citizens leaving the country, the Netherlands remains one of the world's most densely populated nations. The population is aging rapidly, yet Amsterdam is still a center of young dynamism and cosmopolitan culture. The Dutch society is renowned for its social tolerance, as exemplified in the legalization and regulation of prostitution, soft drugs, euthanasia, and homosexual marriage. Such liberal policies are an expression of a historical tradition of liberal government and tolerance of multicultural cultures.
Economic Strength
The Dutch economy is highly advanced and outward oriented, backed by commerce and technological development. Historical Dutch merchant marine dominance of the global economy during the 16th and 17th centuries laid a permanent economic basis. The nation is a leading player in the world's international trade and one of the founding members of the Benelux economic union, which inspired the European Economic Community (EEC) modern day EU creation. The country is a contributing member of NATO and OECD and the seat of international institutions like the International Court of Justice, solidifying its position as an economic and diplomatic powerhouse.
Cultural Heritage
The Dutch society is deeply rooted in art, science, and intellectual innovation from the Dutch Golden Age to the present. This tolerance and economic success have been accompanied by a reputation for tolerance. But in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, high levels of immigration and growing nationalist politics tested this image. Political assassinations in 2002 and 2004, as well as tougher immigration laws, underscored strains in the nation's commitment to multiculturalism, a change from its historically liberal stance.
The Netherlands in the 21st Century
As a modern and economically advanced nation, the Netherlands continues to balance its cultural heritage with challenges of today. The country leads the way in sustainability, innovation, and international governance. Social tensions have appeared, yet Dutch society continues to be among the most open and progressive globally. Its persistent commitment to technical growth, sustainable nature, and world cooperation assures that the Netherlands shall remain a relevant actor in world affairs in many years to come.
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