Updated: March 2009
The Netherlands
Overview | World Vision's history in the Netherlands | World Vision in the Netherlands today
OverviewNested between Germany and Belgium, the Kingdom of the Netherlands is part of Western Europe’s great plain. Bordered in the north and west by the North Sea, this country has approximately 280 miles of coastline. Three major rivers, the Rhine, the Mass, and the Schelde, run through the Netherlands. With the exception of a few hills in the south, the country’s terrain is primarily composed of lowlands. As a result, nearly half of the country is below sea level, making dikes a necessary feature of the landscape. The northern maritime weather allows for a mild climate year-round, with cool summers and moderate winters. With its damp climate and close proximity to the North Sea, this country has often been threatened with destruction from floods. Natural resources include petroleum, natural gas, peat, limestone, salt, sand, gravel, and arable land.The Dutch, descendents of Germanic tribes, comprise over 80 percent of the population. The history of these tribes dates back to the first century B.C., when Julius Caesar found them occupying the land. Today, small minorities of Turks, Surinamese, Moroccans, Antilleans, and Indonesians also have representations within the country. The official and primary language is Dutch, though Frisian—a Germanic language—is also considered official. |  |
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| First occupied by Batavians in the east and Frisians in the west (first century B.C.), the land of the Netherlands passed hands between the Romans, the Frisians, and the Austrian Habsburgs before finally falling under Spanish control in the 16th century. Shortly after, Willem of Orange led the Dutch in a revolt, and in 1579, the Republic of the United Netherlands was formed. The Netherlands became a colonial power in the 17th century, before wars with France, Spain, and England resulted in a deterioration of its power. In 1815, with the defeat of Napoleon, Belgium and the Netherlands united. This union ended 15 years later with Belgium’s withdrawal. In 1949, the Netherlands granted independence to the majority of its provinces. Today, the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba, each with a fair amount of autonomy, remain the only reminders of the nation’s widespread colonial rule. The Netherlands is considered a constitutional monarchy, composed of 12 provinces. A queen, currently Queen Beatrix, serves as chief of state, and a monarch, Jan Peter Balkenende, heads the government. The Netherlands was a founding member of the European Economic Community (1958), which later became the European Union (EU). The country has a thriving, successful economy that is a vital participant in foreign trade. Along with 11 other EU members, the Netherlands has been circulating the euro since 2002. Services such as trade, hotels, restaurants, transport, storage, and financial and business services account for more than 70 percent of the gross domestic product and employ nearly one-fourth of the work force. The economy typically experiences low unemployment rates. The country recovered quickly from an economic slow-down in 2005 and subsequently increased job growth to a 10-year high. The Dutch citizens have 10 years of mandatory schooling. More than half of the population pursues higher education, and the average citizen receives 16.3 years of schooling. Back to top World Vision's history in the NetherlandsA World Vision office was established in the Netherlands in 1982. Sponsorship began in 1989.Back to top World Vision in the Netherlands todayThe Dutch currently participate in sponsorship and development programs, helping the poor in other countries around the world.For more information on World Vision’s work in the Netherlands, please contact the United States office. Back to top | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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